The 1999 Volvo WX has 9 recalls, the most serious being multiple steering defects that can cause partial or complete loss of steering control, raising the risk of a crash.
Two distinct steering problems affect this truck. Tie rod ball-socket bearings in the front axle linkage can wear prematurely and allow the driver to lose control of the right front wheel. Separately, the steering slip shaft connecting the steering column to the gear input shaft can be too long, putting pressure on the input shaft until it cracks, which can cause total loss of steering with no warning beforehand. There is also a fuel system concern: the cap on the steel fuel tank can fail under impact, allowing fuel to leak and raising the risk of fire.
On the brake side, automatic slack adjusters in the air brake system may have had insufficient torque applied during assembly, causing the brakes to gradually lose adjustment and extend stopping distance. Certain trucks also have front steer axle air brakes that do not meet required application and release timing standards, which affects how quickly the brakes engage and disengage.
At a glance
What can fail
On some heavy-duty vehicles with ArvinMeritor axles equipped with TRW Model 20EDL ball sockets, the tie rod ball-socket bearings may have insufficient case depth or hardness, causing premature wear.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ball socket assemblies at no cost to you.
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
Certain tie rod ball sockets have insufficient case depth or hardness, causing premature wear of the socket.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the defective ball sockets and/or drag links at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Tie rod ball-socket bearings may have insufficient case depth and hardness, causing premature wear of the socket.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ball socket assemblies at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some TRW 20-EDL ball-socket assemblies in these heavy duty trucks have case depth and hardness below specification, causing the socket to wear out prematurely. These parts were made between July 5 and October 3, 1999.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ball-socket assemblies with new ones.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank cap on steel fuel tanks can fail when subjected to the impact test required by federal safety standards, potentially allowing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new fuel tank cap designed to withstand impact without failing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front steer axle brakes don't apply properly and don't release within the required time, violating air brake system standards.
What the fix does
A relay valve will be installed in the steer axle brake system to fix the application and release timing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some automatic slack adjusters on the air brakes may have the guide pawl cap screw fastened with insufficient torque, which can cause it to loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the guide pawl torque. If loose, brakes will be adjusted and the guide pawl tightened to 15-20 foot-pounds.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering slip shaft connecting the steering column to the steering gear may be too long, creating excessive side pressure on the steering gear input shaft and potentially breaking it, which would cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Replace the steering slip shaft on affected vehicles.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering slip shaft connecting the steering column to the steering gear may be longer than it should be.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering slip shaft with the correct length.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
