Is the 2013 Volvo VNL reliable?

The 2013 Volvo VNL has 7 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: TIRES problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Volvo VNL?

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

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Volvo VNL?

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

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Volvo VNL?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 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.

2013 Volvo VNL

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Volvo VNL has 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 7. The most common issue is tires problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: the owner states that his drivers experienced two separate tire failures on same volvo 430 auto hauler (model 2013 vnl64t). the tires involved in the failures were michelin xza2 energy 295/60 r22.5. the first tire failed on 6/19/2012 with approximately 12,000 miles on it. the tire was a steer tir. There are 14 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

TIRES

2 complaints

29%

• THE OWNER STATES THAT HIS DRIVERS EXPERIENCED TWO SEPARATE TIRE FAILURES ON SAME VOLVO 430 AUTO HAULER (MODEL 2013 VNL64T). THE TIRES INVOLVED IN THE FAILURES WERE MICHELIN XZA2 ENERGY 295/60 R22.5. THE FIRST TIRE FAILED ON 6/19/2012 WITH APPROXIMATELY 12,000 MILES ON IT. THE TIRE WAS A STEER TIR
• BRIDGESTONE GREATEC M885 SUPER SINGLE TIRES.ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THROUGHOUT OUR FLEET THER HAVE BEEN MANY INCIDENTS OF THESE TIRES LOSING TRACTION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DRIVING CONDITIONS

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“THE OWNER STATES THAT HIS DRIVERS EXPERIENCED TWO SEPARATE TIRE FAILURES ON SAME VOLVO 430 AUTO HAULER (MODEL 2013 VNL64T). THE TIRES INVOLVED IN THE FAILURES WERE MICHELIN XZA2 ENERGY 295/60 R22.5. THE FIRST TIRE FAILED ON 6/19/2012 WITH APPROXIMATELY 12,000 MILES ON IT. THE TIRE WAS A STEER TIR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (14)

TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY13/10/2015

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured June 21, 2010, to December 14, 2012. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.

Risk: If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and Fontaine dealers will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1507.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 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 2013 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

TIRES(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~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:

☐
TIRES: THE OWNER STATES THAT HIS DRIVERS EXPERIENCED TWO SEPARATE TIRE FAILURES ON SAME VOLVO 430 AUTO HAULER (MODEL 2013 VNL64T). THE TIRES INVOLVED IN THE FAILURES WERE MICHELIN XZA2 ENERGY 295/60 R22.5. THE FIRST TIRE FAILED ON 6/19/2012 WITH APPROXIMATELY 12,000 MILES ON IT. THE TIRE WAS A STEER TIR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: VEHICLE BEGAN THROWING BRAKE ECU CODE 136 66 7 AND TCS LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THIS CODE IS ACTIVE AND TCS LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED VEHICLE SEEMS TO REQUIRE MORE BRAKING DISTANCE, AND MORE BRAKE AIR PRESSURE APPLIED TO GET THE SAME BRAKING RESULTS AS WHEN THE CODE IS NOT ACTIVE NOR IS THE LIGHT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: THE WEST COAST MIRRORS DON'T EXTEND FAR ENOUGH FROM THE SIDES OF THE TRUCK. A DRIVER CAN'T ADJUST THESE MIRROR ARMS TO SUFFICIENTLY OBSERVE TRAFFIC IN THE LANE IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE TRUCK. I HAVE OVER 45 YRS EXPERIENCE & KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST MIRRORS. IF ADJUSTED TO OBSERVE FAR ENOUGH BACK IN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: THERE IS FABRIC COVER TO COVER UP AN OVERHEAD WINDOW TOWARDS THE TOP INTERIOR OF CAB COMPARTMENT. IT IS ONLY HELD IN PLACE BY A SMALL SUCTION CUP. NUMEROUS TIMES THIS HAS FALLEN ON ME WHILE I'M DRIVING. I HAVE TRIED TAPING IT AND EVEN THE TAPE WON'T STICK BECAUSE OF THE HEAT/COLD FROM THE WINDOW. AT
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)