2014 Volvo VNL: complaints, problems and recalls

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO PROPERLY CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD AND REDUCED VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124. UPDATED 06/10/14*LJ UPDATED 8/22/2017*CN

Owner-reported narrative. 124 miles reported. Look up ODI 10583022 at NHTSA ↗

ON THE FIRST DAY I TOOK THIS BRAND NEW 2014 VOLVO VNL SLEEPER TRUCK OFF THE LOT THE DEF SYSTEM FAILED AND SHUT MY TRUCK DOWN I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET IT BACK TO THE DEALER'S. MASSIVE DRIVE LINE VIBRATION ALSO FELT BUT DEALER COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM SIX MONTHS LATER TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I ALSO SUFFERED 3 OF 8 SHOCK FAILURE TRUCK WAS FLOATING AND SWAYING IN HIGH WINDS VERY DANGEROUS. THE ALTERNATOR FAILED SIX MONTHS LATER NO WARNING STARTING OVER CHARGING I WAS GOING THROUGH THE SYSTEM CHECK AND DETECTED IT BEFORE IT BLEW AN ECM. I ALSO…

Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10595377 at NHTSA ↗

ON 10/1, UNIT WAS LOCATED AT MILE MARKER 153 ON I-40 NEAR ASH FORK AZ, WHEN THEIR FRONT PASSENGER STEER TIRE'S TREAD DETACHED (MICHELIN XZA 3+ 275/80/R22.5 DOT#M5EJ00EX3213). THE TREAD ACTED LIKE A FLAIL AND CAUSED APPROXIMATELY $12,000 IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND BRING THE TRUCK SAFELY TO THE ROAD SHOULDER. A STATE TROOPER WAS CALLED TO THE SITE. ONCE HE ARRIVED, THE TROOPER INSURED THAT THE TRUCK WAS SAFE FROM TRAFFIC AND INSPECTED FOR DEBRIS/CAUSATION. HE FOUND NO DEBRIS TO CAUSE INCIDENT. HIS OPINIO…

Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10652803 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRAG LINK IN THE STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 229,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 229,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10782917 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GRILL WAS BENT FROM THE CONTINUAL OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE HOOD. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT A VALVE AND THE GRILL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GRILL WAS NEVER PROPERLY ATTACHED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 390,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 390,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10883580 at NHTSA ↗

THE RECALL STATES: IMPROPERLY FUNCTIONING ON-BOARD EMISSION-RELATED DIANOTIC SYSTEM THAT VIOLATES CALIFORNIA AND FEDERAL STANDARD AND REGULATIONS.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10994121 at NHTSA ↗

VOLVO ENGINE INJECTOR AIR LEAK ON ANTIFREEZE AND VOLVO THEY NO ONE FIX DE INJECTOARE THEY ARE BAD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11374593 at NHTSA ↗

The affected component is part of the exhaust aftertreatment system, also known as the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. These systems were implemented in nearly all Class 8 truck engines in the U.S. to meet 2010 emissions standards. The degradation could put the engines out of compliance with emissions standards. This is a very costly repair in excess of $10,000 in a truck with only 466,000 miles on it. we have had in many times and lots of repair cost to try to keep the truck in compliance and continues to go in Derate.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11518334 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2013-03-21 (March 21, 2013)

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: Loose or chafed cables may lead to overheating of the battery cable and switch which may result in a fire.

Remedy: 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.

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.

Reported: 2013-08-09 (August 9, 2013)

Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 VNL vehicles manufactured April 2, 2012, through May 3, 2013; and equipped with a Meritor RPL-20 driveline transmission. The driveshaft is too weak for this application and may fail.

Consequence: Failure of the driveshaft can result in debris on the roadway and disabling of the truck, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1305.

Reported: 2013-11-29 (November 29, 2013)

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured August 12, 2013, through November 14, 2013; and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Consequence: If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1307.

Reported: 2014-03-24 (March 24, 2014)

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 VNL trucks, and 2013-2014 VNM trucks equipped with certain Cummins Westport Model ISL G and ISX12 G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.

Consequence: The improper operation of the sensor could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.

Remedy: Cummins Inc. and Cummins Wesport Inc. will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1401.

Reported: 2014-06-20 (June 20, 2014)

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: 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: 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.

Reported: 2014-09-11 (September 11, 2014)

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 VAH, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured March 4, 2013, to April 28, 2014. Due to the bolts holding the disc brake caliper to the backing plate not being tightened to the specified torque, the disc brake caliper may detach from the backing plate.

Consequence: If the disc brake caliper detaches from the backing plate it can affect the brakes to that particular wheel causing the vehicle to "pull" to the left or right, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts to specification, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1403.

Reported: 2014-11-18 (November 18, 2014)

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: If the drivetrain does not re-engage, the vehicle's stopping distance may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2014-11-18 (November 18, 2014)

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: Premature tire failure could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2015-08-17 (August 17, 2015)

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: 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: 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.

Reported: 2015-10-08 (October 8, 2015)

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: 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: 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.

Reported: 2016-12-22 (December 22, 2016)

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system.

Consequence: If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1608.