2003 Volvo VHD: recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2003 Volvo VHD. The newest campaign is 12V510000. NHTSA received the report on 18 Oct 2012. The NHTSA record gives the component Seat Belts. NHTSA has 3 complaints on file for this model year. 2 NHTSA investigations name this model year.

The NHTSA recall file shows no do-not-drive advisory and no park-outside advisory on these campaigns.

This page cannot show if a recall applies to one vehicle. The NHTSA VIN lookup shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle.

Remedy of the newest campaign, 12V510000, in the NHTSA record

Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.

NHTSA VIN lookup

Complaint information entered into NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation vehicle owner's complaint database is used with other data sources to identify safety issues that warrant investigation and to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.
NHTSA publishes these words. Source: NHTSA Datasets and APIs, section Complaints, read on 1 Oct 2026. Complaint file through 15 May 2019. Recall file through 29 Sep 2026.

Since the last update

No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks

All updates to the register

Recall campaigns

11 campaigns, newest first. 328,235 units in total.

12V51000018 Oct 2012Seat Belts
09V17300021 May 2009Visibility / Windshield Wiper/Washer / Motor
07V57300014 Dec 2007Electrical System / Wiring / Fuses and Circuit Breakers
06V21300014 Jun 2006Wheels
06V02100026 Jan 2006Engine and Engine Cooling / Exhaust System
04V45700017 Sep 2004Visibility / Windshield Wiper/Washer / Motor
04V40400012 Aug 2004Seats
04V07800013 Feb 2004Steering / Gear Box / Shaft Pitman
04V07700013 Feb 2004Engine and Engine Cooling
03V20400030 May 2003Trailer Hitches / Fifth Wheel Assembly
03V10800020 Mar 2003Seat Belts / Front / Anchorage

12V510000Received 18 Oct 2012. 1,496 units.
Seat Belts
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats. The seat belt d-ring weld may not be sufficient enough to meet the seat belt pull test. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. This increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1204. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 10 May 2013.
09V173000Received 21 May 2009. 127,764 units.
Visibility / Windshield Wiper/Washer / Motor
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Volvo trucks is recalling 127,764 my 2001-2008 vhd, vnl, vnm, and my 2005-2008 vt trucks. A seal may fail allowing water and contaminants to seep into the windshield wiper motor.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If this happens a short circuit may occur, which over time could possibly lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Volvo will replace the wiper motor free of charge. Since this recall involves a large number of vehicles, volvo will release the recall in stages as parts are received. Priority will be given to the vehicles located in the regions/states that have a corrosive environment. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX0902. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 30 Sep 2009.
07V573000Received 14 Dec 2007. 104,845 units.
Electrical System / Wiring / Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain heavy duty trucks, the circuit protection (i.e. Automatic circuit breakers) used to protect the vehicle lighting system may not provide adequate protection.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If a short circuit occurs and is left untreated, components and wiring may be subject to overheating which could possibly result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses. The recall began on february 25, 2008. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX0707. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 25 Feb 2008.
06V213000Received 14 Jun 2006. 873 units.
Wheels
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain trucks, the wheel spacer may become distorted from heat which potentially could lead to a loss of clamp that may result in loose wheel nuts.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If the wheel nuts loosen for any reason, damage to the wheel studs and wheel may occur, and may lead to a complete separation of the wheels from the truck which could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace the wheel spacers and the wheel equipment (wheels,studs, and hub) will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary free of charge. The recall began on june 26, 2006. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX0603. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 26 Jun 2006.
06V021000Received 26 Jan 2006. 33,102 units.
Engine and Engine Cooling / Exhaust System
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain trucks equipped with d12d engines, the exhaust gas recirculation (egr) cooler inlet pipes or the pipes that connect the egr valves to the cooler may crack or break.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If the pipes or the cooler inlet pipes fail and are left untreated, the air cleaner and inner fender may be subject to hot exhaust gases, which could lead to a fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will inspect and repair the egr cooler pipes as required and install a heat shield free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on february 17, 2006, to advise on precautions that the owner can take until parts become available. Owners are being notified starting march 3, 2006, that parts are now available. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX0601. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 3 Mar 2006.
04V457000Received 17 Sep 2004. 56,154 units.
Visibility / Windshield Wiper/Washer / Motor
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain trucks equipped with valeo wiper systems, the wiper motor may be susceptive to salt intrusion that could possibly lead to a condition where the connector overheats to a point where the connector could ignite.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If this occurs, excessive heat and smoke could result in an under hood fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will inspect and replace the connector plate on the windshield wiper motor. Phase 2 of the recall began on november 1, 2004. Owners should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX0406. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 1 Nov 2004.
04V404000Received 12 Aug 2004. 126 units.
Seats
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Certain trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207, 'seating systems.' the bench seat, as installed, does not the seat pull requirements of the standard.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
The seat anchorage to the floor may not be sufficient to retain the adjusted seating position, which could lead to personal injury or death in the even tof a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace the passenger side bench seat with a different brand of seat. The recall began november 1, 2004. Owners should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX0405. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 1 Nov 2004.
04V078000Received 13 Feb 2004. 92 units.
Steering / Gear Box / Shaft Pitman
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain heavy-duty class 8 trucks, the pinch bolt attaching the steering drag link to the pitman arm may not have been sufficiently tightened.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
The bolt could loosen allowing the drag link and pitman arm to separate, resulting in uncontrollable steering which could result in a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will install a new pinch bolt and tighten to the required torque. Owner notification is expected to begin during march 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX0401. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 2 Mar 2004.
04V077000Received 13 Feb 2004. 2,112 units.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain heavy-duty class 8 trucks, the assembled engine pre-heater jumper wiring harness was incorrectly assembled.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
The engine pre-heater could overheat resulting in damage to the pre-heater and other engine heat sensitive components near the pre-heater and the ability to re-start the engine could be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will repair the affected circuits in the jumper wiring harness connector. Owner notification is expected to begin during march 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX0402. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 8 Mar 2004.
03V204000Received 30 May 2003. 1,275 units.
Trailer Hitches / Fifth Wheel Assembly
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If left undetected or corrected it could lead to the separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions free of charge. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact jost international at 616-846-7700 or by email to recall@jostinternational.com or volvo truck at 800-528-6586.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC.
03V108000Received 20 Mar 2003. 396 units.
Seat Belts / Front / Anchorage
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Certain heavy duty class 8 trucks equipped with an optional two-man passenger bench seat fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." on the two-man passenger bench seat inboard (center) position, seat belt d-ring mounting bracket weldnut, the weld is not sufficient to meet the seat belt pull requirements .
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
These trucks do not comply with the requirements.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace the seat belt d-ring mounting bracket. Owner notification began on april 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX0303. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 7 Apr 2003.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

Complaints by component

3 complaints, 5 component mentions.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. This model year has fewer than 50 component mentions, so the table shows the number of mentions only.

2003 Volvo VHD: component mentions in complaints
Component		Mentions
Electrical System		2
Engine and Engine Cooling		2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic		1

Complaints that report a crash: 0
Complaints that report a fire: 0
Injuries in the complaints: 0
Deaths in the complaints: 0
Date of the newest complaint: 23 Nov 2010

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

Complaints about the 2003 Volvo VHD, by the year NHTSA received them. The largest year is 2007, with 1 complaint.

Investigations

NHTSA investigations that name the 2003 Volvo VHD
Number	Type	Subject	Component	Opened	Closed	Campaign
PE06054	Preliminary evaluation	INOPERABLE TAIL LIGHTS	Exterior Lighting / Brake Lights	16 Nov 2006	7 Feb 2007
EA02021	Engineering analysis	FRONT SUSPENSION U-BOLTS LOOSEN OR BREAK	Suspension	6 Sep 2002	6 Nov 2003

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

Other model years

The number under each year is the number of recall campaigns.

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

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Official channels

NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
NHTSA page of the 2003 Volvo VHDThe recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

Cite this page

Recall Register. 2003 Volvo VHD: recalls and complaints. https://recallregister.com/vehicle/volvo/vhd/2003/. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall, complaint and investigation files. Data through 29 Sep 2026.

Sources

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Licence: US government work, public domain
Recall file through: 29 Sep 2026
Complaint file through: 15 May 2019
First complaint in the file: 1 Jan 1995
Manufacturer in the recall file: Volvo Trucks North America

The NHTSA record is the authority. A complaint count is the number of different complaint numbers for the make, the model and the model year. How the register is made. Report an error.

Questions

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2003 Volvo VHD?: 328,235 units in 11 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.
How many recall campaigns does the Volvo VHD have for all model years?: NHTSA lists 61 recall campaigns for the Volvo VHD, model years 1999 to 2027. 11 of them name the 2003 model year.
Which component do the complaints about the 2003 Volvo VHD name most often?: Electrical System: 2 of 5 component mentions.
Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2003 Volvo VHD open?: No. Each of the 2 investigations that name this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.