2007 Volvo VNL: complaints, problems and recalls

HENDRICKSON AIR RIDE FRONT SUSPENSION FOA CLASS 8 TRUCKS: SUSPENSION HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY TRUCK DEALER AND SAID TO BE OPERATING NORMALLY. HOWEVER AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH CHASSIS LEANING AND ROCKING MAKES DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DIFFICULT. STEERING INPUT WAS VAGUE AND TURN-IN WHEN NAVIGATING CORNERS INDUCES DIRECTIONAL CONTROL PROBLEMS AS WELL AS AGGRAVATING STABILITY PROBLEMS. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10195348 at NHTSA ↗

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THEN EASED UP. WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A CLANKING SOUND AND THE LOAD SHIFTED AND RELOCKED. THE CONTACT HAD TO FORCEFULLY TURN THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DRAGGED FOR 150 FEET AND THE GUARD RAIL SAVED HIS LIFE. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WORKED INTERMITTENTLY THROUGHOUT THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY…

Owner-reported narrative. 24 miles reported. Look up ODI 10197933 at NHTSA ↗

2007 VOLVO 780, BOUGHT IN 7-31-2006, WHEN DRIVING FROM TEXAS TO CALIFORNIA WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION GOING INTO GEAR. FROM THAT TIME ON THE PROBLEMS HAVE GOTTEN WORSE AND TO THE POINT OF BEING UNSAFE. IT BREAKS DOWN FREQUENTLY AND WON'T GO INTO GEAR. WE HAVE BEEN TOWED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAVE LOST REVENUE. IT HAS MELTED WIRES AND COMPONENTS. THE COMPUTER THROWS OUT CODES THAT INDICATES PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPUTER, ELECTRICAL, TRANSMISSION, VEHICLE, BRAKES, ETC., ETC. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN DOWN NUMEROUS TIMES. MOST RECENT, DOWN IN OCTOBER OF…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10225316 at NHTSA ↗

2007 VOLVO VNL SEMI-TRUCK WAS LEAKING DIESEL FUEL DUE TO A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK. *NJ (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0413-90) *JB UPDATED02/24/10 *BF

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10240453 at NHTSA ↗

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE CHAMBERS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND IS INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY REIMBURSEMENT. THE DEALER HAS NOT RETURNED HIS CALLS OR EMAILS. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 03-27-09 *BF UPDATED 03/31/09.*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE CHAMBERS LEAKED AIR SLIGHTL…

Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10257545 at NHTSA ↗

2007 VOLVO VNL RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE FUEL TANK. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0764-90. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10285370 at NHTSA ↗

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO 780VNL SEMI HEAVY DUTY TRUCK. THE ENGINES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT ON AND OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, NONE OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WOULD FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE. THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND THE WIRES THAT SHORTEN THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK WHICH THE ABS SENDING UNIT COMMUNICATES WITH EACH BRAKE SYSTEM WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THEM BACK IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE FAILURE MILE…

Owner-reported narrative. 354,946 miles reported. Look up ODI 10315491 at NHTSA ↗

BUNK WINDOWN HAS FALLEN OUT ON SEVERAL OCCATIONS. DRIVER SAYS "HE DID SET UP A CASE" WITH VOLVO AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY DRIVER SAYS HE FIXED PROBLEM WITH A GENERAL MOTORS VALVE COVER WASHER AND A SHEET METAL SCREW BUT IS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THIS WINDOW ANY LONGER.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10319728 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2006-10-11 (October 11, 2006)

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ARVINMERITOR RPL20 HIGH ANGLE INTERAXLE DRIVESHAFTS, AN IMPROPER SEATED OR MISSING SNAP RING CAN RESULT IN THE BEARING CUP TO SEPARATE FROM THE SLIP YOKE SUB-ASSEMBLY. THE UNIVERSAL JOINT CROSS COULD THEN CONTACT THE SLIP YOKE CASTING AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE EAR WORK TO FRACTURE.

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE DRIVELINE, THE VEHICLE TO WHICH IT IS ATTACHED AND AY ADDITIONAL NEARBY OBJECTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVESHAFTS AND REPLACE THEM AS NEEDED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Reported: 2007-03-16 (March 16, 2007)

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE AXLE HOUSINGS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH STEEL THAT WAS OUT OF SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FATIGUE FAILURE OVER TIME.

Consequence: IF A FATIGUE FAILURE OCCURS AND IS LEFT UNATTENDED, THE AXLE MAY LOCK UP OR THE END OF THE AXLE COULD COME OFF, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND INSPECT THE AXLES AND REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Reported: 2007-07-24 (July 24, 2007)

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE NUT USED TO RETAIN THE STEERING SHAFT MAY OR MAY NOT BE A LOCK NUT THAT HAS THE LOCKING FEATURE. A LOCK NUT IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESISTANCE TO ENSURE THAT THE NUT DOES NOT COME LOOSE.

Consequence: IF THE NUT WERE TO COME LOOSE, THE STEERING SHAFT COULD POTENTIALLY SEPARATE RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT PINCH BOLTS AND LOCKNUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Reported: 2007-08-07 (August 7, 2007)

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, AN UNPROTECTED LEAD IN THE THERMOSWITCH OF THE HEATER MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH ANOTHER POST POSSIBLY CREATING A SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF THE HEATING ELEMENT.

Consequence: IF THE CONDITION EXISTS AND THE KEY IS LEFT ON WITHOUT FUEL IN THE FILTER, THE HEATING ELEMENT MAY HEAT TO A POINT WHERE A FLAME BECOMES PRESENT AT THE TIP OF THE ELEMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE THERMOSWITCH AND WILL REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Reported: 2007-10-23 (October 23, 2007)

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A SAF HOLLAND SIMPLEX FIFTH WHEEL, THE LEVER ARM PIVOT BOLT MAY HAVE BEEN OVER TIGHTENED. AN OVER TIGHTENED PIVOT BOLT CAN DISTORT THE PIVOT BOLT SPACER SLEEVE, WHICH MAY PREVENT THE FIFTH WHEEL LATCH JAW FROM CLOSING AND LATCHING SECURELY AROUND THE TRAILER KING PIN.

Consequence: THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE PIVOT BOLT CAN BECOME LOOSE WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S KNOWLEDGE. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE DRIVER COULD DRIVE AWAY AND THE TRAILER COULD BECOME DISENGAGED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PIVOT BOLT AND SLEEVE WITH A HEX HEAD SHOULDER BOLT AND WASHER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Reported: 2007-12-14 (December 14, 2007)

ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION (I.E. AUTOMATIC CIRCUIT BREAKERS) USED TO PROTECT THE VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION.

Consequence: IF A SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURS AND IS LEFT UNTREATED, COMPONENTS AND WIRING MAY BE SUBJECT TO OVERHEATING WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITH FUSES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Reported: 2009-01-27 (January 27, 2009)

VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING 366 MY 2006-2009 VNL TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SUPER SINGLE TIRES, BENDIX BRAKE CAM TUBES, AND VOLVO AIR SUSPENSION. THE VIBRATION FREQUENCY FROM THE SUSPENSION WITH SUPER SINGLE TIRES MAY RESULT IN A FATIGUE CRACK OF THE MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR THE BRAKE CAM TUBE.

Consequence: IF LEFT UNTREATED, THE CRACK CAN PROPAGATE AND CAUSE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE CAM TUBE SUPPORT BRACKET(S), WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKES AT THE CORRESPONDING WHEEL END INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A SUPPORT BRACKET TO THE BRAKE CAM TUBE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Reported: 2009-05-21 (May 21, 2009)

VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING 127,764 MY 2001-2008 VHD, VNL, VNM, AND MY 2005-2008 VT TRUCKS. A SEAL MAY FAIL ALLOWING WATER AND CONTAMINANTS TO SEEP INTO THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS A SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR, WHICH OVER TIME COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: VOLVO WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. SINCE THIS RECALL INVOLVES A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES, VOLVO WILL RELEASE THE RECALL IN STAGES AS PARTS ARE RECEIVED. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THE VEHICLES LOCATED IN THE REGIONS/STATES THAT HAVE A CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Reported: 2013-06-26 (June 26, 2013)

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: 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: 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.