Own a Volvo VNM in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Volvo VNM for model years 2005 to 2009. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help VNM owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on file for the VNM and 15 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (3), trailer hitches (2), engine (2).
Most-Reported Volvo VNM Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the VNM (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 3 | 30% | |
| Trailer Hitches | 2 | 20% | |
| Engine | 2 | 20% | |
| Steering | 1 | 10% | |
| Structure | 1 | 10% | |
| Electrical System | 1 | 10% | |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 10% | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 10% |
Air Bags
3 of the 10 complaints (30%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Trailer Hitches
2 of the 10 complaints (20%) mention trailer hitches. We diagnose the problem first, explain what we find, and give you a clear quote before any repair. See our auto repair page.
Engine
2 of the 10 complaints (20%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Volvo VNM Complaints by Model Year
The VNM model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2007, 2009, 2005. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | |
| 2006 | 1 | |
| 2007 | 4 | |
| 2008 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 3 |
Volvo VNM Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the VNM, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Volvo.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your VNM? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Volvo VNM Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the VNM in these model years, most often involving steering, power train, equipment. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2013 recall, Power Train (campaign 13V268000): 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.
- 2010 recall, Steering (campaign 10V282000): VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2006 VNL AND VNM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED WITH A TRW SEALED DRAG LINKS. CERTAIN FACTORS CAN EXIST, WHICH IF LEFT UNTREATED MAY RESULT IN A BALL SOCKET SEPARATION.
- 2010 recall, Equipment (campaign 10V492000): 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...
- 2009 recall, Visibility (campaign 09V173000): 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.
- 2007 recall, Electrical System (campaign 07V573000): 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.
- 2007 recall, Fuel System, Diesel (campaign 07V345000): 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.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the VNM, 5 involved a crash, 3 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Volvo VNM Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Volvo will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a VNM that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for VNM owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Volvo VNM, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Volvo VNM Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Volvo VNM repair service, or choose a service below.
Volvo VNM FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Volvo VNM?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Volvo VNM are air bags (3), trailer hitches (2), engine (2). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which VNM model years have the most complaints?
The VNM model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2007, 2009, 2005. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Volvo VNM?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Volvo VNM. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Volvo VNM have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the Volvo VNM across model years 2005 to 2009. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Volvo VNM in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Volvo vehicles including the VNM, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Volvo VNM?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Volvo VNM in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Volvo Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.