1997 Volvo VNL Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: Certain heavy duty class 8 trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the two tail lamps, back-up lamp,and license tag lamp were mounted on insufficiently rigid mounts.

Risk: It may not allow the driver of a rearward approaching vehicle to have full view of the lamps.

Fix: Dealers will attach the two tail lamps, back-up lamp, and the license tap lamp on stiffer brackets. Owner notification began october 31, 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: Certain heavy duty class 8 vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air brake systems", s5.1.6.3, "antilock power for towed vehicles." electrical power for the trailer anti-lock braking system (abs) can be disrupted when a switch located on the vehicle instrument panel is activated to control lighting within the trailer.

Risk: If this condition occurs, the driver can lose of the towed vehicle, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a wiring harness which will provide continuous electrical power to the trailer abs whenever the ignition switch is in the on or run position. Owner notification began april 29, 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 trucks built with bendix air abs with an ec-17 1030r electronic control unit (ecu), there have been reports of unwanted abs activation at low speeds caused by 1) chafed abs wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or 2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of erratic sensor signal.

Risk: This condition could cause the abs ecu to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels. This could result in extended braking distances and a possible crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the abs ecu.

Problem: Vehicle description: class 8 heavy duty trucks. The steer axle wheel bearing jam nut lock washer may not have been bent over the jam nut after the wheel bearings were adjusted.

Risk: If this condition exists, the jam nut and wheel bearing adjusting nut can back off the spindle allowing the wheel and the brake drum assembly to separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the steering axle wheel bearing jam nut lock washer to determine if it is bent over the jam nut, and if not, repair as required.