Recall Register

2012 Volvo VNL: recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2012 Volvo VNL. The newest campaign is 15V643000. NHTSA received the report on 13 Oct 2015. The NHTSA record gives the component Trailer Hitches / Fifth Wheel Assembly. NHTSA has 5 complaints on file for this model year. 4 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, 15V643000, in the NHTSA record

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.
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 . Complaint file through . Recall file through .

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

14 campaigns, newest first. 82,816 units in total.

  • 15V643000Trailer Hitches / Fifth Wheel Assembly
  • 15V634000Electrical System
  • 15V524000Service Brakes
  • 14V740000Tires
  • 14V739000Power Train / Automatic Transmission
  • 14V356000Forward Collision Avoidance / Crash Imminent Braking
  • 13V349000Visibility/Wiper
  • 13V268000Power Train / Clutch Assembly
  • 13V152000Parking Brake / Conventional / Air
  • 13V102000Electrical System / 12v/24v/48v Battery / Cables
  • 12V036000Service Brakes, Air / Supply / Check Valve
  • 11V460000Trailer Hitches / Fifth Wheel Assembly
  • 11V294000Power Train / Driveline
  • 11V265000Service Brakes, Air / Slack Adjusters

  1. 15V643000Received . 669 units.

    Trailer Hitches / Fifth Wheel Assembly

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    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.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    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, in the NHTSA record
    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.

    Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1507. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  2. 15V634000Received . 101 units.

    Electrical System

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    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.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    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, in the NHTSA record
    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.

    Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1506. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  3. 15V524000Received . 2,854 units.

    Service Brakes

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    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.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    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, in the NHTSA record
    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.

    Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1504. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  4. 14V740000Received . 115 units.

    Tires

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    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.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    Premature tire failure could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    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.

    Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1405. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  5. 14V739000Received . 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: .

  6. 14V356000Received . 1,025 units.

    Forward Collision Avoidance / Crash Imminent Braking

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    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.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    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, in the NHTSA record
    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.

    Report filed by Volvo Trucks North America. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1402. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  7. 13V349000Received . 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: .

  8. 13V268000Received . 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: .

  9. 13V152000Received . 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.

  10. 13V102000Received . 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: .

  11. 12V036000Received . 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: .

  12. 11V460000Received . 299 units.

    Trailer Hitches / Fifth Wheel Assembly

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    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.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    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, in the NHTSA record
    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.

    Report filed by VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number RVXX1106. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  13. 11V294000Received . 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: .

  14. 11V265000Received . 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: .

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

5 complaints, 7 component mentions.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. This model year has fewer than 50 component mentions, so the table shows the number of mentions only.

2012 Volvo VNL: component mentions in complaints
ComponentMentions
Suspension2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Steering1
Air Bags1
Structure1
Electrical System1
Complaints that report a crash
1
Complaints that report a fire
0
Injuries in the complaints
3
Deaths in the complaints
0
Date of the newest complaint
12 Jun 2017

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

Complaints about the 2012 Volvo VNL, by the year NHTSA received them. The largest year is 2015, with 2 complaints.

Investigations

NHTSA investigations that name the 2012 Volvo VNL
NumberTypeSubjectComponentOpenedClosedCampaign
AQ18005Audit queryDiscrepancies in Required CFR ReportingCommunication22 Oct 20184 Aug 2023
PE13005Preliminary evaluationWindshield Wiper FailuresVisibility / Windshield Wiper/Washer / Linkages18 Mar 201329 Aug 201313V349000
PE13002Preliminary evaluationStop Lamp Switch SignalPower Train / Automatic Transmission7 Feb 20133 Jul 201313V268000
RQ11001Recall queryVolvo Sleeper glass de-bondingVisibility / Glass, Side/Rear23 May 201120 Jan 2012

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.

  1. 19901
  2. 19911
  3. 19921
  4. 19931
  5. 19941
  6. 19951
  7. 19961
  8. 19974
  9. 19985
  10. 19995
  11. 20004
  12. 20018
  13. 20027
  14. 20039
  15. 20046
  16. 20056
  17. 20067
  18. 20079
  19. 200812
  20. 20094
  21. 20104
  22. 201112
  23. 201214
  24. 201314
  25. 201412
  26. 20159
  27. 20166
  28. 20175
  29. 20185
  30. 20198
  31. 20209
  32. 20217
  33. 20227
  34. 20233
  35. 20247
  36. 20251

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

Official channels

Cite this page

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

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 VNL?
82,816 units in 14 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.
How many recall campaigns does the Volvo VNL have for all model years?
NHTSA lists 87 recall campaigns for the Volvo VNL, model years 1990 to 2025. 14 of them name the 2012 model year.
Which component do the complaints about the 2012 Volvo VNL name most often?
Suspension: 2 of 7 component mentions.
Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2012 Volvo VNL open?
No. Each of the 4 investigations that name this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.