2011 VOLVO VNL — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
4
Owner Complaints
12
Recalls
5
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2011 VOLVO VNL
The 2011 VOLVO VNL has received a total of 4 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 13 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY, TIRES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. 5 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volvo Trucks North America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (1 complaint), Engine (1 complaint), and Steering (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2011 VOLVO VNL
NHTSA has recorded 13 recalls for the 2011 VOLVO VNL, potentially affecting up to 76,403 vehicles.
Recall 15V643000 — TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY
| 669 vehicles 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 locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly...
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...
View full details →Recall 14V740000 — TIRES
| 115 vehicles 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...
View full details →Recall 14V356000 — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
| 1,025 vehicles 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 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.
View full details →Recall 14V356000 — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING
| 1,025 vehicles 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 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.
View full details →Recall 13V349000 — VISIBILITY/WIPER
| 17,824 vehicles 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.
View full details →Recall 13V268000 — POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
| 23,056 vehicles 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 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.
View full details →Recall 12V036000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
| 21,625 vehicles 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. INTERNAL LEAKAGE CAN LEAD TO AIR PRESSURE BEING DELIVERED TO AFFECTED PRIMARY OR SECONDARY...
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...
View full details →Recall 11V460000 — TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY
| 299 vehicles 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 WHEEL LOCK IS PROPERLY COUPLED...
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.
View full details →Recall 11V265000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SLACK ADJUSTERS
| 2,765 vehicles 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 SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING CAN OCCUR, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE HOUSING...
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.
View full details →Recall 11V050000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
| 1,847 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: THIS PRESENTS A RISK OF INJURY WITH NONOPERATIONAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING SERVICED.
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.
View full details →Recall 10V492000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 1,926 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THE MISINFORMATION ON THESE LABELS COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE OVERLOADING THAT CAN INCREASE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
View full details →Recall 10V086000 — VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
| 3,526 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW THE GLASS TO COME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY FALL OUT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
View full details →Recall 13V152000 — PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:AIR
| 701 vehicles 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 it is supposed to be released. Brake dragging could lead...
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. Volvos campaign recall number is...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2011 VOLVO VNL
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 VOLVO VNL. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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 SHOCKS, BUT THE FAILURE WAS STILL NOT REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 621,232.
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 UNDER THE CAB WITH ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. SHUT DOWN BATTERY SYSTEM. FOUND POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE BEHIND THE ENGINE RUBBED AGAINST CHASSIS SUPPORT BRACKET AND WELDED ITSELF TO THE BRACKET. 40A FUSE IN ENGINE FUSE COMPARTMENT BURNED THROUGH.
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 AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 247,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 247,430.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLVO VNL TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ABNORMALLY WHENEVER THE WHEEL WAS TURNED WHILE THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SIX TIMES WHERE THERE WERE VARIOUS REPAIRS PERFORMED. THE REPAIRS DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THE FAILURE WAS A COMMON FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING PUMP SEEMED TO BE SMALLER THAN WHAT VOLVO USED PREVIOUSLY IN THEIR TRUCKS AND IT WAS LOOSING PRESSURE AND OVERHEATING. UPDATED 08/10/11
Safety Rating for the 2011 VOLVO VNL
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2011 VOLVO VNL in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2011 VOLVO VNL
Volvo Trucks North America has issued 5 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2011 VOLVO VNL. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
KC-418 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Volvo Chassis - Air Brake System Schematics And Routing VN, VHD Version 2, VT From Build Date 11.2011
K24483157 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Diagnostic Trouble Codes ( DTC ) P208E And P103B Logging With Possible Derate ( SCR Inducement ) - OBD15, US14+OBD16 Emissions And Newer Rewrote test procedure for better clarity.
FSB-356-003 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS
VOLVO: THE CAPTIVE NUTS MOLDED INTO FOG LAMP HOUSING TO SPIN AND CRACK THE HOUSING CAUSED BY THE USE OF PNEUMATIC OR HIGH TORQUE ELECTRIC TOOLS, ON SOME TRUCKS. MODEL VNL. NO YEARS LISTED. *PE
SP-373-015 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
VOLVO: THERE WAS NO OVER CRANK PROTECTION HARNESS INSTALLED. *RM
TSB110090 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VOLVO TRUCKS: THE VEHICLE COULD START WITHOUT WARNING DUE TO AN UNINTENDED PATH TO GROUND. *RM
NHTSA Investigations for the 2011 VOLVO VNL
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2011 VOLVO VNL.
Investigation PE13005 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES Closed
Opened:
Windshield Wiper Failures
Other Model Years of the VOLVO VNL
- 2006 VOLVO VNL — 11 complaints
- 2007 VOLVO VNL — 25 complaints
- 2008 VOLVO VNL — 3 complaints
- 2009 VOLVO VNL — 11 complaints
- 2010 VOLVO VNL — 0 complaints
- 2011 VOLVO VNL (current)
- 2012 VOLVO VNL — 7 complaints
- 2013 VOLVO VNL — 7 complaints
- 2014 VOLVO VNL — 11 complaints
- 2015 VOLVO VNL — 6 complaints
- 2016 VOLVO VNL — 15 complaints
Other VOLVO Models
- VOLVO XC90 — 2,131 total complaints
- VOLVO S60 — 1,655 total complaints
- VOLVO S80 — 1,320 total complaints
- VOLVO V70 — 1,177 total complaints
- VOLVO XC60 — 846 total complaints
- VOLVO S70 — 780 total complaints
- VOLVO 850 — 732 total complaints
- VOLVO S40 — 677 total complaints