The 2018 Volvo VNL has 7 recalls, the most serious involving the automated manual transmission clutch, which can fail and leave the transmission unable to disengage or shift to neutral, allowing the truck to move even with the parking brake applied.
A separate but related transmission issue involves a fuse in the transmission circuit that can blow and prevent shifting entirely. On trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines, a blocked fuel pump cooling screen can cause a fuel line to burst under certain driving conditions, such as long downhill grades, spilling fuel onto the road. Two recalls address the sleeper bunk windows on 740 and 760 sleeper configurations, which may not be properly secured and can detach while the truck is moving, creating a hazard for other vehicles and pedestrians. There is also a compliance concern: the rear drive axle rating printed on the federal certification label overstates the capacity of the wheel hubs, and if the rear axles are consistently loaded to that stated limit, the hubs can fail prematurely.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear drive axle weight rating printed on the vehicle's certification label is higher than what the wheel hubs can safely support.
What the fix does
Volvo will send corrected certification labels at no cost to replace the inaccurate ones.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuse in the transmission circuit may blow, which prevents the transmission from shifting gears.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission circuit fuse if needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sleeper bunk window may not be securely attached and could separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the hinge on the sleeper bunk window to secure it properly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sleeper bunk window hinge may fail, causing the window to detach and fall from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the window hinge at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing defect in the clutch of certain vehicles with Eaton automated manual transmissions can cause the clutch to fail. When this happens, broken clutch parts may prevent the transmission from disengaging or shifting to neutral.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software to address the issue. Owners will receive a notification letter with instructions to schedule service.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A part inside the clutch assembly can fail in certain 2018-2019 Volvo VNL trucks with automated manual transmissions, which may cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update your Transmission Control Module software at no cost to fix the issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On long downhill grades, a restricted fuel pump cooling circuit screen can cause the fuel line to burst.
What the fix does
Dealers replace the single-screen fuel filter banjo bolt with a dual-screen banjo bolt at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
