2011 VOLVO VNL Recalls — Canada & USA

The 2011 Volvo VNL has 14 recalls, the most serious involving multiple brake system hazards including the risk of brake-caused fires, complete loss of braking, and trailer detachment that could leave a runaway trailer in traffic. The brake concerns cover several distinct failures. Brake chambers on certain trucks can develop air leaks that prevent the parking brake from fully releasing, causing drag that can start a fire. In extremely cold conditions, an anti-lock traction relay valve can leak internally and trigger unintended brake application, which can overheat the brakes and also lead to a fire. Separately, slack adjusters on affected trucks can crack under normal braking and cause a complete loss of braking, and on other trucks the slack adjuster housing can fracture and fail, lengthening stopping distances and potentially pulling the vehicle to one side on the steer axle. There are also two fifth wheel recalls: the locking mechanism on Fontaine Ultra LT connectors can fail due to cumulative damage, and a separate issue allows a trailer that is not fully coupled to come loose while driving. On the mechanical side, a missing redundant clutch disengagement switch can allow the clutch to stay engaged when the brakes are applied, extending stopping distances. Trucks with enhanced cruise control but no side fairings may lose the active automatic braking feature in that system. The engine can start without warning during service when an unintended electrical ground forms through the battery cable or fusible link. The bunk area window glass can debond and fall out, and the windshield wiper motor can fail, leaving the driver without visibility