2021 Volvo VNL Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021 VNL vehicles. A machining defect may cause pressure to build in the power steering pump, breaking the shaft seal and resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Risk: A loss of power steering assist increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the power steering pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2105.

Problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021-2022 VAH, VDH, VNL, AND VNR vehicles. The hubcap compression spring can cause the hubcap to separate.

Risk: A separated hubcap can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will remove the hubcap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Mack's number for this recall is RVXX 2102.

Problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling 2021 VNL, VNR, VAH, and VHD vehicles. The collets (internal jaws) for the brass fitting inserts used in the pneumatic pass-through plate may have been damaged during leak testing. As a result, the brass fitting may completely release the air brake line from the pass-through plate while under pressure. If this occurs on the park brake circuit, signal pressure that holds off the mechanical spring in the park brake chambers will be lost allowing the park brakes to apply.

Risk: If the park brakes apply unexpectedly, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air brake line for proper engagement of the fitting in the pass-through plate, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2006.

Problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021 VNL, VHD, and VNR vehicles. The king pin nut may not have been installed or properly tightened during axle assembly.

Risk: If the king pin is missing or not tightened properly, the knuckle may separate from the axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to make sure that the king pin nut is installed and that it properly tightened, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-458-1522. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX 2003.

Problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2021 VAH, VHD, VNL and VNR vehicles. The die cast pedal plate may break at one of its attachment points, possibly resulting in the brake pedal dislodging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Risk: A dislodged brake pedal would be inoperable, increasing a risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the pedal plates if required, free of charge. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2004.

Problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Risk: If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002.

Problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2021 VNL and VNR trucks. The steering gear fasteners may have not been properly tightened.

Risk: The loose fasteners may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the steering gear fasteners to specification, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2001.