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2020 Volvo VNR 300

Introduction

The 2020 Volvo VNR 300 is a Class 8 heavy-duty truck designed for regional and long-haul transportation. It is offered with a variety of engine and transmission options, including:

  • 13-liter D13 500 HP/1,850 lb-ft torque
  • 13-liter D13 455 HP/1,650 lb-ft torque
  • 13-liter D13 425 HP/1,450 lb-ft torque
  • 11-liter D11 430 HP/1,550 lb-ft torque
  • 6-speed I-Shift automated manual transmission
  • 10-speed I-Shift automated manual transmission

The VNR 300 has received praise for its fuel efficiency, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features. However, it has also been plagued by a number of significant issues.

Engine

13-liter D13 500 HP/1,850 lb-ft torque

  • EGR Cooler Failure: The EGR cooler can fail prematurely, leading to loss of power and increased emissions. The solution is to replace the EGR cooler and related components. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $4,000+. Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Failure: The turbocharger can fail, leading to a loss of boost and power. The solution is to replace the turbocharger. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $3,000+. Recalls: None Found

13-liter D13 455 HP/1,650 lb-ft torque

  • Injector Failure: Fuel injectors can fail, leading to poor engine performance and fuel leaks. The solution is to replace the failed injector(s). Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+ per injector. Recalls: None Found

13-liter D13 425 HP/1,450 lb-ft torque

No Issues Found

11-liter D11 430 HP/1,550 lb-ft torque

  • Head Gasket Failure: The head gasket can fail, leading to coolant leaks and engine overheating. The solution is to replace the head gasket and related components. Estimated cost to fix: $2,500 - $4,000+. Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-speed I-Shift automated manual transmission

  • Shifting Problems: The transmission may experience difficulty shifting gears, leading to rough shifting and premature wear. The solution is to reprogram the transmission control module or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $5,000+. Recalls: None Found

10-speed I-Shift automated manual transmission

  • Clutch Plate Failure: The clutch plates can wear prematurely, leading to slipping and loss of power. The solution is to replace the clutch plates. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $4,000+. Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain: The battery can drain prematurely, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle. The solution is to replace the battery and investigate the source of the drain. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+. Recalls: None Found
  • Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, leading to a loss of power and battery discharge. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+. Recalls: None Found

Exterior

No Issues Found

Interior

  • Infotainment System Malfunction: The infotainment system may experience glitches, including freezing, display failures, and audio problems. The solution is to update the software or replace the infotainment system. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $2,000+. Recalls: None Found
  • Climate Control Malfunction: The climate control system may experience problems, such as failure to heat or cool the cab. The solution is to diagnose and replace the faulty component(s). Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,500+. Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Volvo VNR 300 is a capable heavy-duty truck that has been plagued by numerous significant issues. Engine problems, transmission problems, and electrical problems are the most common. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major failures that result in costly repairs. While some issues can be resolved relatively inexpensively, others can result in thousands of dollars in repair bills.

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.