The 2000 Volvo VHD has 9 recalls, the most serious being multiple steering system defects that can make the wheel lock up, resist turning, or continue turning on its own without returning to center.
Several distinct steering problems are present. A rubber boot on the lower steering column's universal joint can become caught in the joint itself, sharply increasing steering effort to the point of lock-up. Separately, when the adjustable steering column is set to its lowest position, the telescoping steering shaft can bottom out and press sideways against the steering gear input shaft. Over time, this damages the input shaft and can cause the steering wheel to pull unevenly or keep turning after the driver initiates a turn, requiring extra effort to bring the truck back to straight. On the brake side, trucks built with a steerable auxiliary axle and certain Meritor-Wabco relay valves may have a valve that sticks open after a high-pressure release, draining air from either the service brakes or the parking brake system entirely. There is also a safety restraint concern on trucks equipped with the optional two-man passenger bench seat: the weld holding the center seatbelt's mounting bracket may not be strong enough to hold under crash loads.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain vehicles with an optional two-person bench seat, the weld on the center seat belt D-ring bracket may be insufficient and fail to meet safety standards.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the non-compliant seat belt D-ring mounting bracket.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The weld connecting the seat belt D-ring mounting bracket on the center position of the two-person bench seat is not strong enough to withstand required seat belt forces.
What the fix does
The seat belt D-ring mounting bracket will be replaced at an authorized dealer at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The telescoping steering shaft can bottom out and damage the steering gear input shaft when the steering column is in the lower position, potentially causing loss of control.
What the fix does
Install a redesigned steering shaft that prevents bottoming out regardless of steering column position.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain heavy-duty Class 8 axle-back vehicles, when the steering column is adjusted to the lower position, the telescoping steering shaft can bottom out and place stress on the steering gear input shaft during driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a redesigned steering shaft that prevents bottoming out regardless of steering column position.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake relay valve can stick open after releasing pressure, potentially affecting braking performance on heavy-duty trucks with steerable auxiliary axles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake relay valve at no cost to restore proper brake function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lower steering shaft can put sideways pressure on the steering gear, causing uneven steering wheel effort and the steering to not return to center even after you stop turning the wheel.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the lower steering shaft.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lower steering shaft may push sideways against the steering gear input shaft, causing uneven steering wheel resistance and making the truck continue turning without returning to straight ahead when you release the steering wheel.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the lower steering shaft at no cost. Contact Volvo Trucks at 1-800-528-6586 if you don't receive the repair within a reasonable time.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lower steering column shaft universal joint boot may become entangled in the universal joint, increasing steering effort and risking steering lock-up.
What the fix does
The universal joint boot will be removed following provided instructions. Volvo Truck dealers can perform this removal if preferred.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The universal joint boot on the lower steering column shaft may become entangled in the universal joint itself.
What the fix does
Remove the universal joint boot per instructions, or have a Volvo truck dealer perform the removal for you at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
