Is the 2016 Volvo VNL reliable?

The 2016 Volvo VNL has 15 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Volvo VNL?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (7 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (2 complaints, avg repair $500); SUSPENSION (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Volvo VNL?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR, STEERING, PARKING BRAKE:DRIVELINE:HYDRAULIC:ACTUATOR, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT. Contact any Volvo dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Volvo VNL?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 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.

2016 Volvo VNL

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Volvo VNL has 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.1x the segment average of 7. The most common issue is transmission problems (47% of all complaints), specifically: volvo and mack trucks drive shafts out of phase. making it shake and eat up tires and wear truck out should be recalled. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year.

3 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 7)

TRANSMISSION

7 complaints

47%

• VOLVO AND MACK TRUCKS DRIVE SHAFTS OUT OF PHASE. MAKING IT SHAKE AND EAT UP TIRES AND WEAR TRUCK OUT SHOULD BE RECALLED
• MY STUPID DEALER CIT TRUCKS COULD NOT FIND Y MY TRUCK WAS SHAKING SO THEY PLAYED WITH TRANSMISSION PROGRAMING ITS AN I SHIFT NO CLUTCH PEDDLE . STONINGTON IL. GOT FUEL AT F.S. COMING BACK CROSS RAIL ROAD TRACKS AND TRIED TO STOP FOR RT 48 . THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT RELEASE .THIS THE 4 TIME .
• NEW VOLVO TRUCK MID MARCH 2016 IT HAD A SHAKE THAT GOT WORSE . MY DEALER CIT TRUCKS WAS TO STUPID FIND THE PROBLEM. ANTHER DEALER LOOK AT IT. THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT WAS OUT OF PHASE BUT HOW AFTER ALMOST 80000 MILES THE REAR ENDS ARE GOING OUT . MY TRUCK IS NOT THE ONLY ONE OUT THERE . VIDEOS CAN BE S

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“VOLVO AND MACK TRUCKS DRIVE SHAFTS OUT OF PHASE. MAKING IT SHAKE AND EAT UP TIRES AND WEAR TRUCK OUT SHOULD BE RECALLED”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (6)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL25/09/2018

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.

Risk: If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single screen filter banjo bolt will be replaced with a dual screen filter banjo bolt, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1802.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 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 2016 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~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 15 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: VOLVO AND MACK TRUCKS DRIVE SHAFTS OUT OF PHASE. MAKING IT SHAKE AND EAT UP TIRES AND WEAR TRUCK OUT SHOULD BE RECALLED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SHOOK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MIL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: MY NEW VOLVO TRUCK SHAKES AND STARTING TO HOP R JUMP 30K MILES HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/EU119G9VYCU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO DIAG
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Volvo dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)