2013 VOLVO VNL — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
7
Owner Complaints
14
Recalls
7
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2013 VOLVO VNL
The 2013 VOLVO VNL has received a total of 7 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 16 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, AIR, SUSPENSION:FRONT, STEERING. 7 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volvo Trucks North America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Tires (2 complaints), Engine And Engine Cooling (1 complaint), and Service Brakes (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2013 VOLVO VNL
NHTSA has recorded 16 recalls for the 2013 VOLVO VNL, potentially affecting up to 69,224 vehicles.
Recall 16V928000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
| 5,547 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
View full details →Recall 16V467000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT
| 129 vehicles affected
Defect: Volvo Trucks North America, (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013 VNM and VNL trucks manufactured April 16, 2012, to May 4, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with certain Meritor FF967 non-drive front steer axles that may have been incorrectly heat treated.
Consequence: The improperly heat treated axles may fracture, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the axles for specific heat code serial numbers. The affected axles will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586....
View full details →Recall 16V467000 — STEERING
| 129 vehicles affected
Defect: Volvo Trucks North America, (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013 VNM and VNL trucks manufactured April 16, 2012, to May 4, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with certain Meritor FF967 non-drive front steer axles that may have been incorrectly heat treated.
Consequence: The improperly heat treated axles may fracture, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the axles for specific heat code serial numbers. The affected axles will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586....
View full details →Recall 15V634000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 101 vehicles 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 mounting points may crack and tear. Additionally, the mounting bolts of the power units...
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,...
View full details →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 15V524000 — SERVICE BRAKES
| 2,854 vehicles 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...
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 14V739000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 6,234 vehicles 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.
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 14V139000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
| 426 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
View full details →Recall 13V366000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
| 381 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
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 13V102000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
| 5,207 vehicles 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. 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.
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 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 2013 VOLVO VNL
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 VOLVO VNL. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tires | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
BRIDGESTONE GREATEC M885 SUPER SINGLE TIRES.ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THROUGHOUT OUR FLEET THER HAVE BEEN MANY INCIDENTS OF THESE TIRES LOSING TRACTION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DRIVING CONDITIONS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING 40 TO 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY SWERVED OUT OF CONTROL. FORCE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE TIE RODS AND TIRES, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 276,000.
EXHAUST FLEX PIPE DEVELOPED A HOLE CAUSING AN EXHAUST LEAK WHICH IN TURN PREVENTED THE TRUCK FROM CLEANING THE PARTICULATE FILTER. THIS IN TURN CREATED EXTRA WORK ON THE TURBO WHICH BECAME HEATED BEYOND NORMAL TEMPERATURES WHICH CAUSED THE PLASTIC WHEEL WELL TO MELT. VITAL COMPONENTS IN THE AREA OF THE EXTREME HEAT WERE AT RISK OF FAILURE DUE TO THIS EXTREME HEAT CAUSE BY THE BACKUP IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TR
THERE IS FABRIC COVER TO COVER UP AN OVERHEAD WINDOW TOWARDS THE TOP INTERIOR OF CAB COMPARTMENT. IT IS ONLY HELD IN PLACE BY A SMALL SUCTION CUP. NUMEROUS TIMES THIS HAS FALLEN ON ME WHILE I'M DRIVING. I HAVE TRIED TAPING IT AND EVEN THE TAPE WON'T STICK BECAUSE OF THE HEAT/COLD FROM THE WINDOW. AT THE WRONG MOMENT A DRIVER WILL HAVE THIS FALLING AND INTERFERING WITH HIS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE! *TR
THE WEST COAST MIRRORS DON'T EXTEND FAR ENOUGH FROM THE SIDES OF THE TRUCK. A DRIVER CAN'T ADJUST THESE MIRROR ARMS TO SUFFICIENTLY OBSERVE TRAFFIC IN THE LANE IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE TRUCK. I HAVE OVER 45 YRS EXPERIENCE & KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST MIRRORS. IF ADJUSTED TO OBSERVE FAR ENOUGH BACK IN THE ADJACENT LANE, 1/2 THE MIRROR SPACE IS THE NOSE OF THE TRAILER AND SIDE OF THE CAB. AT THIS POSITION YOU CAN'T SEE THE REAR MARKER LIGHT OF THE TRAILER! TO FIND THE REAR TRAILER MARKER LIGHT THE DRIVER MUST LEAN HARD TO THE LEFT WHEN LOOKING IN THE MIRROR. A DISTRACTION THAT CONSUMES SECONDS OF FOCUSING FROM DRIVING. SERIOUS PROBLEM DRIVING IN HARD RAIN/SNOW BECAUSE YOU DON'T WHERE THE BACK OF THE TRAILER IS. IN THIS CIRCUMSTANCE WHEN YOU DO FIND THE TRAILER REAR THE TRAILER IT IS AT AN ANGLE AND APPEARS TO BE ALREADY JACKNIFING! A TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL WAS BEHIND ME JUST WANTING TO PERFORM A RANDOM ROADSIDE INSPECTION. HE REMARKED "WELL IT TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH TO PULL OVER". I EXPLAINED TO HIM WITH THE NEW VOLVO I CAN'T SEE YOU BACK THERE WHEN PERFORMING NORMAL MIRROR SCANNING WITHOUT PURPOSELY LEANING OVER TO SEE ANYONE BEHIND ME EVEN WITH FLASHING LIGHTS. WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE THAT DURING OUR CONSTANT MIRROR SCANNING (SMITH SYSTEM ADVISE THIS ABOUT EVERY 7 SECONDS) OTHER DAYS I START TO MAKE A LANE CHANGE AND ANOTHER CAR OR TRUCK WILL SUDDENLY APPEAR ATTEMPTING TO PASS ME WANTING TO DO THE SAME. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THAT CAR OR TRUCK BUT BECAUSE OF THE LIMITED MIRROR ARM ADJUSTMENTS ON THESE TRUCKS I CAN'T DETERMINE THEIR PRESENCE THROUGH TYPICAL MIRROR SCANNING. WHEN STARTING A PASS I CAN'T BE SURE WHERE THE BACK END OF MY TRAILER IS BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE THE REAR SIDE MARKER LIGHT. AM SURE I HAVE PULLED IN FRONT OF OTHERS MAYBE TOO CLOSE. OR TAKE MY EYES OFF FORWARD DRIVING TO BE SURE. A CAUSE OF LANE CHANGE ACCIDENTS? YES. *TR
Safety Rating for the 2013 VOLVO VNL
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2013 VOLVO VNL in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2013 VOLVO VNL
Volvo Trucks North America has issued 7 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 VOLVO VNL. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
V-258-001 202309 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TSB: Aftertreatment Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank, Level Sensor, Replacement
KC-418 — EQUIPMENT
Volvo Chassis - Air Brake System Schematics And Routing VN, VHD Version 2, VT From Build Date 11.2011
KC-2086 — STRUCTURE
Volvo Chassis - Model VN - Updated Chassis Fairing DEF Door Magnet/Plate
K70734554 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Volvo Chassis - Vehicle with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P2002-00, Diagnostic Instructions - US10+OBD13 Emssions ONLY, Model Years 2013 (Rare), 2014
K24400052 — STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Volvo Chassis - Equipped With An Automated Manual Transmission (AMT, I-Shift ) - Error Code 126 Displayed In Premium Tech Tool (PTT ) While Performing The Calibration Procedure After The Shift Control Housing Has Been Removed And Installed, Rewritten to improve return from multiple search terms.
379-001 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
VOLVO TRUCKS: VN 2010-2014 DUAL PIN LIFT GATE RECEPTABLE. REQUIRES CLEANING TO PREVENT CORROSION BUILD UP. *LJ
386-004 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
VOLVO TRUCKS: VN : COMPRESSED MODELS BUILT BETWEEN 2011-2014 NEEDS FUEL MANAGEMENT MODULE REPLACEMENT. GAUGE MAY SHOW INCORRECT TANK LEVELS. *LJ
NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 VOLVO VNL
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the VOLVO VNL
- 2008 VOLVO VNL — 3 complaints
- 2009 VOLVO VNL — 11 complaints
- 2010 VOLVO VNL — 0 complaints
- 2011 VOLVO VNL — 4 complaints
- 2012 VOLVO VNL — 7 complaints
- 2013 VOLVO VNL (current)
- 2014 VOLVO VNL — 11 complaints
- 2015 VOLVO VNL — 6 complaints
- 2016 VOLVO VNL — 15 complaints
- 2017 VOLVO VNL — 0 complaints
- 2018 VOLVO VNL — 12 complaints
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- VOLVO XC60 — 846 total complaints
- VOLVO S70 — 780 total complaints
- VOLVO 850 — 732 total complaints
- VOLVO S40 — 677 total complaints