Summary
The Volvo VNL has 96 recalls spanning 1997 through 2025, with the most serious recent issue being a steering gear sector shaft defect on 2024-2025 models where the gear teeth can crack or fracture, causing complete loss of steering control.
On the current generation, 2025 models also have several electrical and lighting concerns: the instrument cluster can go blank while driving, automatic high beams may fail to dim for oncoming traffic, trailer turn signals can stop working while towing, and brake release timing may fall outside required limits. Load lock bars behind the cab on 2025 trucks can work loose and separate, becoming a road hazard. The 2024 model year has an additional steering concern where a castle nut connecting the steering arm to the drag link can loosen and separate, and a separate issue where wheel end hub oil leaks can cause axle spindles to loosen or fracture. On 2022-2024 trucks equipped with RollTek driver seats, a wiring omission can prevent the side airbag from deploying in a crash. The 2022-2023 model years have air tank bracket fasteners that can break and allow the tank to drop onto the road. Within the 2022 model year, a transmission software error can cause an unexpected shift to neutral, Alcoa wheels of a specific part number can bend or break under load, and flywheel fasteners on Cummins X15 engines can loosen and allow the flywheel to detach, ejecting driveline components from the engine compartment.
Going back through the 2018-2021 era, 2020-2021 models have loose steering gear fasteners that can result in loss of vehicle control, and a brake pedal plate that can fracture and cause the pedal to dislodge entirely. A 2021 power steering pump machining defect can cause the shaft seal to fail and eliminate power steering assist. The 2018-2020 sleeper 740 and 760 trims have bunk windows that can detach and fall from the vehicle, a problem that also appears on the 2020 model year specifically when windows are driven open. Clutch assembly failures on 2018-2019 trucks with automated manual transmissions can allow the vehicle to move unexpectedly. The 2018-2021 model years also carry a certification label issue where the listed rear axle weight rating exceeds the actual hub rating, and sustained overloading can cause hub failure over time.
The 2016-2019 period has a recurring fuel line burst risk on trucks with Cummins ISX15 engines, where a blocked fuel cooling circuit can cause the line to rupture and spill fuel onto the road. The 2016 model year has multiple steering shaft recalls: a two-piece shaft can disconnect at its coupler, and separately, an under-torqued bolt can allow the upper and lower shafts to separate, both resulting in complete steering loss. A drag link ball joint seal defect on 2016 trucks can allow corrosion to accelerate wear until the joint fails. The 2017 model year has an engine control module that can develop an internal short and stall the engine without restart capability on Cummins ISX12 and ISX15 engines, and a separate fuel line burst risk on Cummins X15 and ISX15 trucks. Wheel hub ratings on 2017 trucks were mismatched to the front and rear axles, risking hub failure and wheel separation.
From 2013-2015, front steer axle beams on certain
