2005 Volvo VN

Defect. Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats. The seat belt d-ring weld may not be sufficient enough to meet the seat belt pull test. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Risk. In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. This increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Remedy. Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.

Defect. ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS, EQUIPPED WITH HOLLAND AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS, A TRANSVERSE BEAM CASTING MAY FRACTURE UNDER NORMAL LOADS. IF A CASTING BREAKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING ON A ROADWAY THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR PIECES OF THE CASTING TO BECOME PROJECTILES AND THE SUSPENSION?S TRANSVERSE BEAM MAY DROP DOWN LOW ENOUGH TO CONTACT THE ROAD SURFACE.

Risk. THIS WILL CAUSE SPARKS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY IGNITE AND CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TRANSVERSE BEAM ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 26, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

THE VOLVO VN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS HAVE A LOW BEAM LIGHTING SYSTEM THAT IS TOTALLY INADEQUATE. THESE LIGHTS ARE MUCH TOO DIM AND WHEN THE DEALERSHIPS ARE CONFRONTED WITH THIS, THEY ONLY WANT TO SELL AN ENTIRE NEW LIGHTING UNIT. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND THE COMPANY SEEMS TO BE USING THIS AS A "CASH COW".

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO VN. THE TRACTOR TRAILERS DID NOT HAVE CIRCUIT BREAKERS WHICH CAUSED THE FUSE TO BLOW AND THE BRAKE LIGHT NOT TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *AK