1998 Volvo VN770 problems & reliability
26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Volvo VN770. 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 components.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension → | 10 | 38% |
| Structure | 8 | 31% |
| Electrical System | 7 | 27% |
| Power Train | 7 | 27% |
| Steering | 5 | 19% |
| Tires | 5 | 19% |
| Equipment | 4 | 15% |
| Visibility | 4 | 15% |
| Unknown / Other | 3 | 12% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 8% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 16 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“While driving on the interstate, consumer smelled an electrical short smell. Smoke started coming from the sleeper birth area, then the cabin was in flames. The fire inspector indicated that the fire was caused by an electrical short in the switch that controlled the built in refrigerator freezer. *nlm while driving…”
Equipment · filed Nov 21, 2003
“While driving on the interstate, consumer smelled an electrical short smell. Smoke started coming from the sleeper birth area, then the cabin was in flames. The fire inspector indicated that the fire was caused by an electrical short in the switch that controlled the built in refrigerator freezer. *nlm”
Equipment · filed Nov 21, 2003
“The wheel bearing, and fuel gauge failed, the tires experienced premature tire wear, the temperature control in sleeper did not function properly, the fuel tank baffle was loose.*jb”
Fuel System, Gasoline · filed Feb 12, 2003
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
Technical service bulletins
27 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1998 Volvo VN770. 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 VN770 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 VN770?
- · 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.