The 2006 Volvo VN has 5 recalls, the most serious involving cracking aluminum wheels and rear axle spindles that can fracture and shed a wheel while the truck is moving, with no warning before loss of control.
Recalls 2 and 3 describe the same spindle defect across different rear drive axle series: the spindles can develop fractures that allow a wheel to separate from the truck at speed, creating a serious crash risk for the driver and anyone nearby. The wheel cracking issue is separate, affecting trucks equipped with specific Accuride aluminum wheels that were not properly pre-stressed during manufacture, leaving them vulnerable to cracks that grow over time until the wheel fails. There is also a concern with the fifth wheel hitch on trucks equipped with an air-release coupling: the inversion valve on the frame can be positioned in a way that lets dirt and moisture enter through the exhaust port, corroding the brake valve inside until it malfunctions and releases the fifth wheel's locking mechanism unintentionally, which could allow a trailer to detach. On the occupant safety side, the bench passenger seat belt's d-ring weld may not be strong enough to hold under crash loads, meaning the belt can pull free and fail to restrain the passenger when it matters most.
At a glance
What can fail
The weld connecting the seat belt d-ring on bench passenger seats may be weak and fail under pull testing, not meeting federal seat belt anchorage standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the d-ring at no cost to you.
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 inversion valve on the frame may be positioned so dirt enters through the exhaust port. This can corrode the brake valve, causing it to malfunction and potentially unlock the fifth wheel.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the inversion valve and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear drive axle spindles were overheated during manufacturing, which weakened the metal and could cause them to crack. A cracked spindle may break while driving, causing the wheel to separate and the vehicle to lose control.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the spindle's manufacturing heat code and replace the axle if the code indicates overheating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some spindles in ArvinMeritor Series 145 and 160 rear drive axles were overheated during manufacturing, which can cause the spindle to crack.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the spindle for suspect heat codes and replace the axle if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Accuride aluminum wheels on certain heavy duty trucks lack proper pre-stress, allowing cracks to develop over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wheels at no cost. Contact Volvo Trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
