NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
The 2014 Volvo VNL has 12 recalls, the most serious including a fire risk from battery cables that can loosen and overheat, a steering draglink ball joint that can separate and cause complete loss of steering, and brake calipers that can detach from the backing plate.
Several other safety-critical issues round out the list. On D16-equipped trucks, engine software can cause a stall that cuts power steering and other safety systems. Trucks with Cummins Westport natural gas engines can develop frozen condensation in the intake manifold during cold weather, which can cause elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe. The driveshaft on trucks equipped with a Meritor RPL-20 driveline can fail and scatter debris on the road. The trailer hand brake handle can stick in the applied position and cause trailer brakes to drag, overheating the wheel end and potentially starting a fire or causing a tire blowout.
On the braking and drivetrain side, a missing redundant clutch disengagement switch can lengthen stopping distances, and incorrect software controlling the air dryer can let oil and water contaminate the air brake system, reducing braking performance. The active braking component of the enhanced cruise control can disable itself on trucks without side fairings. On certain trucks, the auxiliary power unit can crack at its mounting points and fall off the vehicle. Seatbelt buckles on some trucks may not release properly, which could slow egress in an emergency.
At a glance
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What can fail
The electronic air dryer's software may malfunction, allowing oil and water to contaminate the brake system.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The metal housing of certain auxiliary power units may crack or tear at mounting points. Mounting bolts securing these units may loosen or fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the power unit for damage and install reinforcement kits to strengthen mounting points and replace brackets with stronger clamps.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The draglink ball socket boot can be damaged due to the ball stud angle, allowing contaminants in. This causes corrosion and accelerated wear of the ball, potentially leading to complete joint separation and loss of steering control.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the draglink with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trailer hand brake handle may get stuck and not return to the off position because the trim panel cutout restricts its movement.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and lengthen the trim panel slot as needed to allow the brake handle to move freely.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine software parameters were set incorrectly during manufacturing on certain D16 engine vehicles, which may cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, resulting in loss of power and affecting power steering and other safety systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine software to correct the parameters.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake caliper bolts may not be tightened properly, allowing the caliper to separate from the backing plate and disable braking at that wheel.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the bolts and tighten or replace them as needed.
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
Moisture can accumulate in the intake manifold and freeze in cold weather, which may disrupt the intake manifold pressure sensor's normal function.
What the fix does
Authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new engine computer calibration at no cost to restore proper sensor operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt buckle may not release properly when pressed, which could make it difficult to exit the vehicle quickly in an emergency.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your seat belt buckles and replace them if they don't release correctly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driveshaft in certain 2013-2014 VNL vehicles with Meritor RPL-20 transmissions is not strong enough for this application and may break.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driveshaft 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 remote battery disconnect switch has incorrect hardware that allows cables to loosen. Mounted horizontally, cables may vibrate and chafe, potentially causing failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the remote battery disconnect switch and relocate it to prevent cable vibration and chafing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
