2011 Volvo Vnl

Routine

Owners filed 4 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 12 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension1
000
Steering1
000
Engine1
000
Electrical System1
000

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Trailer Hitches › Fifth Wheel Assembly15V643000
Filed Oct 13, 2015669 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Tires14V740000
Filed Nov 18, 2014115 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 VAH and VNL trucks manufactured May 12, 2010, to October 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience premature tire failure during certain operating conditions such as high speeds, heavy load, and high road temperature.

Risk. Premature tire failure could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires and set the road speed limiter, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1405.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control14V356000
Filed Jun 20, 20141,025 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. Volvo Trucks of North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 VNL and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured November 17, 2010, through February 5, 2014, and equipped with enhanced cruise control and without side fairings. In the affected vehicles, the active braking component of the enhanced cruise control can become disabled.

Risk. If the active braking feature becomes disabled, the vehicle may not automatically activate the brakes as intended when the enhanced cruise control system is in use, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1402.

Visibility/Wiper13V349000
Filed Aug 13, 201317,824 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured February 1, 2010, through September 30, 2010 and June 1, 2011, through November 30, 2011. The windshield wiper motor may fail.

Risk. Inoperable wipers may result in poor driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volvo will notify owners and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor, free of charge. The recallbegan on December 6, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1304.

Power Train › Clutch Assembly13V268000
Filed Jun 26, 201323,056 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM, and VT models. The affected vehicles were built without a redundant clutch disengagement switch. Without a redundant switch, a loss of signal from the brake air pressure switch can prevent the clutch from automatically disengaging when the brake is applied.

Risk. Without a signal to disengage the clutch when the brakes are applied, the distance required to stop the truck may lengthen, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volvo Trucks will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles if necessary. The recall began on August 26, 2013. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1303. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.

Parking Brake › Conventional › Air13V152000
Filed Apr 22, 2013701 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 VHD and VNL vehicles manufactured December 13, 2010, through July 17, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with an MGM Type 24 J-series piston parking brake chamber. The brake chambers may leak pressure allowing the parking brake to drag when it is supposed to be released. Brake dragging could lead to overheated brake components.

Risk. Overheated brake components could result in a fire.

Remedy. Volvo will notify owners and the brake chambers will be replaced as needed, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or before, June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Volvo’s campaign recall number is RVXX1302.

Service Brakes, Air › Supply › Check Valve12V036000
Filed Feb 1, 201221,625 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 VHD AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2013 VNL AND VNM VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 2, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2012, AND EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX ATR-6 TRACTION RELAY VALVES. IN EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS, THESE BENDIX RELAY VALVES MAY POTENTIALLY DEVELOP INTERNAL LEAKAGE. INTERNAL LEAKAGE CAN LEAD TO AIR PRESSURE BEING DELIVERED TO AFFECTED PRIMARY OR SECONDARY BRAKE CAUSING CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION.

Risk. INADVERTENT BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND LEAD TO A FIRE. INADVERTENT BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE WHEELS TO LOCK-UP LEADING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND PROVIDE A TEMPORARY REPAIR UNTIL BENDIX DEVELOPS A PERMANENT REMEDY. A PERMANENT REMEDY HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AND NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Trailer Hitches › Fifth Wheel Assembly11V460000
Filed Sep 1, 2011299 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Service Brakes, Air › Slack Adjusters11V265000
Filed May 3, 20112,765 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 VHD, VNL, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 VNM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 15, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2011, AND EQUIPPED WITH GUNITE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. DUE TO AN INCOMPLETE "KNITTING" OF THE IRON AT THE TIME OF CASTING, INADEQUATE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING CAN OCCUR, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE HOUSING TO BREAK AT THE HANDLE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING LOADS.

Risk. SLACK ADJUSTERS WITH THIS FLOW NOTCH COULD CRACK UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. VOLVO TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT SLACK ADJUSTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery11V050000
Filed Jan 24, 20111,847 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 VNL TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 23, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 22, 2010. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO START WITHOUT WARNING BECAUSE OF AN UNINTENDED PATH TO GROUND THAT EXISTS. THIS CAN OCCUR WHEN EITHER THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE IS DISCONNECTED AT THE BATTERY/FUSIBLE LINK OR IF THE FUSIBLE LINK OPENS AS A RESULT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Risk. THIS PRESENTS A RISK OF INJURY WITH NONOPERATIONAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING SERVICED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE A WIRING HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Showing 10 of 12 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Oct 20, 2015621,232 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUCK CABIN JERKED OUT OF CONTROL WHEN A BUMP WAS HIT OR WHEN DRIVING ON ROUGH TERRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE REAR SHOCKS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED ALL THE SHOCKS, BUT THE FAILURE WAS STILL NOT REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 621,232.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 18, 2015474,000 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED RUNNING INTERMITTENT WHEN HITTING A BUMP OR ACCELLERATING, THEN ABRUPTLY SHUT COMPLETELY DOWN WHILE DRIVING. LUCKELY THE SPEED WAS LOW AND WE WERE ABLE TO STOP, BUT ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION ON THE ROAD, SPARKS CAME OFF FROM UNDER THE CAB WITH ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. SHUT DOWN BATTERY SYSTEM. FOUND POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE BEHIND THE ENGINE RUBBED AGAINST CHASSIS SUPPORT BRACKET AND WELDED ITSELF TO THE BRACKET. 40A FUSE IN ENGINE FUSE COMPARTMENT BURNED THROUGH.

Engine
Filed Dec 17, 2013247,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND ENGINE FAULT WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE NOX SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 247,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 247,430.

Steering
Filed May 19, 201145 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLVO VNL TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ABNORMALLY WHENEVER THE WHEEL WAS TURNED WHILE THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SIX TIMES WHERE THERE WERE VARIOUS REPAIRS PERFORMED. THE REPAIRS DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THE FAILURE WAS A COMMON FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING PUMP SEEMED TO BE SMALLER THAN WHAT VOLVO USED PREVIOUSLY IN THEIR TRUCKS AND IT WAS LOOSING PRESSURE AND OVERHEATING. UPDATED 08/10/11

4 of 4 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20250100Routine
20240700Routine
20231300Routine
20222700Routine
20210700Routine
20200900Routine
20194810Routine
20188500Routine
20170500Do not drive
201612600Do not drive
20155900Routine
201481200Routine
201371400Routine
201251400Routine
2011 — this page41200Routine
20100400Routine
20092400Routine
200831200Routine
200715920Routine
20067700Routine
20056600Routine
20045600Routine
20032920Routine
20021700Routine
20011800Routine
200010410Routine
199911500Routine
19988500Routine
19970400Routine
19960100Routine
19950100Routine
19940100Routine
19930100Routine
19920100Routine
19910100Routine
19900100Routine

Compare every Vnl year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 13, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.