The 1997 Volvo VN has 7 recalls, the most serious being a braking system defect where the engine brake can override the ABS and lock up the rear wheels on slick pavement, with no electronic intervention to prevent it.
Two separate recalls describe this same underlying issue: in one case a wiring connection between the engine control module and the ABS controller is missing, and in the other the engine brake simply defeats ABS when engaged. Either way, the rear axle wheels can lock up on low-traction surfaces, raising the risk of a crash. On the visibility side, the relay that powers the windshield wiper motor can fail and leave the driver without wipers in wet weather, and the electronic module that controls the headlights and daytime running lights can fail without warning, cutting all forward lighting. There are also three related recalls covering an inaccurate weight certification label: under certain operating conditions, such as running bobtail with full fuel tanks and two occupants, the actual front axle weight can exceed the figure printed on the label, which means the front tires and rims may be carrying more load than they are rated for.
At a glance
What can fail
The weight certification label on the driver's door doesn't accurately state the maximum safe front axle weight for these trucks, violating federal tire safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will install new front tires and replace the weight certification label with one showing the correct front axle weight rating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The weight certification label may show an incorrect front Gross Axle Weight Rating. When operating the truck without a trailer, with full fuel tanks and two occupants, the actual front axle weight can exceed the stated rating on the label.
What the fix does
The dealer will update the weight certification label, replace front axle tires or rims, replace or relocate fuel tanks, or replace the tie rod tube to bring the weight rating into compliance.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The weight label on the front axle doesn't show the correct maximum weight rating for some operating conditions, which affects tire selection and safety compliance.
What the fix does
The weight label will be replaced with correct information, or front axle tires, rims, tie rod tube, or fuel tanks will be replaced or relocated as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic module controlling daytime running lights and headlights can fail unexpectedly, causing both lights to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the daytime running light control module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When the engine brake is engaged, it can override the ABS system. On slippery surfaces, this may cause the rear wheels to lock up, and ABS cannot prevent it.
What the fix does
New wiring will connect the engine control module to the ABS controller, allowing ABS to override the engine brake.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wire connecting the engine control module to the automatic braking system is missing. Without this connection, the ABS cannot prevent the engine brake from locking up the rear wheels on slippery roads.
What the fix does
Dealers will install the missing wiring circuit between the engine control module and the ABS brakes.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The relay that supplies electrical power to the windshield wiper motor can fail, stopping the wipers from working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the faulty relays with new ones.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
