Own a Volvo VT in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Volvo VT for model years 2006 to 2007, 2012. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help VT owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 3 owner complaints on file for the VT and 9 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling (1), visibility (1), fuel/propulsion system (1).
Most-Reported Volvo VT Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the VT (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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 33% | |
| Visibility | 1 | 33% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | 33% |
Engine And Engine Cooling
1 of the 3 complaints (33%) 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.
Visibility
1 of the 3 complaints (33%) mention lighting and visibility. Lights, wipers and visibility items are quick to fix and are on every rideshare inspection checklist. We check them as part of our inspection prep. See our rideshare inspection prep page.
Fuel/Propulsion System
1 of the 3 complaints (33%) mention the fuel system. Fuel system problems can cause stalling, hard starts and poor mileage. We test fuel delivery and related sensors to find the real cause. See our no-start diagnostics and check engine light diagnostics pages.
Volvo VT Complaints by Model Year
The VT model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2006, 2007, 2012. 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | |
| 2007 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 1 |
Volvo VT Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the VT, 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 VT? 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 VT Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the VT in these model years, most often involving power train, steering, visibility. 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, Service Brakes, Air (campaign 10V571000): VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2009 VHD, MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 VN, AND MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2009 VT TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2005, THROUGH OCTOBER 30, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR RELEASE FIFTH...
- 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.
- 2007 recall, Trailer Hitches (campaign 07V496000): ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A SAF HOLLAND SIMPLEX FIFTH WHEEL, THE LEVER ARM PIVOT BOLT MAY HAVE BEEN OVER TIGHTENED.
Keeping a Volvo VT 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 VT 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 VT 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 VT, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Volvo VT Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Volvo VT repair service, or choose a service below.
Volvo VT FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Volvo VT?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Volvo VT are engine and engine cooling (1), visibility (1), fuel/propulsion system (1). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which VT model years have the most complaints?
The VT model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2006, 2007, 2012. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Volvo VT?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Volvo VT. 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 VT have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the Volvo VT across model years 2006 to 2007, 2012. 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 VT in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Volvo vehicles including the VT, 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 VT?
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 VT 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.