2012 Volvo Vnl

Routine

Owners filed 5 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 14 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension1
000
Structure › Body1
001
Steering1
102
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
000
Electrical System1
000

14 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.

Electrical System15V634000
Filed Oct 8, 2015101 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Volvo VNL trucks manufactured December 1, 2011, to September 1, 2013, equipped with certain Electric Auxiliary Power Units (APU), part number BA600, manufactured by Idle Free Systems (IFS). The affected APUs have metal housings whose mounting points may crack and tear. Additionally, the mounting bolts of the power units may loosen or possibly fail.

Risk. If the mounting points crack and tear or the attaching bolts loosen or fail, the power unit may detach from the truck, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volvo will notify owners and IFS dealers will inspect the APU for damage and, where needed, install a welded gusset upgrade kit to strengthen the APU C-channels. All units will receive stronger clamping brackets. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586, or IFS customer service at 1-920-206-9333. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1506.

Service Brakes15V524000
Filed Aug 17, 20152,854 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured May 31, 2011, to December 1, 2014. In the affected trucks, the trailer hand brake handle may not to return to the off position due to being restricted by the cut out in the trim panel.

Risk. If the brake handle does return to the off position, the trailer service brakes may drag causing the wheel end to overheat and potentially cause a wheel end fire or tire blowout. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trim panel slot and make it longer, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-258-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1504.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission14V739000
Filed Nov 18, 20146,234 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012, 2014-2015 VHD, 2012-2015 VNL, and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured June 16, 2011, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with the Eco-Roll option. The affected trucks may fail to re-engage the vehicle drivetrain after using the Eco-Roll feature.

Risk. If the drivetrain does not re-engage, the vehicle's stopping distance may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volvo has notified owners, and dealers will update the Eco-Roll software, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1406.

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.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables13V102000
Filed Mar 21, 20135,207 vehiclesVolvo Trucks North America

Defect. Volvo is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks, manufactured from April 18, 2011, through March 14, 2013, and equipped with a horizontally mounted remote battery disconnect switch. The remote battery disconnect switch was manufactured with incorrect hardware allowing the cables to loosen. Additionally, as mounted, the cables may vibrate and chafe.

Risk. Loose or chafed cables may lead to overheating of the battery cable and switch which may result in a fire.

Remedy. Volvo will send owners an interim letter and dealers will replace and relocate the remote battery disconnect switch. The recall began on May 7, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo's recall support line at 1-877-800-4945 and select option 1.

Showing 10 of 14 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Jun 12, 2017FL

I BOTH THE VOLVO 780 SEMI TRUCK 8 MONTHS AGO AND I DO STILL HAVE A PROBLEM. I DO REPLACE WHOLE SUSPENSION, MAKE A 6 TIMES ALIGNMENT AND TRUCK STILL SWAY IN THE ROAD. DEALER FROM CONNECTICUT DO TEST DRIVE AND HE SAID MY WHOLE CAB SWAY FROM RIGHT TO THE LEFT. HE RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT CAB SHOCKS AND I DID, JUST WHOLE CAB IT'S SWAY ANY WAY. POOR WATHER LIKE WIND IT'S IS DIFFICULT DRIVING, ROAD ZONE NOT EVEN LANE IT'S TERRIBLE AND AWCORSE IN THE TAKE A CURVE I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO THE MINIMUM SPEED, MAKE A DENGER FOR OTHER DRIVER. I WILL BE PUT TRUCK FOR SHOP DO INVESTIGATION, JUST I'M PUT IN ALMOST $10.000 FOR REPAIR LIKE I DO NOT HAVE TO REPLACE MY WHOLE SUSPENSION AND OTHER STUFF, ALSO I STILL HAVE A TRUCK PAYMENT AND INSURANCE AND I HAVE TO TO RUN. LIKE I READ OTHER COMPLAIN, OTHER DRIVERS HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM. PLESE DO SOMETHING. TRULY WESLEY O/O . HAVE A NICE DAY

Electrical System
Filed Apr 24, 2017FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND RODE ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THEM TO PROVIDE A REPAIR SOLUTION. THE RECALL SPECIFICS AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Nov 30, 20152,500 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 (NA) VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE GETTING OFF THE TOP BUNK OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME INJURED AND RECEIVED NERVE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

SteeringCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 20, 2015329,090 milesTN

DRAG LINK FAILED, A KNOWN ISSUE TO THE MANUFACTURER RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL. CRASHED INTO CENTER WALL THEN THRU GUARDRAIL AND DOWN EMBANKMENT. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ALSO. PASSENGER WAS HURT VERY BAD, DRIVER SLIGHTLY HURT. LARGE TRUCK OUT OF CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE FROM A PROBLEM THE COMPANY KNEW TO EXIST IS CRIMINAL. TRUCK WAS WELL MAINTAINED PER VOLVO INSTRUCTIONS. 329090 MILES ON THE TRUCK. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 2, 2012118,390 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO VNL 670. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V036000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE) AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS A TEMPORARY REPAIR WHICH INCLUDED DISABLING THE TRACTION CONTROL. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE A PERMANENT REMEDY FOR THE DEFECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NO LONGER FELT SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,390.

5 of 5 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
2012 — this page51400Routine
201141200Routine
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.