Summary
The Volvo FE has 14 recalls spanning the 1988 to 1995 model years, with the most serious being steering failures on 1988 and 1995 models where under-torqued or loose bolts connecting the steering arm to the front axle can allow the steering linkage to separate, causing sudden and complete loss of steering control.
The 1995 model year also has a rear suspension concern where the axle bottom clip plate can crack under normal use, shifting axle alignment and potentially destabilizing the rear end. On 1994 models equipped with the Bendix automatic traction relay valve, road contamination can clog the solenoid exhaust port and freeze in cold weather, causing the rear brakes to stay locked on after a braking event with no input from the driver. The 1993 model year, on vehicles with Rockwell WABCO System Saver 1000 air dryers, can accumulate moisture that freezes and blocks air lines in cold conditions, creating pressure buildup in the dryer that can compromise air brake function.
The 1990 model year carries several issues. An air suspension bag failure on certain vehicles can bleed air pressure from the system that supplies the front steer axle brakes, reducing front braking effectiveness and lengthening stopping distances. The trailer hand brake control valve on 1990 vehicles may also have an incorrect valve installed that limits air pressure to the trailer brakes below required levels, or in some cases contains a pressure limiter set around 30 psi rather than allowing full system pressure, both of which reduce trailer braking and extend stopping distances.
The 1992 model year has seatbelt retractors on the driver and passenger sides that may have been swapped at assembly, preventing them from locking during sudden deceleration and failing to restrain occupants in a crash. On 1991 models, the seatbelt buckle assembly can become trapped in the seat suspension mechanism, causing the buckle tether cable to fray and potentially fail, leaving an occupant unrestrained. There is also a daytime running lamp issue on 1991 vehicles where moving the master lighting switch to the parking lamp position turns off the running lamps entirely. The 1990 model year has a seatbelt buckle tether that can be pinched and deformed when the seat slides on its rail, cracking the steel-braided cable and risking restraint failure in a crash.
