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2008 Volvo VNM problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Volvo VNM is airbags. Its complaint count is close to a typical VNM model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
10
Service bulletins
80
Worst area
Airbags

The worst 2008 Volvo VNM problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    1

Recalls 10

Power train: clutch assemblyReported June 26, 2013 · 23,056 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM, and VT models. The affected vehicles were built without a redundant clutch disengagement switch. Without a redundant switch, a loss of signal from the brake air pressure switch can prevent the clutch from automatically disengaging when the brake is applied.
Risk
Without a signal to disengage the clutch when the brakes are applied, the distance required to stop the truck may lengthen, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles if necessary. The recall began on August 26, 2013. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1303. Owners may contact Volvo at 1‑336‑393‑2000.

Recall number 13V268000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported October 12, 2010 · 1,926 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 vhd, vnl, vnm, as well as 2008-2010 vt vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." the tire description may be incorrect on the vehicle's certification label.
Risk
The misinformation on these labels could lead to a vehicle overloading that can increase risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the labels free of charge. The safety recall began on february 25, 2011. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 10V492000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motorReported May 21, 2009 · 127,764 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo trucks is recalling 127,764 my 2001-2008 vhd, vnl, vnm, and my 2005-2008 vt trucks. A seal may fail allowing water and contaminants to seep into the windshield wiper motor.
Risk
If this happens a short circuit may occur, which over time could possibly lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Volvo will replace the wiper motor free of charge. Since this recall involves a large number of vehicles, volvo will release the recall in stages as parts are received. Priority will be given to the vehicles located in the regions/states that have a corrosive environment. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1‑800‑528‑6586.

Recall number 09V173000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakersReported December 14, 2007 · 104,845 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain heavy duty trucks, the circuit protection (I.e. Automatic circuit breakers) used to protect the vehicle lighting system may not provide adequate protection.
Risk
If a short circuit occurs and is left untreated, components and wiring may be subject to overheating which could possibly result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses. The recall began on february 25, 2008. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1‑800‑528‑6586.

Recall number 07V573000 · Recall details

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)Reported November 19, 2007 · 2,054 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks, the bolts that attach the steering gear to the frame may not have been tightened to the specified torque.
Risk
Loss of steering control could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the bolts free of charge. The recall began on december 3, 2007. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1‑800‑528‑6586.

Recall number 07V529000 · Recall details

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assemblyReported October 23, 2007 · 6,519 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks equipped with a saf holland simplex fifth wheel, the lever arm pivot bolt may have been over tightened. An over tightened pivot bolt can distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve, which may prevent the fifth wheel latch jaw from closing and latching securely around the trailer king pin.
Risk
There is a possibility that the pivot bolt can become loose without the driver's knowledge. When this occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the pivot bolt and sleeve with a hex head shoulder bolt and washer free of charge. The recall began on january 28, 2008. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1‑800‑528‑6586.

Recall number 07V496000 · Recall details

Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachmentsReported September 10, 2007 · 956 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks, the hood restraint cylinder does not contain enough dampening to adequately restrain the hood.
Risk
The cylinders could possibly separate, which would leave the hood unrestrained when opening and closing the hood.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the hood restraint cylinders free of charge. The recall began on october 15, 2007. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1‑800‑528‑6586.

Recall number 07V410000 · Recall details

Fuel system, dieselReported August 7, 2007 · 677 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks, an unprotected lead in the thermoswitch of the heater may make contact with another post possibly creating a short circuit, which can result in continuous operation of the heating element.
Risk
If the condition exists and the key is left on without fuel in the filter, the heating element may heat to a point where a flame becomes present at the tip of the element which could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the thermoswitch and will replace it if necessary. The recall began on september 10, 2007. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1‑800‑528‑6586.

Recall number 07V345000 · Recall details

SteeringReported July 24, 2007 · 9,102 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks, the nut used to retain the steering shaft may or may not be a lock nut that has the locking feature. A lock nut is required to provide additional resistance to ensure that the nut does not come loose.
Risk
If the nut were to come loose, the steering shaft could potentially separate resulting in loss of steering control which could cause a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering shaft pinch bolts and locknuts free of charge. The recall began on august 24, 2007. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1‑800‑528‑6586.

Recall number 07V323000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assemblyReported March 16, 2007 · 84 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks, the axle housings may have been manufactured with steel that was out of specification which could result in a fatigue failure over time.
Risk
If a fatigue failure occurs and is left unattended, the axle may lock up or the end of the axle could come off, which may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will repair and inspect the axles and replace them free of charge. The recall began on april 9, 2007. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1‑800‑528‑6586.

Recall number 07V108000 · Recall details

See all 10 recalls for the 2008 Volvo VNM

Defect investigations

Stop Lamp Switch SignalOpened February 7, 2013, closed July 3, 2013

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles equipped with the subject automated manual transmission had allegedly experienced a condition where the clutch failed to automatically disengage the transmission from the engine as intended. This may result in extended stopping distances and/or unintended forward motion of a vehicle previously at rest.To date, ODI is aware of 134 subject vehicles with one or more complaints or field reports related to this condition.Also, ODI is aware of 164 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to this condition.By letter dated June 25, 2013, Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) notified ODI that it has initiated a safety recall (the federal safety agency Recall No. 13V268 and Volvo Recall No. RVXX1303) to address a safety defect in approximately 23,003 model year (MY) 2007 through 2014 Volvo VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM and VT model trucks. The affected vehicles were manufactured from December 20, 2006 through May 22, 2013 and were originally equipped with the subject automated manual transmissions.According to Volvo, reports of the subject transmission clutch mechanism failing to automatically disengage as intended are associated with the removal of a brake pedal micro switch that provided a redundant signal to the transmission control module indicating the brakes had been applied.Previously, Volvo had removed this brake pedal micro switch from new vehicle production and from certain vehicles already in-service via two field service campaigns (SP 432-024 and SP 432-026) because it decided the switch was unnecessary and/or a maintenance issue.In the absence of this redundant brake pedal micro switch, the clutch mechanism may fail to disengage the transmission from the engine at low vehicle speed should the stop lamp switch fail to send and/or the transmission control module fail to receive the primary signal.At the time of this closing, Volvo is evaluating available remedies and will provide the federal safety agency with details when the recall remedy procedure has been finalized.Volvo will notify affected owners by mail by August 25, 2013.Please see the federal safety agency Recall No. 13V268 for details.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

PE13002

Volvo Sleeper glass de-bondingOpened May 23, 2011, closed January 20, 2012

ODI opened Recall Query RQ11-001 after a review of EWR Field Reports identified lower bunk window separations on the subject vehicles.Volvo had issued three recalls for sleeper window separations since 2003.Additionally, Volvo had issued two bulletins for sleeper window issues during the same time period.The frequency of related actions led ODI to open this formal investigation.An Information Request (IR) letter was sent to Volvo on 23 June 2011.Volvo responded on 17 August 2011 and then provided updated warranty information on 9 January 2012.Volvo provided production change data and warranty information which was correlated to vehicle build month and failure date.ODI analyzed the data to determine if additional production time frames should have been included in previous recalls.ODI also requested information from its network of fleet owners.The response from this network reaffirmed the accuracy of the updated warranty information.Based on the information and data received, ODI has concluded that all production periods have been appropriately addressed by Volvo's previous recalls and no additional recall action is required at this time.

RQ11001

Front Air Brake Hose InterferenceOpened July 29, 2010, closed December 23, 2010

ODI opened this investigation based on EWR data indicating that a front air brake hose could rub the tire and eventually develop an air leak.Volvo's IR response and ODI's investigative review revealed no sudden loss of air events. Rather abrasion of the hose was being noted. Additionally no crashes or injuries were reported.An analysis of the warranty data with respect to time in service and miles to failure did not indicate that the subject vehicles were experiencing failures at a rate higher than peer vehicles. The subject vehicles are commercial vehicles.The front air brake hoses are easily visible and accessible during routine inspections.The failure mode is a slow abrasive process that occurs over time.ODI's review indicates that it is unlikely that the alleged defect would go undetected.Additionally, Volvo has issued two notices to dealers and authorized service stations alerting them to look for the alleged defect (abrasion on the air hose) in the subject vehicles.A safety related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

PE10028

Saf holland fifth wheel assemblyOpened September 14, 2007, closed November 9, 2007

On october 18, 2007 volvo trucks north america filed defect report 07v‑496 which outlines a safety recall program to notify the affected owners and correct the affected vehicles.

PE07046

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Volvo VNM 80

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 80 bulletins for the 2008 Volvo VNM

What 2008 Volvo VNM owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 11, 2008 · Airbags · 110,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

The following complaint is regarding a 2008 volvo truck (model vnm 200, 2 axle daycab). I was driving this model of truck pulling two trailers at the time of my crash. This vehicle sustained significant front-end damage. However, the airbag failed to deploy. This accident occurred on interstate 15 near exit 36 in utah. I was traveling southbound at approximately 55 MPH when I collided with a boulder. The impact with the boulder was near the front right corner of the bumper, also striking the right steer tire and hitting various other parts of the rig. After colliding with the boulder I fought to keep the vehicle straight for about 2 to 4 seconds. After this, the tractor began to veer off to the right on its own, subsequently crashing into a steep embankment. This impact was with the left front part of the truck. Ultimately the truck and front trailer rolled onto their left sides coming to rest facing north. The impact with the embankment was so severe that the engine was pushed back and even the interior center console was pushed back against the gearshift. The light switch popped out as well as various other interior panels. The right exterior mirror swung all the way forward from the impact. The steering wheel was bent upwards. My injuries are consistent with being thrown forward; broken neck, broken back, broken ribs, left shoulder sprain, and knee contusions. I suffered these injuries even though I was wearing my seat belt. I hope that this complaint will be investigated further.

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Questions about the 2008 Volvo VNM

Is the 2008 Volvo VNM reliable?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2008 Volvo VNM, close to a typical VNM model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Volvo VNM?

Airbags, with 1 complaint.

How many recalls does the 2008 Volvo VNM have?

10 recalls, covering power train, equipment and visibility.

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