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ProblemsByVin File / 2018-VOLVO-VNL NHTSA data synced 5 days ago
Volvo

2018 Volvo VNL problems

The 2018 Volvo VNL has 5 active recall campaigns on file and only 8 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

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The 2018 Volvo VNL has 8 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Volvo VNL owner complaints by model year
Model yearOwner complaintsRecalls
2015 VNL 5 9
2016 VNL 12 6
2017 VNL 0 5
2018 VNL (this page) 8 5
2019 VNL 4 8
2020 VNL 0 9
2021 VNL 0 7
2018 Volvo VNL
Photo: Herranderssvensson / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · representative photo of the Volvo VNL
0 5 10
Reliability score
Not rated

Limited NHTSA data — only 8 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 5 active recalls on file.

0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 VNL?
Not enough data for a verdict

Only 8 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 5 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2018 VNL's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2018 VNL · airbags Crash
A prior wreck happen semi truck trailer cross median and lay over blocking all my lanes in the dark on 09/10/18 time 0040 hrs raining wiper on . Did not see it till final seconds roof of semi trailer facing me on the ground I drove thru the roof of semi trailer with a load of…
09/24/2018 · at 200,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11131041.0
2018 VNL · steering
2019 complained to the dealer about uneven wearing of the front tires they checked alignment then same complaint in march 2020 no defects find then in july 02 2020 I was unable to drive because of vibration , after inspection they found plastic bushings for both kingpins worn…
07/12/2020 · at 300,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11338922.0
2018 VNL · electrical
Engine working not properly and shaking!!!its happened in 2019 !!! Now the same problem again!!!
03/19/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11318728.0
2018 VNL · powertrain
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Volvo vnl. While driving 57-65 MPH, the vehicle vibrated violently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the driveshaft twice, but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic where the contact was…
02/27/2019 · at 99,421 mi · NHTSA ODI #11182763.0
View all 8 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2018 Volvo VNL? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Active recalls showing 3 of 5

severe NHTSA 20V384000 July 1, 2020

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses

If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002.
severe NHTSA 19V509000 July 2, 2019

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles

If the fuse blows the transmission may not shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuse, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX1903.
severe NHTSA 19V208000 March 18, 2019

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VNL and VNX vehicles configured as 740 and 760 sleeper models

If a window detaches from the vehicle, it may strike another vehicle or pedestrian, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Volvo Trucks has notified owners, and dealers will replace the window hinge, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall on April 8, 2019 and will be sent a second notice when the remedy parts are available. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX1902.
View all 5 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2018 Volvo VNL reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 8 owner complaints have been filed for the 2018 Volvo VNL, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2018 Volvo VNL?

Only 8 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 5 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2018 Volvo VNL without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2018 Volvo VNL?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2018 Volvo VNL to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2018 Volvo VNL a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 8 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 Volvo VNL?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my Volvo VNL has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Volvo VNL?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 8 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Volvo/VNL. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Volvo. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you purchase through them.
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