2012 Volvo Vnl Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2012 Volvo Vnl has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 82,816 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the suspension. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

TRAILER HITCHES 15V643000 2015-10-13 669 affected
Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured June 21, 2010, to December 14, 2012. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a…

Consequence

If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and Fontaine dealers will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1507.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15V634000 2015-10-08 101 affected
Defect

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…

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…

SERVICE BRAKES 15V524000 2015-08-17 2,854 affected
Defect

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.

TIRES 14V740000 2014-11-18 115 affected
Defect

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.

POWER TRAIN 14V739000 2014-11-18 6,234 affected
Defect

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.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 14V356000 2014-06-20 1,025 affected
Defect

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…

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.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 13V349000 2013-08-13 17,824 affected
Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured February 1, 2010, through September 30, 2010 and June 1, 2011, through November 30, 2011. The windshield wiper motor may fail.

Consequence

Inoperable wipers may result in poor driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor, free of charge. The recallbegan on December 6, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1304.

POWER TRAIN 13V268000 2013-06-26 23,056 affected
Defect

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…

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.

PARKING BRAKE 13V152000 2013-04-22 701 affected
Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 VHD and VNL vehicles manufactured December 13, 2010, through July 17, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with an MGM Type 24 J-series piston parking brake chamber. The brake chambers may leak pressure allowing the parking brake to drag when…

Consequence

Overheated brake components could result in a fire.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners and the brake chambers will be replaced as needed, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or before, June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. VolvoÂ’s campaign recall number is RVXX1302.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13V102000 2013-03-21 5,207 affected
Defect

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. …

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 12V036000 2012-02-01 21,625 affected
Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 VHD AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2013 VNL AND VNM VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 2, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2012, AND EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX ATR-6 TRACTION RELAY VALVES. IN EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS, THESE BENDIX RELAY VALVES MAY POTENTIALLY DEVELOP INTERNAL LEAKAGE. …

Consequence

INADVERTENT BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND LEAD TO A FIRE. INADVERTENT BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE WHEELS TO LOCK-UP LEADING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND PROVIDE A TEMPORARY REPAIR UNTIL BENDIX DEVELOPS A PERMANENT REMEDY. A PERMANENT REMEDY HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AND NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

TRAILER HITCHES 11V460000 2011-09-01 299 affected
Defect

VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 VNL AND VNM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 1, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2011. DURING THE COUPLING PROCESS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE DRIVER TO PARTIALLY CLOSE THE FIFTH WHEEL LOCK AND IF SOLELY RELYING ON A TUG TEST (PULL TEST), THE DRIVER MAY THINK THAT THE FIFTH…

Consequence

IF THE DRIVER DRIVES AWAY WITH A TRAILER THAT IS NOT PROPERLY COUPLED, THE TRAILER CAN COME LOOSE AND POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOCK BAR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

POWER TRAIN 11V294000 2011-05-20 341 affected
Defect

VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 VHD, VNL, AND VNM TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A MERITOR DRIVELINE. THE TUBING USED TO ASSEMBLE THE DRIVELINES HAS A NONCONFORMING SEAM WELD WITH INSUFFICIENT BONDING OF THE MATERIAL.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN SEAM WELD FRACTURE WHEN TORQUE IS APPLIED. ONCE THE TUBE SEAM WELD IS FRACTURED, THE DRIVELINE MAY BECOME INOPERABLE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A DISABLED VEHICLE OR DEBRIS FROM THE DRIVELINE FALLING ONTO THE ROADWAY, BOTH OF WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVELINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 11V265000 2011-05-03 2,765 affected
Defect

VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 VHD, VNL, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 VNM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 15, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2011, AND EQUIPPED WITH GUNITE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. DUE TO AN INCOMPLETE "KNITTING" OF THE IRON AT THE TIME OF CASTING, INADEQUATE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE…

Consequence

SLACK ADJUSTERS WITH THIS FLOW NOTCH COULD CRACK UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

VOLVO TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT SLACK ADJUSTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Complaints by component

SUSPENSION
2
AIR BAGS
1
1crashes2injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1
STEERING
1
1crashes2injuries
STRUCTURE:BODY
1
1injuries
Total complaints7

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“I both the volvo 780 semi truck 8 months ago and I do still have a problem. I do replace whole suspension, make a 6 times alignment and truck still sway in the road. Dealer from connecticut do test drive and he said my whole cab sway from right to the left. He recommended replacement cab shocks…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2017-06-12

“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volvo vnl. The contact stated that there was a manufacturer recall on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced, but the contact was uncertain if the vehicle was repaired. After the repair, the vehicle failed to start and rode roughly. The vehicle…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2016-11-01

“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volvo vnl. The contact stated that there was a manufacturer recall on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced, but the contact was uncertain if the vehicle was repaired. After the repair, the vehicle failed to start and rode roughly. The vehicle…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2016-11-01

“Tl* the contact owns a 2016 (na) volvo vnl. The contact stated that while getting off the top bunk of the vehicle, the contact became injured and received nerve damage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the floor of the vehicle failed and needed to be replaced. The…”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2015-09-20

“Drag link failed, a known issue to the manufacturer resulting in total loss of control. Crashed into center wall then thru guardrail and down embankment. Air bags failed to deploy also. Passenger was hurt very bad, driver slightly hurt. Large truck out of control on the interstate from a problem…”

STEERING · reported 2015-03-09

“Drag link failed, a known issue to the manufacturer resulting in total loss of control. Crashed into center wall then thru guardrail and down embankment. Air bags failed to deploy also. Passenger was hurt very bad, driver slightly hurt. Large truck out of control on the interstate from a problem…”

AIR BAGS · reported 2015-03-09

“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volvo vnl 670. The vehicle was included in the recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 12v036000 (service brakes, air:supply:check valve) and was taken to the dealer for recall repairs. The recall repair was a temporary repair which included disabling the traction…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · reported 2012-02-28

Defect investigations

Investigation AQ18005 Opened 2018-10-22 · closed 2023-08-04

Discrepancies in Required CFR Reporting

On October 22, 2018, an Audit Query (AQ18-005) was opened to assess the completeness and timeliness of Volvo Group's early warning reporting, safety recalls, and communications submissions to the agency.NHTSA's investigation determined that Volvo Group failed to recall vehicles in a timely fashion and to comply with…

Investigation PE13002 Opened 2013-02-07 · closed 2013-07-03

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles equipped with the subject automated manual transmission had allegedly experienced a condition where the clutch failed to automatically disengage the transmission…

Investigation PE13002 Opened 2013-02-07 · closed 2013-07-03

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles equipped with the subject automated manual transmission had allegedly experienced a condition where the clutch failed to automatically disengage the transmission…

Investigation PE13002 Opened 2013-02-07 · closed 2013-07-03

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles equipped with the subject automated manual transmission had allegedly experienced a condition where the clutch failed to automatically disengage the transmission…

Investigation PE13005 Opened 2013-03-18 · closed 2013-08-29

Windshield Wiper Failures

Through regular communications with heavy truck fleets, ODI learned of a potential issue involving failures of both the windshield wiper motor or linkage on model year 2011-2012 Volvo VNL trucks.ODI searched its Early Warning Reporting (EWR) database and identified a significant number of claims of wiper system…

Investigation PE13005 Opened 2013-03-18 · closed 2013-08-29

Windshield Wiper Failures

Through regular communications with heavy truck fleets, ODI learned of a potential issue involving failures of both the windshield wiper motor or linkage on model year 2011-2012 Volvo VNL trucks.ODI searched its Early Warning Reporting (EWR) database and identified a significant number of claims of wiper system…

Investigation PE13005 Opened 2013-03-18 · closed 2013-08-29

Windshield Wiper Failures

Through regular communications with heavy truck fleets, ODI learned of a potential issue involving failures of both the windshield wiper motor or linkage on model year 2011-2012 Volvo VNL trucks.ODI searched its Early Warning Reporting (EWR) database and identified a significant number of claims of wiper system…

Investigation PE13005 Opened 2013-03-18 · closed 2013-08-29

Windshield Wiper Failures

Through regular communications with heavy truck fleets, ODI learned of a potential issue involving failures of both the windshield wiper motor or linkage on model year 2011-2012 Volvo VNL trucks.ODI searched its Early Warning Reporting (EWR) database and identified a significant number of claims of wiper system…

Investigation RQ11001 Opened 2011-05-23 · closed 2012-01-20

Volvo Sleeper glass de-bonding

ODI opened Recall Query RQ11-001 after a review of EWR Field Reports identified lower bunk window separations on the subject vehicles.Volvo had issued three recalls for sleeper window separations since 2003.Additionally, Volvo had issued two bulletins for sleeper window issues during the same time period.The…

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2012 Volvo Vnl as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.