The 2021 Volvo VNRE has 4 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a windscreen heater relay that can overheat if it fails in the closed position, and a high-voltage battery where broken internal fasteners can cause an electrical short circuit.
Both fire-related issues stem from the truck's electrical system. The relay concern involves a loose power cable connection that can keep the relay energized and overheating, while the battery issue involves fastener damage that can trigger a short. A third recall covers a closely related problem where the cabin heater relay fails and allows the coolant heater to overheat, also raising the risk of fire. On the safety systems side, electrical interference can cause the Bendix EC80 control unit to misprocess commands or stop responding entirely, which can reduce or cut out automatic traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, active cruise control, and collision mitigation.
At a glance
What can fail
Electrical noise and weak signal strength in the power line carrier may cause the Bendix EC80 electronic control unit to misinterpret commands or fail completely.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the electronic control unit software at no cost to restore proper operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The threaded inserts in the high-voltage battery may be over-tightened and break, potentially causing a short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the battery at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power cables connecting to the windscreen heater relay may loosen, causing the relay to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the power cable connections to the relay at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cabin heater relay may fail, causing the coolant heater to overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will update software in the Hybrid Powertrain Control Unit and Instrument Cluster, and install replacement relays.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
