Summary
The Volvo VAH has 18 recalls spanning 2011 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue being loose steering gear fasteners on 2023–2024 models that can cause loss of vehicle control.
On the occupant safety side, 2019–2026 models have a passenger seat belt anchor with inadequate floor reinforcement that can pull free in a crash, leaving the occupant unrestrained. A related issue on 2021 models also affects the passenger seat belt anchor, where it may not have been properly secured to the floor and can detach in a crash. The 2020–2025 model years have a recall covering the Bendix EC-80 electronic control unit, where electrical interference can cause the unit to misprocess commands or stop working entirely, disabling anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, and collision mitigation systems simultaneously.
On the air brake and drivetrain side, 2021 models have a brass fitting in the pneumatic pass-through plate that can release the air brake line under pressure, causing the parking brakes to apply without warning. The 2019 model year has an air tank strap that can deform and drop the transmission air tank to the road, both preventing transmission shifting and creating a road hazard. Transmission fuse issues span 2018–2020 models, where an undersized fuse can blow while driving and prevent the transmission from shifting gears. The 2018 model year has a similar but separately filed fuse issue in the transmission electrical circuit.
On 2021–2022 models, hubcap compression springs can force the hubcap off the wheel while moving, putting road debris in the path of surrounding traffic. The 2021 model year also has defective hubcaps that can come loose independently of the spring issue.
Going back to older production years, 2012–2016 models equipped with a sealed drag link have a ball socket boot that can crack due to the angle of the ball stud, letting corrosion eat into the joint until the drag link separates and steering is lost. The 2013 model year has a trim panel cutout that can trap the trailer hand brake handle in the applied position, overheating the wheel end and potentially causing a tire blowout or fire. The 2015–2016 model years have headlights that do not meet minimum output requirements, reducing roadway visibility at night. On 2011–2014 models, tires can fail prematurely under high-speed, heavy-load, or high-temperature conditions. The 2011–2013 model years with upward-facing exhaust diffusers installed for auto-hauler use can transfer exhaust heat to the cab roof or the vehicles loaded above it, creating a fire risk. The 2014 model year has a seat belt buckle with an IMMI L9 latch plate that can remain partially engaged after the release button is pressed, making it difficult to exit the vehicle quickly. The 2011 model year has a windshield wiper system that can fail completely, eliminating forward visibility in rain or snow.
