1997 Volvo VN Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: Certain heavy duty class 8 trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." the weight certification label which contains front gross axle weight rating (gawr) information does not accurately reflect the actual front gross axle weight.

Risk: When operating bobtail with full fuel tanks and two occupants with an allowance for personal belongings, the actual gross axle weight may exceed the stated rating found on the weight certification label.

Fix: Dealers will install new front steer axle tires and new certification label stating the new front steer axle weight rating. Owner notification began december 19, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty class 8 vehicles. Under certain operating conditions, the weight certification label which contains front gross axle weight rating (gawr) information pursuant to the requirements of fmvss no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars," does not accurately reflect the actual front gross axle weight.

Risk: When operating the truck "bobtail" with full fuel tanks and two occupants with an allowance for personal belongings, the actual gross axle weight may exceed the stated rating found on the weight certification label.

Fix: The weight certification label will be brought into compliance by one or more of the following means: (1) replacement of the label with one which contains correct information; or (2) replacement of front axle tires, rims or tie rod tube or a combination thereof; or (3) replacement or relocation of the fuel tanks. Due to the various truck configurations, several owner notification letters are being sent for this campaign. The first owner notification letter was mailed april 26, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy or label within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with haldex manifold dash valves (mdv) used in tractor and trailer parking brakes. These valves do not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 121, "air brake systems." a loss of the isolation of the two brake system circuits can result in the loss of service brakes when there is another failure of one of the two brake circuits.

Risk: The loss of service brakes can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the suspect valves.

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with a fal 8.0 front steer axle. The upper steering arm can fail without warning.

Risk: This condition can result in the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the upper steering arm and replace it, if required.

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with aftermarket aluminum dual wheels, 22.5x8.25, one-piece, tubeless, supplied by accuride/akw. Certain design revisions combined with process conditions caused fatigue cracks in these wheels.

Risk: This condition can cause failure of these wheels.

Fix: Accuride/akw will replace these wheels.

Problem: Vehicle description: class 8 heavy duty trucks. The electronic module that controls the daytime running lights (drl) and headlights can fail without warning resulting in the loss of the drl and headlight functions.

Risk: If these lights fail, a visibility problem would occur increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the drl control module.

Problem: Vehicle description: class 8 heavy duty trucks. A wire that connects the engine control module (ecu) to the automatic braking control system (abs) controller is missing. The engine brake can lock up the rear axle wheels on a slick pavement, and the abs would not prevent the lock up.

Risk: If the wheels locked up, the potential for a vehicle crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will install the missing wiring circuit on the abs brakes.

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The relay that controls the electrical power to the windshield wiper motor can fail.

Risk: If the windshield wipers fail, the driver's visibility in wet weather will be reduced increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the suspect relays.

Problem: The transmission shift control lever can break off at the transmission.

Risk: If the shift lever fails, the transmission cannot be shifted and the vehicle can become a hazard or obstruction to other drivers.

Fix: Dealers will replace these transmission shift control levers with new control levers.