2014 Volvo VAH: complaints, problems and recalls

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: 2013-11-29 (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: 2014-09-11 (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 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 2012-2016 VAH trucks manufactured January 31, 2011, to June 25, 2015, and equipped with a sealed drag link. In the affected trucks, the draglink ball socket boot may be damaged due to the angle of the ball stud. A damaged boot may allow contaminants to enter and corrode the ball socket.

Consequence: Corrosion will accelerate wear of the ball, possibly resulting in the ball joint separating from the socket, causing loss of steering and an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drag link with one that has an improved geometry, free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1503.