Summary
The Volvo WG has 9 recalls spanning the 1990-1999 production run, with the most serious being a tie rod ball stud on 1999 models that can separate from its socket assembly, leaving the driver with no steering control over the right steer axle. A separate steering concern affects 1997 models, where the upper steering arm on trucks equipped with a FAL 8.0 front steer axle can fail without warning and cause a complete loss of steering control. The 1996 model year has a front axle hub flange that can develop cracks from stress and lead to a wheel separating from the vehicle. On 1994 models, undercoating squeezed onto the brake pedal plunger during assembly can cause the pedal to stick, requiring more force to stop and slowing brake release after the pedal is let go. There is also a brake issue on 1999 models where the automatic slack adjuster pull pawl may not have been torqued correctly, causing the wheel brake assembly to lose adjustment and become ineffective. Going back to the earliest production, 1990 models have tail lamps, backup lamp, and license plate lamp mounted on insufficiently rigid brackets, which can allow the lamps to shift and reduce visibility to drivers approaching from behind. The 1997 model year also has a compliance issue where warning labels describing the correct sequence for entering and exiting the cab were omitted, leaving occupants without guidance that helps prevent slips and falls.
