Volvo VN recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

Steering › Linkages › Drag › Link › Connection

Model year 2025

NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2025 VN, VNRe, and VHD trucks. The drag link may contain an improperly heat-treated ball stud that can fail, resulting in a sudden loss of steering control.

Consequence:

A sudden loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the drag links, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2402.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Equipment › Other › Labels

Model year 2024

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2024 VN and VHD vehicles equipped with size 295/75 or 385/65 Continental tires on the front axle. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the vehicle certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence:

An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will remove and replace the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2314.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Vehicle Speed Control

Model years 2023–2024

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2023-2024 VN vehicles. The engine may not return to idle within 2 seconds if the accelerator pedal position sensor becomes disconnected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."

Consequence:

An engine that does not return to idle quickly enough can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Volvo Trucks will replace the throttle pedal and update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 27, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2313.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Seats › Critical Fasteners

Model years 2019–2024

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2019-2024 VN and VHD vehicles. The passenger side bench seat may be inadequately attached to the floor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 210, "Seatbelt Assembly Anchorage."

Consequence:

The attachment points may fail, allowing the bench seat to shift and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the weld nut with two nuts and a washer, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2312.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Steering › Critical Fasteners

Model years 2023–2024

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2023-2024 VN, VHD, and VAH trucks. The steering gear fasteners may not be properly tightened.

Consequence:

Loose steering gear fasteners may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will tighten the steering gear fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2307.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (ECU/ECM)

Model year 2023

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo VN vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) may experience an internal electrical short-circuit, causing the engine to stall.

Consequence:

An unexpected engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Cummins will replace the ECM and perform a recalibration. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 29, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2203.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Steering

Model years 2022–2023

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2023 VN tractor trailers. The steering gears may have been assembled incorrectly, which can cause the gear to fracture.

Consequence:

A fractured steering gear can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect and replace steering gears on vehicles. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 29, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Truck customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2202.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Structure › Critical Fasteners

Model years 2022–2023

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2023 VN L4 and L4E (Sleeper) trucks. The cabinets may be improperly secured to the walls due to the bolts being installed without the required washers.

Consequence:

Improperly secured cabinets can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy:

Dealers will install washers to the existing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2201.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Power Train › Manual Transmission

Model year 2016

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 VN trucks manufactured January 6, 2015, to January 15, 2015, equipped with certain Eaton Fuller FR-Series 10-speed manual transmissions. In the affected vehicles, when the transmission shift lever is moved from reverse to neutral, the reverse gear may stay engaged. When the transmission shift lever is moved from reverse to a forward gear position, the transmission may mechanically lock because both the reverse gear and forward gear are simultaneously engaged.

Consequence:

Even though the transmission has been shifted out of reverse into neutral, the vehicle may unexpectedly move backwards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the transmissions, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586, or Eaton customer service at 1-800-826-4357. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1510.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Electrical System › Ignition › Module

Model year 2016

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo VN trucks manufactured on August 13, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Cummins engines whose engine control module (ECM) may short circuit and blow a fuse resulting in the engine stalling without warning.

Consequence:

An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Cummins will notify owners on behalf of Volvo, and will replace any defective ECM, free of charge. The recall began in October 2015. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-343-7357. Cummins' number for this recall is C1698. Owners may also contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1511.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint; Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint

Model years 2009–2015

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2009-2015 Volvo VN trucks manufactured April 14, 2008, to December 23, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience corrosion of the ball joints due to the seals being compromised, possibly resulting in accelerated wear and failure of the ball joint.

Consequence:

Failure of the ball joint may cause separation of the socket and a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the drag links, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Volvo issued an interim notification to owners on October 28, 2015. Replacement parts are now available. Notices to owners were mailed on March 1, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-877-800-4945 option #1. Volvo's number for the vehicle inspection is RVXX1508. Volvo's number for the replacement of drag links is RVXX1509.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Seat Belts

Model years 2002–2013

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.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Service Brakes, Air › Supply › Quick Release Valve

Model years 2006–2010

Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2009 VHD, model year 2006 through 2010 VN, and model year 2007 through 2009 VT trucks manufactured from November 7, 2005, through October 30, 2009, equipped with an air release fifth wheel. The inversion valve on the frame may be orientated where contaminants can enter the valve through the exhaust port. As a result, the brake valve may corrode.

Consequence:

Corrosion of the valve can cause it to malfunction, thereby adversely affecting braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect the inversion valve and replace as required. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before February 18, 2011. Owners may contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear

Model years 2009–2010

Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 VNL, VT, and 780 trucks manufactured from March 1, 2008 through February 6, 2009. The bottom track that attaches to the arms used to open and close the window may de-bond, which results in the glass coming loose at the bottom.

Consequence:

The upper window hinges may fail and allow the glass to fall out of the window frame creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect and repair as required free of charge. The safety recall began on December 1, 2010. Owners may contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector

Model year 2007

On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks equipped with dana steering shafts, there is a potential that the steering shaft pinch bolt hole may be incorrectly located. The pinch bolt fits into a groove in the steering gear input shaft to ensure that the steering shaft does not separate from the steering gear if the pinch bolt comes loose.

Consequence:

This could potentially lead to steering shaft separation resulting in loss of control of the vehicle if the pinch bolt were to come loose increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect the steering shaft and replace it as required free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 006. Owners may contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Power Train › Axle Assembly

Model year 2006

On certain trucks equipped with arvinmeritor series 145 and 160 rear drive axles. Some of the spindles were overheated during the heat treat process which could result in a fracture of the spindle.

Consequence:

If a spindle fractures while the vehicle is in motion, it may cause wheel separation, which could, without warning result in a vehicle crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect the spindle for suspect heat codes and replace the axle if necessary. The recall began on December 12, 2005. Owners may contact vovlo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Suspension

Model year 2005

On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, equipped with holland air suspension systems, a transverse beam casting may fracture under normal loads. If a casting breaks when the vehicle is traveling on a roadway there is the potential for pieces of the casting to become projectiles and the suspension?s transverse beam may drop down low enough to contact the road surface.

Consequence:

This will cause sparks that could potentially ignite and cause a fire.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect and replace the defective transverse beam assemblies. The recall began on August 26, 2005. Owners may contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Wheels

Model year 2006

On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks equipped with accuride aluminum wheels, the wheels were not properly pre-stressed. This allows cracks to develop over time.

Consequence:

This may eventually lead to wheel failure and possibly result in a vehicle crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the wheels free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2005 owners may contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor

Model years 2000–2004

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:

If this occurs, excessive heat and smoke could result in an under hood fire.

Remedy:

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.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft

Model year 2004

On certain trucks, the bolts that retain the universal joint to the yoke at the transmission may not be tightened correctly.

Consequence:

This can result in the drive shaft coming loose from the transmission, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will remove and install removing new bolts, inspect for cross-threaded bolts, and replace the yoke if necessary. The recall began October 1, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Trailer Hitches › Fifth Wheel Assembly

Model years 2002–2004

On certain trucks, a malfunction in the solenoid valve may allow air to be released to fifth wheel latch when the park brake is engaged.

Consequence:

This condition could cause the fifth wheel latch to release inadvertently when the park brake is engaged, creating the potential for loss of the trailer. A crash could occur without prior warning.

Remedy:

Dealers will add an additional solenoid valve in series with the existing pneumatic circuit for the fifth wheel air release. The recall began on August 9, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo at 1-800-528-6586.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Engine and Engine Cooling

Model years 2002–2003

On certain heavy-duty class 8 trucks, the assembled engine pre-heater jumper wiring harness was incorrectly assembled.

Consequence:

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:

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.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Suspension › Multiple Axle

Model year 2002

On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks with Volvo b-ride rear suspension, the forward and/or rear drive axle upper axle seat could break allowing the affected axle to shift out of alignment.

Consequence:

This condition could result in loss of axle stability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the upper axle seat on both rear drive axles. Owner notification began January 14, 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.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Equipment › Other › Labels

Model year 1997

Certain heavy duty class 8 trucks fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." The weight certification label which contains front gross axle weight rating (GAWR) information does not accurately reflect the actual front gross axle weight.

Consequence:

When operating bobtail with full fuel tanks and two occupants with an allowance for personal belongings, the actual gross axle weight may exceed the stated rating found on the weight certification label.

Remedy:

Dealers will install new front steer axle tires and new certification label stating the new front steer axle weight rating. Owner notification began December 19, 2002. 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.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly

Model years 1999–2000

On some heavy duty class 8 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor axle assemblies which may have been manufactured with TRW model 20EDL ball sockets, the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below specification case depth and/or hardness which can lead to premature wear out of the socket in some applications.

Consequence:

If this condition occurs, the driver can lose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the ball socket assemblies. This campaign supersedes NHTSA campaign nos. 01V-139.001 and 02V-037.002. Owner notification began July 25, 2002. 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.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Power Train › Axle Assembly

Model year 2001

On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the forward and/or rear drive axle upper axle seat can break allowing the axle to shift out of alignment.

Consequence:

This could result in a loss of axle stability increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect the upper axle seat for a certain date code that is stamped on the part, and those axles will be replaced. Owner notification began March 15, 2002. 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.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Equipment › Other › Labels

Model years 1997–1999

Vehicle description: heavy duty class 8 vehicles. Under certain operating conditions, the weight certification label which contains front gross axle weight rating (GAWR) information pursuant to the requirements of FMVSS No. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars," does not accurately reflect the actual front gross axle weight.

Consequence:

When operating the truck "bobtail" with full fuel tanks and two occupants with an allowance for personal belongings, the actual gross axle weight may exceed the stated rating found on the weight certification label.

Remedy:

The weight certification label will be brought into compliance by one or more of the following means: (1) replacement of the label with one which contains correct information; or (2) replacement of front axle tires, rims or tie rod tube or a combination thereof; or (3) replacement or relocation of the fuel tanks. Due to the various truck configurations, several owner notification letters are being sent for this campaign. The first owner notification letter was mailed April 26, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy or label within a reasonable time should contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly

Model year 1999

Vehicle description: heavy duty class 8 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor axle assemblies which may have been manufactured with TRW model 20EDL ball sockets. The tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below specification case depth and/or hardness which can lead to premature wear out of the socket in some applications.

Consequence:

If this condition occurs, the driver can lose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the ball socket assemblies. The campaign has been superceded by recall No. 02V037002. Owner notification began November 17, 2000. 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.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Parking Brake

Model years 1997–1998

Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with haldex manifold dash valves (MDV) used in tractor and trailer parking brakes. These valves do not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 121, "air brake systems." A loss of the isolation of the two brake system circuits can result in the loss of service brakes when there is another failure of one of the two brake circuits.

Consequence:

The loss of service brakes can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the suspect valves.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/HVAC System

Model years 1998–1999

Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with an espar compact heater mounted in the luggage compartment. The fuel-metering pump that supplies fuel to the compact heater is not wired through a rollover protection switch. This does not comply with 49 CFR 393.77, "heaters."

Consequence:

In the event of a vehicle rollover, and the compact heater was in operation, fuel would still be supplied to the heater creating the potential for a vehicle fire.

Remedy:

Dealers will wire the fuel-metering pump through a rollover protection switch.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Service Brakes, Air

Model year 1999

Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with meritor air brake automatic slack adjusters. Some of the automatic slack adjusters had insufficient torque applied to the guide pawl cap screw.

Consequence:

Without sufficient torque on the guide pawl cap screw, the brakes could gradually lose adjustment, increasing the vehicle stopping distance.

Remedy:

Dealers will check the torque on the automatic slack adjuster guide pawl. If there is no torque, the brakes will be adjusted and the guide pawl will be tightened to 15-20 ft. Lbs.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Steering › Linkages

Model years 1997–1998

Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with a fal 8.0 front steer axle. The upper steering arm can fail without warning.

Consequence:

This condition can result in the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect the upper steering arm and replace it, if required.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Wheels › Rim

Model years 1997–1998

Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with aftermarket aluminum dual wheels, 22.5X8.25, one-piece, tubeless, supplied by accuride/akw. Certain design revisions combined with process conditions caused fatigue cracks in these wheels.

Consequence:

This condition can cause failure of these wheels.

Remedy:

Accuride/akw will replace these wheels.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch; Exterior Lighting

Model years 1997–1998

Vehicle description: class 8 heavy duty trucks. The electronic module that controls the daytime running lights (DRL) and headlights can fail without warning resulting in the loss of the DRL and headlight functions.

Consequence:

If these lights fail, a visibility problem would occur increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the DRL control module.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Model year 1997

Vehicle description: class 8 heavy duty trucks. A wire that connects the engine control module (ECU) to the automatic braking control system (ABS) controller is missing. The engine brake can lock up the rear axle wheels on a slick pavement, and the ABS would not prevent the lock up.

Consequence:

If the wheels locked up, the potential for a vehicle crash could occur.

Remedy:

Dealers will install the missing wiring circuit on the ABS brakes.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor

Model year 1997

Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The relay that controls the electrical power to the windshield wiper motor can fail.

Consequence:

If the windshield wipers fail, the driver's visibility in wet weather will be reduced increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the suspect relays.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America

Power Train › Manual Transmission › Column Shift Assembly

Model years 1996–1997

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.

Filed by Volvo Trucks North America