1996 Volvo Vn recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL LEVER CAN BREAK OFF AT THE TRANSMISSION.
What could happen: IF THE SHIFT LEVER FAILS, THE TRANSMISSION CANNOT BE SHIFTED AND THE VEHICLE CAN BECOME A HAZARD OR OBSTRUCTION TO OTHER DRIVERS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL LEVERS WITH NEW CONTROL LEVERS.
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 1996 VN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V033000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY
Summary: THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL LEVER CAN BREAK OFF AT THE TRANSMISSION.
Consequence: IF THE SHIFT LEVER FAILS, THE TRANSMISSION CANNOT BE SHIFTED AND THE VEHICLE CAN BECOME A HAZARD OR OBSTRUCTION TO OTHER DRIVERS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL LEVERS WITH NEW CONTROL LEVERS.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MARCH 25, 1997. NOTE: 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 GM HEAVY TRUCK CORPORATION AT 1-910-393-2000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Unknown Or Other (3), Suspension (2), Steering (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (7)
05/07/2002 · Suspension
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING U-BOLT PROBLEM, RIGHT SIDE STEER TIRES VIBRATE AND THE ALIGNMENT IS BAD. *YH
08/15/2001 · Unknown Or Other
VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE DASH, ONE PANEL HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JG
08/15/2001 · Suspension
CONSUMER HAS REPLACED 15 SETS OF STEER TIRES, HAS HAD 10 ALIGNMENTS, ALSO, 7 SETS OF BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JG
08/15/2001 · Steering
VEHICLE'S STEERING BOX FELL OUT. *JG
08/15/2001 · Unknown Or Other
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING DASH PROBLEMS, ONE PANEL HAS BEEN REPLACED. *JG
08/15/2001 · Unknown Or Other
VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE DASH, ONE PANEL HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JG
08/15/2001 · Steering
VEHICLE'S STEERING BOX FELL OUT. *JG