2012 Volvo VHD: recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2012 Volvo VHD. The newest campaign is 18V766000. NHTSA received the report on 30 Oct 2018. The NHTSA record gives the component Exterior Lighting. NHTSA has no complaint on file for this model year. 2 NHTSA investigations name this model year.

The NHTSA recall file shows no do-not-drive advisory and no park-outside advisory on these campaigns.

This page cannot show if a recall applies to one vehicle. The NHTSA VIN lookup shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle.

Remedy of the newest campaign, 18V766000, in the NHTSA record

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the software related to the plow lights, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1804.

NHTSA VIN lookup

Complaint information entered into NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation vehicle owner's complaint database is used with other data sources to identify safety issues that warrant investigation and to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.
NHTSA publishes these words. Source: NHTSA Datasets and APIs, section Complaints, read on 1 Oct 2026. Complaint file through 15 May 2019. Recall file through 29 Sep 2026.

Since the last update

No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks

All updates to the register

Recall campaigns

11 campaigns, newest first. 88,051 units in total.

18V76600030 Oct 2018Exterior Lighting
16V73500013 Oct 2016Suspension / Front / Control Arm / Lower Ball Joint
14V73900018 Nov 2014Power Train / Automatic Transmission
13V34900013 Aug 2013Visibility/Wiper
13V26800026 Jun 2013Power Train / Clutch Assembly
13V15200022 Apr 2013Parking Brake / Conventional / Air
13V10200021 Mar 2013Electrical System / 12v/24v/48v Battery / Cables
12V51000018 Oct 2012Seat Belts
12V0360001 Feb 2012Service Brakes, Air / Supply / Check Valve
11V29400020 May 2011Power Train / Driveline
11V2650003 May 2011Service Brakes, Air / Slack Adjusters

18V766000Received 30 Oct 2018. 4,625 units.
Exterior Lighting
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2004-2019 Volvo VHD trucks equipped with snow plow lamp preparation kits. The snow plow headlights can be turned on without other exterior lights, and high beam indicator will not work when the snow plow high beams are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
The driver may operate the vehicle with the snow plow headlights on but the marker and tail lamps off, reducing the vehicle's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the software related to the plow lights, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1804.
Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1804. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 19 Dec 2018.
16V735000Received 13 Oct 2016. 4,177 units.
Suspension / Front / Control Arm / Lower Ball Joint
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 VHD trucks manufactured from April 7, 2008, through December 9, 2015, equipped with USK non-greasable drag links. The ball joint seals may be compromised, which can allow water and other contaminants to enter the ball joints.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If water and contaminants enter the ball joint, corrosion can occur and lead to accelerated wear, which over time can result in failure of the ball joint, possibly resulting in complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drag links, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1606.
Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1606. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 2 Dec 2016.
14V739000Received 18 Nov 2014. 6,234 units.
Power Train / Automatic Transmission
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If the drivetrain does not re-engage, the vehicle's stopping distance may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1406. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 10 Dec 2014.
13V349000Received 13 Aug 2013. 17,824 units.
Visibility/Wiper
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
Inoperable wipers may result in poor driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1304. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 6 Dec 2013.
13V268000Received 26 Jun 2013. 23,056 units.
Power Train / Clutch Assembly
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1303. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 26 Aug 2013.
13V152000Received 22 Apr 2013. 701 units.
Parking Brake / Conventional / Air
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
Overheated brake components could result in a fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1302.
13V102000Received 21 Mar 2013. 5,207 units.
Electrical System / 12v/24v/48v Battery / Cables
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
Loose or chafed cables may lead to overheating of the battery cable and switch which may result in a fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1301. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 7 May 2013.
12V510000Received 18 Oct 2012. 1,496 units.
Seat Belts
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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."
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1204. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 10 May 2013.
12V036000Received 1 Feb 2012. 21,625 units.
Service Brakes, Air / Supply / Check Valve
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1202. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 27 Apr 2012.
11V294000Received 20 May 2011. 341 units.
Power Train / Driveline
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2012 vhd, vnl, and vnm trucks equipped with a meritor driveline. The tubing used to assemble the drivelines has a nonconforming seam weld with insufficient bonding of the material.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
This can result in seam weld fracture when torque is applied. Once the tube seam weld is fractured, the driveline may become inoperable, which may result in a disabled vehicle or debris from the driveline falling onto the roadway, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace the drivelines free of charge. The safety recall began on july 25, 2011. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1104. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 25 Jul 2011.
11V265000Received 3 May 2011. 2,765 units.
Service Brakes, Air / Slack Adjusters
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
Slack adjusters with this flow notch could crack under normal braking conditions causing loss of braking which could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1103. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 12 Aug 2011.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

Complaints by component

The NHTSA complaint file has no complaint for this model year.

Investigations

NHTSA investigations that name the 2012 Volvo VHD
Number	Type	Subject	Component	Opened	Closed	Campaign
AQ18005	Audit query	Discrepancies in Required CFR Reporting	Communication	22 Oct 2018	4 Aug 2023
PE13002	Preliminary evaluation	Stop Lamp Switch Signal	Power Train / Automatic Transmission	7 Feb 2013	3 Jul 2013	13V268000

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

Other model years

The number under each year is the number of recall campaigns.

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

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Official channels

NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
NHTSA page of the 2012 Volvo VHDThe recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

Cite this page

Recall Register. 2012 Volvo VHD: recalls and complaints. https://recallregister.com/vehicle/volvo/vhd/2012/. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall, complaint and investigation files. Data through 29 Sep 2026.

Sources

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Licence: US government work, public domain
Recall file through: 29 Sep 2026
Complaint file through: 15 May 2019
First complaint in the file: 1 Jan 1995
Manufacturer in the recall file: Volvo Trucks North America

The NHTSA record is the authority. A complaint count is the number of different complaint numbers for the make, the model and the model year. How the register is made. Report an error.

Questions

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2012 Volvo VHD?: 88,051 units in 11 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.
How many recall campaigns does the Volvo VHD have for all model years?: NHTSA lists 61 recall campaigns for the Volvo VHD, model years 1999 to 2027. 11 of them name the 2012 model year.
Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2012 Volvo VHD open?: No. Each of the 2 investigations that name this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.