AI Damage2018 Volvo VN: common problems
The maker issued 277 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 277
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 76 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 73 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 41 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 31 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 30 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 30 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Vehicle speed control | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Parking brake | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Overheating has been observed at the alternator power cable and ground cable connection, resulting in…
Overheating has been observed at the alternator power cable and ground cable connection, resulting in melted insulation around the terminal area. The alternator power cable connection should maintain a stable…
- This CBR solution addresses the issue of binding between the outer air filter housing and inner HVAC box…
This CBR solution addresses the issue of binding between the outer air filter housing and inner HVAC box due to misalignment during installation.
- Volvo Trucks has determined that certain vehicles equipped with a model year (“MY”) 2017-2018 13L Turbo…
Volvo Trucks has determined that certain vehicles equipped with a model year (“MY”) 2017-2018 13L Turbo Compound (TC) engine may not meet California and Federal Regulations (CARB). This Recall is for updated software…
- CBR - Z Spring Bracket Wear
- Emissions - Volvo Trucks has determined that certain vehicles equipped with a model year (“MY”) 2017-2018…
Emissions - Volvo Trucks has determined that certain vehicles equipped with a model year (“MY”) 2017-2018 11L engine may not meet California and Federal Regulations (CARB).
- CBR - It has been found that the hood may not properly deflect water away from the "bird-beak" openings…
CBR - It has been found that the hood may not properly deflect water away from the "bird-beak" openings around the windshield opening.
- CBR - The purpose of this solution is to give information on Engine Control Module (EMS) Software content
- CBR - Volvo Chassis - I-Shift Transmission - Moisture / Contamination Found In The Transmission Electronic…
CBR - Volvo Chassis - I-Shift Transmission - Moisture / Contamination Found In The Transmission Electronic Control Unit (TECU ) Air Ports And Control Housing.
- CBR - Volvo Chassis – Grille Spacers Loosening Over Time
- CBR - Volvo DEF Level (UQLS) Sensor Troubleshooting Guide - US17+OBD16 Emissions and US22+OBD23 (DOES NOT…
- CBR - Frame or Cab Lean
- CBR - US17AbstractVolvo Chassis equipped with Volvo Active Driver Assist may display DTC / Fault code SPN…
CBR - US17AbstractVolvo Chassis equipped with Volvo Active Driver Assist may display DTC / Fault code SPN 516103 FMI 19 on Premium Tech Tool ( PTT ) or J-Pro, and code 167 in Bendix ACOM software.
NHTSA lists 277 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volvo VN?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 277 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2018 Volvo VN?
NHTSA lists 277 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2018 Volvo VN from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2018 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.