The 2013 Volvo VAH has 5 recalls, the most serious being a steering linkage defect where a damaged drag link boot allows corrosion to eat into the ball socket joint, which can then separate and cause complete loss of steering control.
A second steering-adjacent concern involves the trailer hand brake handle, which can be blocked from returning to the off position by the cab's trim panel cutout. When the trailer service brakes drag in this condition, the wheel ends overheat and can catch fire or trigger a tire blowout. On the fifth wheel assembly, the Fontaine Ultra LT locking mechanism can suffer cumulative damage to the point where it fails to properly engage, allowing the trailer to detach from the tractor without warning while underway. For VAH vehicles that were modified with upward-facing exhaust diffusers for auto-hauler use, heat from the exhaust can transfer directly into the roof of the cab or onto vehicles loaded above it, creating a fire risk. Rounding out the list, certain tires on this truck can fail prematurely under demanding conditions such as highway speeds, heavy loads, or high pavement temperatures, raising the risk of a sudden blowout.
At a glance
What can fail
The fifth wheel connector's locking mechanism may fail or not engage properly due to cumulative damage, potentially allowing trailer separation.
What the fix does
Fontaine dealers will replace the fifth wheel connector with an Ultra NT model at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The cutout in the trim panel may block the trailer hand brake handle from returning to the off position, causing trailer brakes to drag continuously. This can overheat the wheel end, potentially causing fire or tire blowout.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the trim panel and replace it if necessary to allow the brake handle to return freely.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The drag link ball socket boot can be damaged by the angle of the ball stud. A damaged boot lets contaminants enter and corrode the ball socket.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the drag link with one that has improved geometry to prevent boot damage.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Tires may fail prematurely when the truck operates at high speeds, carries heavy loads, or experiences high road temperatures.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the tires and adjust the road speed limiter at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Heat from the upward-facing exhaust diffuser may transfer to the truck cab roof and vehicles loaded above it.
What the fix does
The diffuser will be replaced with a redesigned diffuser that prevents heat transfer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
