The 2023 Volvo VN has 11 recalls, the most serious involving multiple issues that can cause the engine to keep running at speed or stall unexpectedly, and two separate steering defects that can result in total loss of steering control.
The throttle and engine concerns cover several scenarios: if the accelerator pedal position sensor disconnects, the engine may not return to idle, leaving the truck running at an elevated speed. A separate issue involving interrupted vehicle network communications can produce unintended acceleration when the truck is in limp mode. The engine control module can also develop an internal short circuit and stall the engine without warning, and an idler gear that detaches from the engine can cause a sudden stall as well. On the steering side, fasteners securing the steering gear may not be properly tightened, and on certain tractor trailers the steering gear itself may have been assembled incorrectly and can fracture, either way leaving the driver without steering.
On the safety systems side, certain trucks equipped with Bendix EC80 control units can lose or reduce the function of anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, and collision mitigation systems due to electrical interference. The passenger side bench seat may not be adequately secured to the floor and can shift in a crash. On sleeper models, cabinet bolts installed without washers can allow the cabinets to break free in a crash. A software issue can also cause the hazard light switch backlight to go dark, making the switch hard to find in low-light conditions.
At a glance
What can fail
The fasteners holding the idler gear bracket may not be tight enough, which could allow the idler gear to come loose and separate from the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the turbo compound units and replace them if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may cause the hazard light switch backlight to fail or turn off while driving, making the switch difficult to see in low light.
What the fix does
Volvo Trucks will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will update the vehicle master control unit software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Electrical noise and weak signal strength in the power line carrier may cause the Bendix EC80 electronic control unit to misinterpret commands or fail completely.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the electronic control unit software at no cost to restore proper operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When the vehicle's communication system is interrupted and the truck enters limp mode, the accelerator pedal signal can become incorrect, causing unintended acceleration.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the truck's electronic control unit software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The accelerator pedal position sensor may disconnect, preventing the engine from returning to idle and causing the truck to not meet Canadian regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Volvo Trucks will mail owners. Corrective actions for this recall are currently being developed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The accelerator pedal position sensor may disconnect, causing the engine to stay above idle speed instead of returning to idle within 2 seconds when you release the pedal.
What the fix does
The throttle pedal will be replaced and the vehicle software will be updated at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger side bench seat may not be securely attached to the floor due to inadequate fastening, which could cause the seat to move or separate during operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the weld nut with two nuts and a washer to secure the seat properly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fasteners connecting the steering gear may not be properly tightened, potentially affecting steering function.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten all steering gear fasteners at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control module may develop an internal electrical short-circuit, which can cause the engine to stall while driving.
What the fix does
The engine control module will be replaced and recalibrated to restore proper engine function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering gear may have been assembled incorrectly, which can cause it to fracture.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear on affected vehicles.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Cabinets in the truck may not be properly secured to the walls because the bolts fastening them were installed without the necessary washers.
What the fix does
Dealers will add washers to the existing bolts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
