The 2002 Volvo VNL has 5 recalls, the most serious being a steering drag link that can separate at the ball socket and cause a complete and sudden loss of steering control.
Water intrusion is a separate concern: if moisture reaches the chassis-mounted electrical inverter through its wiring harness, the inverter can short out and catch fire. The bunk lamp issue is related to both of these fire risks. When the sleeper bunk is raised into its stored position, an object left on the bunk can press against the lamp and switch it on. With airflow to the lamp restricted, the lamp and the object in contact with it can smolder or smoke, creating a fire risk inside the cab. On the structural side, the upper side window in the sleeper section can separate from the sliding track mechanism if the window is open. If that happens, the glass panel can detach from the frame and become a projectile hazard to other vehicles or people nearby.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
When the bunk is raised to store, objects left on it may press the lamp and block its air vents, causing the lamp and object to smoke or smolder.
What the fix does
Dealer installs a new bunk lamp with a push-button switch to prevent accidental activation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When the bunk is raised to store it, objects left on the bunk can accidentally turn on the bunk lamp.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a bunk lamp with a push button on/off switch to prevent accidental activation.
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 disables the inverter.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiring harness to prevent water from entering the inverter.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On some vehicles, the sleeper section upper side window glass can separate from its slide track mechanism. If the window is open when this happens, the glass may fall out and create a hazard.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect the window and replace the glass if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
