Volvo Vnm Recalls

The Volvo VNM has 33 recalls spanning 1997 through 2017, with the most serious being a missing roll pin on the steering shaft of 2016-2017 models that can cause the lower shaft to disconnect from the junction block, resulting in complete and sudden loss of steering control.

The final production years carry several other critical safety issues. On 2017 models, front wheel hubs that cannot support the rated front axle load can fail prematurely, causing the entire hub assembly to separate from the axle. Also on 2016-2017 models, a ball joint can separate and eliminate steering, and a tie rod nut on 2016 models can back off and allow the tie rod to disconnect from the steering knuckle, again with complete steering loss as the result. The 2017 model year also has an engine control module that can develop an internal short, blow a fuse, and stall the engine without warning. On 2013-2017 models, incorrect software for the electronic air dryer can allow oil and water to contaminate the air brake system, degrading braking performance.

The middle production years, roughly 2011-2015, concentrate on fire, brake, and fifth-wheel risks. On 2012-2016 models, excessive crankcase pressure can push a vent tube elbow off the breather, spraying engine oil onto hot surfaces and raising the risk of fire. The 2012-2015 trailer hand brake handle can stick in the applied position due to interference with the trim panel cutout, causing the trailer's service brakes to drag, overheat the wheel end, and potentially ignite a wheel fire or blow a tire. Fifth-wheel locking mechanisms on 2011-2013 models equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT connectors can fail to engage after cumulative wear, allowing a trailer to detach unexpectedly. Disc brake calipers on 2014-2015 models can detach from the backing plate due to undertorqued bolts, causing the vehicle to pull sharply to one side. A 2013 model year front steer axle can fracture, and separately, wheel rims on 2013 models can fail and separate from the vehicle.

Going further back, the 2008 model year has steering gear mounting bolts that may not have been tightened to specification, allowing the gear to shift and causing loss of steering. The 2007 model year carries a cluster of issues: a steering shaft retaining nut that may lack a locking feature and can back off, separating the shaft; a fifth-wheel latch jaw that can fail to close around the trailer king pin; an axle housing that can fatigue and lock up or shed an end; a driveshaft snap ring that can allow the universal joint to fracture and damage the driveline; and a fuel filter heater thermoswitch that can short and overheat the heating element to the point of ignition. On 2003 models, circuit breakers protecting the lighting system may not interrupt a short circuit quickly enough, allowing wiring to overheat and catch fire, and EGR cooler inlet pipes on D12D-equipped 2003 trucks can crack and expose the air cleaner and inner fender to hot exhaust gases. The 2001 model year has a windshield wiper motor susceptible to water intrusion that can short and start a fire, a fifth-wheel top plate weld that can develop a fatigue crack and allow the plate to separate from its mount, and an anti-lock brake valve package with undertorqued bolts that can leak air and compromise