The 2003 Volvo Vhd has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 328,235 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SEAT BELTS12V5100002012-10-181,496 affected
Defect
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats. The seat belt d-ring weld may not be sufficient enough to meet the seat belt pull test. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of…
Consequence
In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. This increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
VISIBILITY09V1730002009-05-21127,764 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
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. …
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.
Consequence
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.
WHEELS06V2130002006-06-14873 affected
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE WHEEL SPACER MAY BECOME DISTORTED FROM HEAT WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF CLAMP THAT MAY RESULT IN LOOSE WHEEL NUTS.
Consequence
IF THE WHEEL NUTS LOOSEN FOR ANY REASON, DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL STUDS AND WHEEL MAY OCCUR, AND MAY LEAD TO A COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE WHEELS FROM THE TRUCK WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WHEEL SPACERS AND THE WHEEL EQUIPMENT (WHEELS,STUDS, AND HUB) WILL BE INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING06V0210002006-01-2633,102 affected
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH D12D ENGINES, THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER INLET PIPES OR THE PIPES THAT CONNECT THE EGR VALVES TO THE COOLER MAY CRACK OR BREAK.
Consequence
IF THE PIPES OR THE COOLER INLET PIPES FAIL AND ARE LEFT UNTREATED, THE AIR CLEANER AND INNER FENDER MAY BE SUBJECT TO HOT EXHAUST GASES, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE EGR COOLER PIPES AS REQUIRED AND INSTALL A HEAT SHIELD FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM OWNER LETTER WAS MAILED ON FEBRUARY 17, 2006, TO ADVISE ON PRECAUTIONS THAT THE OWNER CAN TAKE UNTIL PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED STARTING MARCH 3, 2006, THAT PARTS ARE NOW…
VISIBILITY04V4570002004-09-1756,154 affected
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH VALEO WIPER SYSTEMS, THE WIPER MOTOR MAY BE SUSCEPTIVE TO SALT INTRUSION THAT COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A CONDITION WHERE THE CONNECTOR OVERHEATS TO A POINT WHERE THE CONNECTOR COULD IGNITE.
Consequence
IF THIS OCCURS, EXCESSIVE HEAT AND SMOKE COULD RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR PLATE ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. PHASE 2 OF THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
SEATS04V4040002004-08-12126 affected
Defect
CERTAIN TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, 'SEATING SYSTEMS.' THE BENCH SEAT, AS INSTALLED, DOES NOT THE SEAT PULL REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence
THE SEAT ANCHORAGE TO THE FLOOR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO RETAIN THE ADJUSTED SEATING POSITION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVEN TOF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE BENCH SEAT WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND OF SEAT. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
STEERING04V0780002004-02-1392 affected
Defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY-DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS, THE PINCH BOLT ATTACHING THE STEERING DRAG LINK TO THE PITMAN ARM MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
Consequence
THE BOLT COULD LOOSEN ALLOWING THE DRAG LINK AND PITMAN ARM TO SEPARATE, RESULTING IN UNCONTROLLABLE STEERING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW PINCH BOLT AND TIGHTEN TO THE REQUIRED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT…
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING04V0770002004-02-132,112 affected
Defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY-DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS, THE ASSEMBLED ENGINE PRE-HEATER JUMPER WIRING HARNESS WAS INCORRECTLY ASSEMBLED.
Consequence
THE ENGINE PRE-HEATER COULD OVERHEAT RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE PRE-HEATER AND OTHER ENGINE HEAT SENSITIVE COMPONENTS NEAR THE PRE-HEATER AND THE ABILITY TO RE-START THE ENGINE COULD BE COMPROMISED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED CIRCUITS IN THE JUMPER WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT…
TRAILER HITCHES03V2040002003-05-301,275 affected
Defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH JOST INTERNATIONAL JSK 37U SERIES FIFTH WHEELS, A FATIGUE CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE BRACKET PIN WELD UNDER CERTAIN LOADING CONDITIONS.
Consequence
IF LEFT UNDETECTED OR CORRECTED IT COULD LEAD TO THE SEPARATION OF THE FIFTH WHEEL TOP PLATE FROM ITS MOUNTING STRUCTURE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRACKET PINS AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT JOST INTERNATIONAL AT 616-846-7700 OR BY EMAIL TO [email protected]…
SEAT BELTS03V1080002003-03-20396 affected
Defect
CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL TWO-MAN PASSENGER BENCH SEAT FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." ON THE TWO-MAN PASSENGER BENCH SEAT INBOARD (CENTER) POSITION, SEAT BELT D-RING MOUNTING BRACKET WELDNUT,…
Consequence
THESE TRUCKS DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT D-RING MOUNTING BRACKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
Complaints by component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
1
Total complaints5
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“November 12, 2010, while driving on a state highway, as sole owner/operator of a 2003 volvo vhd 64f 10 wheel dump truck the engine suddenly and without warning stopped running. It immediately became a safety issue to control this empty truck with no equipment trailer attached because of the loss…”
“November 12, 2010, while driving on a state highway, as sole owner/operator of a 2003 volvo vhd 64f 10 wheel dump truck the engine suddenly and without warning stopped running. It immediately became a safety issue to control this empty truck with no equipment trailer attached because of the loss…”
“The truck was just working an average day, hauling hot mix asphalt, when the engine began to skip. Brought the truck into dario diesel, they found faulty injector connector, had it replaced. One month later, the same thing happened, again took truck to dario diesel, they found the same problem,…”
“Abs malfunction brake shutdown and unit turned of completely while driving vehicle. Could not maintain control of vehicle. I placed vehicle in company shop several times and incident continued to occur numerous times. I spoke to swift operation manager scott johnson located in ocala florida about…”
“Abs malfunction brake shutdown and unit turned of completely while driving vehicle. Could not maintain control of vehicle. I placed vehicle in company shop several times and incident continued to occur numerous times. I spoke to swift operation manager scott johnson located in ocala florida about…”
Defect investigations
InvestigationEA02021 Opened 2002-09-06 · closed 2003-11-06
FRONT SUSPENSION U-BOLTS LOOSEN OR BREAK
ODI'SINVESTIGATION DID NOT FIND ANY EVIDENCE THAT LOOSE OR BROKENFRONT SUSPENSION U-BOLTS HAVE CAUSED OR CONTRIBUTED TO ANY CRASHES OR NEAR MISS EVENTS.SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSISREPORT FOR FULL TECHNICAL DETAILS.* 1996/1997 BUILT VEHICLES ARE DESIGNATED BY VOLVO AS 1998 MODEL YEAR.
InvestigationPE06054 Opened 2006-11-16 · closed 2007-02-07
INOPERABLE TAIL LIGHTS
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN AND EWR DATA. EWR WARRANTY DATA IS AGGREGATE DATA AND INDIVIDUAL REPORTS ARE NOT SUBMITTED.VOLVO REVIEWED THEIR WARRANTY DATA AND DETERMINED THAT ONLY 63 OF THE EWR WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DISPLAYED SYMPTOMS CONSISTENT WITH…
InvestigationPE06054 Opened 2006-11-16 · closed 2007-02-07
INOPERABLE TAIL LIGHTS
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN AND EWR DATA. EWR WARRANTY DATA IS AGGREGATE DATA AND INDIVIDUAL REPORTS ARE NOT SUBMITTED.VOLVO REVIEWED THEIR WARRANTY DATA AND DETERMINED THAT ONLY 63 OF THE EWR WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DISPLAYED SYMPTOMS CONSISTENT WITH…
InvestigationPE06054 Opened 2006-11-16 · closed 2007-02-07
INOPERABLE TAIL LIGHTS
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN AND EWR DATA. EWR WARRANTY DATA IS AGGREGATE DATA AND INDIVIDUAL REPORTS ARE NOT SUBMITTED.VOLVO REVIEWED THEIR WARRANTY DATA AND DETERMINED THAT ONLY 63 OF THE EWR WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DISPLAYED SYMPTOMS CONSISTENT WITH…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2003 Volvo Vhd as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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