2005 Volvo Vhd recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
6 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. The snow plow headlights can be turned on without other exterior lights, and high beam indicator will not work when the snow plow high beams are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
What could happen: The driver may operate the vehicle with the snow plow headlights on but the marker and tail lamps off, reducing the vehicle's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the software related to the plow lights, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1804.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 VHD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V766000 (manufacturer code RVXX1804).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-528-6586.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2004-2019 Volvo VHD trucks equipped with snow plow lamp preparation kits. The snow plow headlights can be turned on without other exterior lights, and high beam indicator will not work when the snow plow high beams are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: The driver may operate the vehicle with the snow plow headlights on but the marker and tail lamps off, reducing the vehicle's
visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the software related to the plow lights, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1804.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. 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."
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 VHD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 12V510000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-336-393-2000.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS
Summary: 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 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: 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.
Notes: Volvo's recall campaign number is RVXX1204. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
3. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. A SEAL MAY FAIL ALLOWING WATER AND CONTAMINANTS TO SEEP INTO THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.
What could happen: IF THIS HAPPENS A SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR, WHICH OVER TIME COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
The fix: 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. O…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 VHD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09V173000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-528-6586.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Summary: 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: IF THIS HAPPENS A SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR, WHICH OVER TIME COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: VOLVO TRUCKS RECALL NO. RVXX0902. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
4. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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 AVAI…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 VHD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06V021000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-528-6586.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Summary: 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: 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: 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.
Notes: VOLVO TRUCKS RECALL NO. RVXX0601. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
5. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 VHD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06V213000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-528-6586.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: WHEELS
Summary: 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: 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: 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.
Notes: VOLVO TRUCKS RECALL NO. RVXX0603. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
6. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2005 VHD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V573000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-528-6586.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Summary: 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: 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: 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.
Notes: VOLVO TRUCKS RECALL NO. RVXX0707. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 2005 Volvo Vhd owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Visibility (wipers / glass) (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Suspension (1), Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
09/29/2005 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
DT: 2005 VOLVO S60 T5. THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD HAS A GLARE FROM THE DASHBOARD WHICH INTERFERES WITH DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. THE GLARE HAS BEEN ON WINDSHIELD SINCE THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE CAR. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY ACCIDENT YET. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONSUMER TO BUY SOMETHING FROM A STORE A…
01/04/2005 · Transmission / drivetrain
THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY FOLLOWED BY A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BOLT SHEARED OFF, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO DROP DOWN FROM THE VEHICLE. TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
10/04/2004 · Suspension
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH CONSUMER FELT VIBRATION, AND THEN NOTICED WHEELS ROLLING PASSED THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IT COASTED TO A COMPLETE STOP ON ITS OWN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE IMPOUND. THE RIGHT REAR DUEL WHEEL SEPARATED AND CAME OFF. THE SECOND TANDEM WHEEL BOLTS BROKE, AND THE WHEELS STARTED TO SEPARAT…