2012 VOLVO VHD Recalls — Canada & USA

The 2012 Volvo VHD has 5 recalls, the most serious involving a parking brake that can drag when released, overheating brake components to the point of fire, front steering ball joints that can corrode and fail causing complete loss of steering, a transmission feature that can leave the drivetrain disengaged and extend stopping distances, and a driveshaft that can fracture and separate under load. On the drivetrain side, trucks equipped with the Eco-Roll feature may not re-engage the drivetrain after coasting, which can lengthen braking distances significantly. Separately, the driveshaft on certain trucks can fracture along its weld seam when torque is applied, causing it to twist or sever and potentially damage surrounding driveline components. The steering concern involves ball joints with compromised seals that allow water and debris inside, leading to corrosion and wear that can eventually cause the joint to fail entirely and leave the driver without steering control. There is also a lighting issue on trucks fitted with snow plow lamp preparation kits: the snow plow headlights can be switched on independently of the marker and tail lamps, leaving the sides and rear of the vehicle unlit and reducing its visibility to other drivers.