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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2011 Volvo VNL Recalls & Complaints

The 2011 Volvo VNL has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 4 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volvo dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2011 Volvo VNL. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2011 Volvo VNL owner complaints

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Volvo VNL, describing incidents dated November 4, 2010 to July 18, 2015.

Most-cited components

  • Electrical System 1 complaint
  • Engine 1 complaint
  • Steering 1 complaint
  • Suspension 1 complaint

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10783673 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUCK CABIN JERKED OUT OF CONTROL WHEN A BUMP WAS HIT OR WHEN DRIVING ON ROUGH TERRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE REAR SHOCKS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED ALL THE…

  • ODI #10734949 · Filed

    WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED RUNNING INTERMITTENT WHEN HITTING A BUMP OR ACCELLERATING, THEN ABRUPTLY SHUT COMPLETELY DOWN WHILE DRIVING. LUCKELY THE SPEED WAS LOW AND WE WERE ABLE TO STOP, BUT ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION ON THE ROAD, SPARKS CAME OFF FROM…

  • ODI #10556343 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND ENGINE FAULT WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE NOX SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE…

Read all 4 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2011 Volvo VNL in 4 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Fifth Wheel Locking Mechanism may not Engage

NHTSA #15V643000 · Trailer Hitches — Fifth Wheel Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported October 13, 2015 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 669 vehicles

Repair completion: 31.84% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign RVXX1507 · Owners notified November 18, 2015 · Vehicles built June 21, 2010 – December 14, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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 locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Premature Tire Failure

NHTSA #14V740000 · Tires · NHTSA notice

Reported November 18, 2014 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 115 vehicles

Repair completion: 65.22% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign RVXX1405 · Owners notified January 16, 2015 · Vehicles built May 12, 2010 – October 31, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Active Braking may be Disabled

NHTSA #14V356000 · Forward Collision Avoidance — Adaptive Cruise Control · NHTSA notice

Reported June 20, 2014 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 1,025 vehicles

Repair completion: 93.46% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign RVXX1402 · Owners notified August 12, 2014 · Vehicles built November 17, 2010 – February 5, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Wiper Motor May Fail

NHTSA #13V349000 · Visibility/Wiper · NHTSA notice

Reported August 13, 2013 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 17,824 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.52% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign RVXX1304 · Owners notified December 6, 2013 · Vehicles built February 1, 2010 – September 30, 2010 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Redundant Clutch Disengagement Signal

NHTSA #13V268000 · Power Train — Clutch Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported June 26, 2013 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 23,056 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX1303 · Owners notified August 26, 2013 · Vehicles built December 20, 2006 – May 22, 2013 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Leaking Brake Pressure may Lead to Wheel End Fire

NHTSA #13V152000 · Parking Brake — Conventional — Air · NHTSA notice

Reported April 22, 2013 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 701 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX1302 · Vehicles built December 13, 2010 – July 17, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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 it is supposed to be released. Brake dragging could lead to overheated brake components.

Safety consequence

Overheated brake components could result in a fire.

Manufacturer 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. Volvo’s campaign recall number is RVXX1302.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

SERVICE BRAKES/ANTILOCK TRACTION RELAY VALVE

NHTSA #12V036000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Check Valve · NHTSA notice

Reported February 1, 2012 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 21,625 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX1202 · Owners notified April 27, 2012 · Vehicles built December 2, 2010 – January 18, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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. INTERNAL LEAKAGE CAN LEAD TO AIR PRESSURE BEING DELIVERED TO AFFECTED PRIMARY OR SECONDARY BRAKE CAUSING CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

VOLVO RECALL NUMBER RVXX1202.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FIFTH WHEEL LOCK/FONTAINE

NHTSA #11V460000 · Trailer Hitches — Fifth Wheel Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported September 1, 2011 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 299 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX1106 · Owners notified December 7, 2011 · Vehicles built May 1, 2010 – January 31, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 WHEEL LOCK IS PROPERLY COUPLED TO THE TRAILER KING PIN WHEN IN FACT IT IS NOT PROPERLY COUPLED.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCKS' SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS RVXX1106.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTER/ACCURIDE/GUNITE

NHTSA #11V265000 · Service Brakes, Air — Slack Adjusters · NHTSA notice

Reported May 3, 2011 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 2,765 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX1103 · Owners notified August 12, 2011 · Vehicles built October 15, 2010 – January 31, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING CAN OCCUR, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE HOUSING TO BREAK AT THE HANDLE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING LOADS.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCKS RECALL NO. RVXX1103.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

ENGINE HARNESS GROUND FEEDBACK

NHTSA #11V050000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery · NHTSA notice

Reported January 24, 2011 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 1,847 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX1101 · Owners notified April 13, 2011 · Vehicles built March 23, 2010 – December 22, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 VNL TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 23, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 22, 2010. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO START WITHOUT WARNING BECAUSE OF AN UNINTENDED PATH TO GROUND THAT EXISTS. THIS CAN OCCUR WHEN EITHER THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE IS DISCONNECTED AT THE BATTERY/FUSIBLE LINK OR IF THE FUSIBLE LINK OPENS AS A RESULT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Safety consequence

THIS PRESENTS A RISK OF INJURY WITH NONOPERATIONAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING SERVICED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE A WIRING HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCKS RECALL NO. RVXX1101.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

CERTIFICATION LABEL TIRE DESCRIPTION/PART 567

NHTSA #10V492000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported October 12, 2010 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 1,926 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX1005 · Owners notified February 25, 2011 · Vehicles built August 13, 2007 – March 26, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 VHD, VNL, VNM, AS WELL AS 2008-2010 VT VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." THE TIRE DESCRIPTION MAY BE INCORRECT ON THE VEHICLE'S CERTIFICATION LABEL.

Safety consequence

THE MISINFORMATION ON THESE LABELS COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE OVERLOADING THAT CAN INCREASE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE LABELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Notes

VOLVO SAFETY RECALL NO. RVXX1005.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

UPPER BUNK WINDOWS

NHTSA #10V086000 · Visibility — Power Window Devices and Controls · NHTSA notice

Reported March 9, 2010 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 3,526 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX1001 · Owners notified June 4, 2010 · Vehicles built February 9, 2009 – February 15, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 VNL TRUCKS. THE ADHESIVE USED IN THE UPPER WINDOW IN THE BUNK AREA TO SECURE THE GLASS MAY DEBOND.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD ALLOW THE GLASS TO COME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY FALL OUT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WINDOW AS REQUIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Notes

VOLVO RECALL NO. RVXX1001.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

Other Volvo VNL model years

Check your 2011 Volvo VNL VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volvo VNL at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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