The Volvo VNL has 87 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1997–2025. On average a defect was admitted 1.66 years after the car was built, the slowest took 9 years. The most recalled system is Steering (14 campaigns). Owners also filed 111 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Volvo VNL
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Steering 14 Read
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2024-2025 VNL and VNR vehicles. The steering gear sector shaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which can cause the gear teeth to crack or fracture
Risk. A fractured steering gear shaft can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect the serial numbers, and replace the steering gears, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 5, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2401
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2024-2025 VNL and VNR vehicles. The steering gear sector shaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which can cause the gear teeth to crack or fracture
Risk. A fractured steering gear shaft can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect the serial numbers, and replace the steering gears, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 5, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2401
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling one 2024 VNL truck. The bearing journals may not be fully seated in the steering knuckle assembly, preventing the proper installation of the wheel end hub assembly
Risk. An improperly installed wheel end hub assembly can leak oil, causing the axle spindles to loosen or fracture and increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Hendrickson will inspect and replace the steering knuckle assembly as necessary, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed February 2, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2315
Service Brakes, Air 10 Read
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2023 VNL vehicles. The air tank bracket fasteners were excessively tightened and may have broken
Risk. Broken fasteners may allow the air tank to detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2205
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2023 VNL vehicles. The air tank bracket fasteners were excessively tightened and may have broken
Risk. Broken fasteners may allow the air tank to detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2205
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2021 VAH, VHD, VNL and VNR vehicles. The die cast pedal plate may break at one of its attachment points, possibly resulting in the brake pedal dislodging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Risk. A dislodged brake pedal would be inoperable, increasing a risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the pedal plates if required, free of charge. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2004
Power Train 9 Read
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022 VNL vehicles. The electronic control unit software may allow the transmission to shift into neutral unexpectedly
Risk. An unexpected shift to neutral can increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 01, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2104
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2019-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The t-bolt clasps on the transmission auxiliary air tank straps may have been over-tightened, resulting in potential deformation to the strap where the t-bolt is anchored
Risk. The deformation of the air tank strap t-bolts may cause the t-bolt to disconnect from the strap allowing the tank to drop to the ground and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the air tank strap, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX1904
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volvo VNL vehicles equipped with an automated manual transmission. An internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement
Risk. Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo has notified owners and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began February 1, 2019. Owners can contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1901
Electrical System 7 Read
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The fuse in the transmission circuit may blow, preventing the transmission from shifting
Risk. If the fuse blows the transmission may not shift, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuse, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX1903
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The fuse in the transmission circuit may blow, preventing the transmission from shifting
Risk. If the fuse blows the transmission may not shift, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuse, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX1903
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The fuse in the transmission circuit may blow, preventing the transmission from shifting
Risk. If the fuse blows the transmission may not shift, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuse, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX1903
Suspension 6 Read
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 Volvo VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to June 21, 2016. The affected vehicles were built with front wheel hubs that cannot support the gross axle weight rating of the front axle
Risk. Overloaded front wheel hubs can result in premature failure of the hubs, bearings, and the related components, which can cause the front hub assembly to separate from the front axle. Because of this, the driver may lose control of the vehicle or parts may be dropped on the road, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hub assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1607
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 VT trucks manufactured from April 9, 2008, through September 24, 2009, and certain 2016 model VNL and VNM trucks manufactured from January 2, 2015, through to November 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with USK non-greasable drag links that may experience corrosion of the ball joints due to the seals being compromised, possibly resulting in accelerated wear and failure of the ball joint
Risk. Failure of the ball joint may cause separation of the socket and a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drag links, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1601. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall 15V-651
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2015 VNL vehicles equipped with Meritor FF967 Non-Drive Front Steer axles. The axles missed the heat treating operation during manufacturing, reducing their strength and possibly causing the axle beams to fracture
Risk. Fracture of the axle beam can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo Trucks will notify the affected vehicle owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the axles as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact Meritor customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX1905
Visibility 5 Read
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2024 VNR, VNL, VHD, and VAH trucks. The windshield wiper motor gears may wear prematurely, causing the motor to fail
Risk. Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2309
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2024 VNR, VNL, VHD, and VAH trucks. The windshield wiper motor gears may wear prematurely, causing the motor to fail
Risk. Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2309
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2024 VNR, VNL, VHD, and VAH trucks. The windshield wiper motor gears may wear prematurely, causing the motor to fail
Risk. Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2309
Trailer Hitches 5 Read
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2019 Volvo VNL and VNR trucks equipped with Jost fifth wheel couplings. The fifth wheel may have an outboard slider bracket that is too narrow, possibly allowing the trailer to separate from the tractor
Risk. If the trailer separates from the tractor, it can increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fifth wheel slider bracket, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 25, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall RVXX1801
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured June 21, 2010, to December 14, 2012. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage
Risk. If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo will notify owners, and Fontaine dealers will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1507
What's wrong. Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 vnl and vnm trucks manufactured from may 1, 2010, through january 31, 2011. During the coupling process, it is possible for the driver to partially close the fifth wheel lock and if solely relying on a tug test (pull test), the driver may think that the fifth wheel lock is properly coupled to the trailer king pin when in fact it is not properly coupled
Risk. If the driver drives away with a trailer that is not properly coupled, the trailer can come loose and potentially result in a vehicle crash
Fix. Dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lock bar free of charge. The safety recall began on december 7, 2011. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586
Engine And Engine Cooling 5 Read
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted
Risk. If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single screen filter banjo bolt will be replaced with a dual screen filter banjo bolt, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1802
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted
Risk. If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single screen filter banjo bolt will be replaced with a dual screen filter banjo bolt, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1802
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Trucks) is recalling certain model year 2017 VNL trucks manufactured March 15, 2016, to April 20, 2016, equipped with a Cummins ISX12 or ISX15 engine using certain engine control modules (ECM). These ECM's may experience an internal electrical short that can cause a fuse to blow, resulting in an unexpected engine stall without the ability to restart the engine
Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Cummins will notify owners, and Cummins dealers will replace the existing ECM with a new ECM, free of charge. The recall began on July 11, 2016. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-343-7357 or Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1604
Wheels 4 Read
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2024 VNR, VNL, and VHD vehicles. The hub covers do not properly fit on the hub and can detach from the vehicle
Risk. A detached hub cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will remove the hub covers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2302
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021-2022 VAH, VDH, VNL, AND VNR vehicles. The hubcap compression spring can cause the hubcap to separate
Risk. A separated hubcap can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will remove the hubcap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Mack's number for this recall is RVXX 2102
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022 VNL vehicles equipped with Alcoa Mirror Polish Wheels, part number ULT 391, and wheel size 22.5 x 8.25. Under certain circumstances, these wheels may not be able to support the load, which can cause the wheels to bend or break while in use
Risk. Bent or broken wheels can increase the risk of a crash
Fix. The affected vehicles have been contained by the manufacturer, and therefore no owners will be notified. Dealers will replace the wheels, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is 21E-007
Equipment 4 Read
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk. If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk. If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002
What's wrong. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk. If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 1.66 years |
| Slowest campaign | 9 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 9% |
| Campaigns on record | 87 |
Which VNL years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Steering | |
| 2024 | Wheels | |
| 2023 | Service Brakes, Air | |
| 2022 | Engine | |
| 2021 | Steering | |
| 2020 | Structure | |
| 2019 | Trailer Hitches | |
| 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | |
| 2017 | Steering | |
| 2016 | Parking Brake | |
| 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | |
| 2014 | Electrical System | |
| 2013 | Service Brakes, Air | |
| 2012 | Service Brakes, Air | |
| 2011 | Visibility | |
| 2010 | Visibility | |
| 2009 | Service Brakes, Air | |
| 2008 | Power Train | |
| 2007 | Power Train | |
| 2006 | Equipment | |
| 2005 | Equipment | |
| 2004 | Equipment | |
| 2003 | Visibility | |
| 2002 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2001 | Steering | |
| 2000 | Service Brakes, Air | |
| 1999 | Service Brakes, Air | |
| 1998 | Service Brakes, Air | |
| 1997 | Service Brakes, Air |
Check your own car
Each of these 87 campaigns covers a range of production, not every Volvo VNL ever built — two cars of the same year can differ by a single week at the plant. Whether yours is among them, and whether the free repair was already carried out, is answered only by the number on its windscreen: check this VNL by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
A campaign on one model says little about the brand as a whole — see how the Volvo VNL compares in the full recall check by make and model →
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Volvo VNL have?
87 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1997–2025. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my VNL still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 1.66 years, and the slowest campaign came 9 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.
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