1998 Volvo VN610 problems & reliability
59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Volvo VN610. Last verified Aug 8, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
3 complaints report injuries (3 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension → | 41 | 69% |
| Steering → | 13 | 22% |
| Electrical System → | 12 | 20% |
| Power Train → | 10 | 17% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 9 | 15% |
| Unknown OR Other | 8 | 14% |
| Visibility | 8 | 14% |
| Service Brakes, Air | 6 | 10% |
| Equipment | 5 | 8% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | 8% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 18 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volvo vn610. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle lost steering power. The contact lost control and crashed into a guard rail. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The dealer was notified, but the vehicle was not brought in for inspection. The contact stated that the ball joint that was…”
Suspension · filed Aug 14, 2007
“Trw manufactured ball socket on drag link separated resulting in loss of steering. Minor crash with no injuries”
Steering · filed Aug 29, 2003
“Consumer states that the engine brake (exhaust brake) is faulty. On another occasion, the rocker arms have worn out. *tt”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Jun 27, 2002
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- STEERING BINDING
Engineering Analysis EA04016 · opened Jun 24, 2004 · closed Mar 31, 2005
- STEERING BINDING
Preliminary Evaluation PE04014 · opened Feb 5, 2004 · closed Jun 24, 2004
- FRONT SUSPENSION U-BOLTS LOOSEN OR BREAK
Engineering Analysis EA02021 · opened Sep 6, 2002 · closed Nov 6, 2003
- SLEEPER BERTH FIRES
Preliminary Evaluation PE01040 · opened Dec 3, 2001 · closed Mar 26, 2002
- STEERING AXLE U-BOLT
Preliminary Evaluation PE01042 · opened Dec 3, 2001 · closed Sep 6, 2002
- STEERING GEARBOX OR U-JOINT
Preliminary Evaluation PE01041 · opened Dec 3, 2001 · closed Jun 14, 2002
Technical service bulletins
27 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1998 Volvo VN610. The 10 most recent:
Programming Failure - Chassis With Cummins Engine And An Allison Transmission
KC-2112 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 21, 2022
DTC U012100 - Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module, No Additional Information
KC-2119 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 21, 2022
(Back Office) - Cruise Control Inoperative After Updating Software VECU5 Without ESP Package (UESP)
KC-2143 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 21, 2022
Warranty Automated Manual Transmission ( AMT, I-Shift, mDrive ) Control Housing Assembly; Guidelines For Filing A Claim For Chassis Return Visit With Transmission Issues After A Repair Requiring Control Housing Removal…
KC-405 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 21, 2022
AMT Control Housing Bench Testing - False Failures
KC-2028 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 17, 2022
Volvo Chassis - Drag Link Inspection And Replacement Criteria
KC-2174 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 15, 2022
Volvo Chassis - Equipped with An Automated Manual Transmission (AMT, iShift) - SNV 19-002 - AMT Oil Filter Housing Corrosion
KC-435 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 7, 2022
Unable To Retrieve "On Request" Messages For PeopleNet Or Omnitracs Modules Installed On The DL5 Data Link; Third Party Electronic Log Device Not Reporting Certain Data
KC-732 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 6, 2022
DEF Level (UQLS) Sensor Troubleshooting Guide - US17+OBD16 Emissions and Newer
KC-2107 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 3, 2022
NOx Sensor Troubleshooting Guide - US10+OBD13 And Newer Emissions
KC-2116 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 3, 2022
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1998 Volvo VN610 in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1998 Volvo VN610?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.