The 2001 Volvo VNL has 5 recalls, the most serious being multiple steering defects that can result in complete loss of steering control and a crash.
Two of the steering issues involve the drag link, a rod connecting the steering gear to the front axle: the ball socket at either end can separate, leaving the driver with no ability to steer the truck. A third steering concern involves a mismatched steering column shaft that may have been installed during production. If the shorter shaft was used, operating the steering column's tilt or extension adjustment can push the shaft outside its normal working range, wearing it down over time until steering is lost. On the electrical side, water can enter the chassis-mounted inverter through its wiring harness and cause a short circuit that starts a fire.
At a glance
What can fail
The drag link—part of the steering system—may fail and separate at the ball socket, causing complete loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the drag link assembly and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The ball socket in the sealed drag link can separate due to certain conditions, affecting steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the ball socket or drag link as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the electrical inverter through the wiring harness connection, causing an electrical short that may result in a fire.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the wiring harness connected to the inverter.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wrong steering shaft may have been installed. The shorter shaft could operate outside its normal range, causing accelerated wear and potentially leading to loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will install the correct lower steering shaft.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A shorter steering shaft may have been installed instead of the correct one. This could cause the steering column to extend beyond its normal operating range when adjusted.
What the fix does
Dealers will install the correct lower steering shaft at no cost to the owner.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
