NHTSA (USA)Critical
The 2011 Volvo VNL has 14 recalls, the most serious involving multiple brake system defects that can cause brake failure, unintended brake application leading to fire, or a parking brake that drags and ignites.
The brake concerns cover several distinct problems: slack adjuster housings can crack or fracture under normal braking, reducing or eliminating braking force at the affected wheel; in extreme cold, certain Bendix relay valves can leak internally and apply the brakes unintentionally, overheating the brakes to the point of fire; and brake chambers on some trucks can develop air leaks that prevent the parking brake from fully releasing, also creating a fire risk. Two separate fifth wheel recalls address trailer coupling: in one, the coupling mechanism can fail to properly engage and a trailer can separate from the truck while driving; in another, cumulative wear to the locking mechanism can cause the same result. A tire recall affects trucks governed at 70 mph or faster that are used in auto transport service with a specific 295/60 R22.5 tire size.
On the drivetrain side, a missing redundant clutch disengagement switch can prevent the clutch from releasing when the brakes are applied, extending stopping distance. The enhanced cruise control system on some trucks can lose its active braking function without warning. Two electrical recalls describe a wiring condition that can cause the engine to start unexpectedly during service work. The bunk area window adhesive can fail and allow the glass to fall out, and the windshield wiper motor can fail, leaving the driver without wipers in wet conditions.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The fifth wheel connector's locking mechanism may fail or not engage properly due to cumulative damage, potentially allowing trailer separation.
What the fix does
Fontaine dealers will replace the fifth wheel connector with an Ultra NT model at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain auto transport trucks with speed governors set to 113 km/h (70 mph) or higher using 295/60 R22.5 XZA2 Energy Tires, the front tires may fail prematurely due to high speeds, heavy loads, and road heat, potentially causing loss of control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the tires and adjust the road speed governor.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The active braking part of enhanced cruise control may stop working on certain trucks equipped with this feature and without side fairings.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the control unit software at no cost to restore proper braking function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper motor may fail, potentially leaving the windshield unable to be wiped during operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The clutch may not automatically disengage when the brake is applied if the brake air pressure switch loses its signal, because the vehicle lacks a backup clutch disengagement switch.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair them if necessary to restore proper clutch disengagement function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake chambers may develop an air leak, preventing the parking brake from fully releasing. This can cause the parking brake to drag and create a fire hazard.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake chambers and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In extreme cold (−18°C or below), Bendix ATR-6 Antilock Traction Relay valves can leak internally, causing unintended braking that may overheat brakes and start fires or cause loss of control.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the cover assembly on the ATR valves to prevent internal leakage.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In extremely cold conditions, the Bendix ATR-6 traction relay valve may develop internal leakage, causing air pressure to be delivered to the brake system and resulting in continuous brake application.
What the fix does
Volvo will replace the affected traction relay valve with a permanent repair. This service is performed free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fifth wheel lock can be partially closed during coupling without the driver knowing. A pull test may falsely indicate the lock is properly secured to the trailer kingpin when it actually isn't.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lock bar at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The slack adjuster housing may have weak structural integrity due to incomplete iron casting. Under normal braking loads, the housing could break at the handle attachment point.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the slack adjusters at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Slack adjuster housings may crack or break due to manufacturing defects, causing brake failure on that wheel and longer stopping distances. A failed front-axle slack adjuster could also pull the vehicle to one side while braking.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the slack adjusters and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine may start unexpectedly due to an unintended electrical ground path, which can happen when the negative battery cable is disconnected or a fusible link opens from a short circuit. This poses an injury risk during service.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a jumper wiring harness connecting the engine harness to the chassis harness.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The truck may start unexpectedly due to an unintended electrical ground path. This can happen if the negative battery cable disconnects or the fusible link opens from a short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiring harness at no cost to correct the electrical path.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The adhesive securing the upper bunk area window glass may fail, causing the glass to come loose.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the window and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
