Is the 2012 Volvo VNL reliable?

The 2012 Volvo VNL has 7 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: SUSPENSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Volvo VNL?

Top problems: SUSPENSION (2 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (1 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Volvo VNL?

Yes, there are 14 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:AIR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SLACK ADJUSTERS, VISIBILITY/WIPER, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE, TIRES, TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY, POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE. Contact any Volvo dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Volvo VNL?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Volvo VNL is approximately $1,971/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Volvo VNL

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Volvo VNL has 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 7. The most common issue is suspension problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2012 volvo vnl. the contact stated that there was a manufacturer recall on the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced, but the contact was uncertain if the vehicle was repaired. after the repair, the vehicle failed to start and rode roughly. the vehicle wa. There are 14 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports 5 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

29%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND RODE ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WA
• I BOTH THE VOLVO 780 SEMI TRUCK 8 MONTHS AGO AND I DO STILL HAVE A PROBLEM. I DO REPLACE WHOLE SUSPENSION, MAKE A 6 TIMES ALIGNMENT AND TRUCK STILL SWAY IN THE ROAD. DEALER FROM CONNECTICUT DO TEST DRIVE AND HE SAID MY WHOLE CAB SWAY FROM RIGHT TO THE LEFT. HE RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT CAB SHOCKS AND

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND RODE ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WA”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (14)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM08/10/2015

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Volvo VNL trucks manufactured December 1, 2011, to September 1, 2013, equipped with certain Electric Auxiliary Power Units (APU), part number BA600, manufactured by Idle Free Systems (IFS). The affected APUs have metal housings whose mounting points may crack and tear. Additionally, the mounting bolts of the power units may loosen or possibly fail.

Risk: If the mounting points crack and tear or the attaching bolts loosen or fail, the power unit may detach from the truck, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners and IFS dealers will inspect the APU for damage and, where needed, install a welded gusset upgrade kit to strengthen the APU C-channels. All units will receive stronger clamping brackets. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586, or IFS customer service at 1-920-206-9333. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1506.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Volvo VNL

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,971

Full coverage / month

$164

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1971

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Volvo VNL Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

T5/T6/T8 all use 4-cylinder engines. T8 plug-in hybrids: battery cooling system serviced with engine coolant.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Volvo New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Volvo. If you're buying a used 2012 VNL, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volvo dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 7 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
SUSPENSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND RODE ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO VNL 670. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V036000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE) AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS A TEMPORARY REPAIR WHICH INCLUDED DISABLING THE TRACTION CONTROL.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: DRAG LINK FAILED, A KNOWN ISSUE TO THE MANUFACTURER RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL. CRASHED INTO CENTER WALL THEN THRU GUARDRAIL AND DOWN EMBANKMENT. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ALSO. PASSENGER WAS HURT VERY BAD, DRIVER SLIGHTLY HURT. LARGE TRUCK OUT OF CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE FROM A PROBLEM THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: DRAG LINK FAILED, A KNOWN ISSUE TO THE MANUFACTURER RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL. CRASHED INTO CENTER WALL THEN THRU GUARDRAIL AND DOWN EMBANKMENT. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ALSO. PASSENGER WAS HURT VERY BAD, DRIVER SLIGHTLY HURT. LARGE TRUCK OUT OF CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE FROM A PROBLEM THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 14 recalls have been completed — free at any Volvo dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)