Volvo Recalls 2012 VNL, VHD, and VNM Trucks for Driveline Defect
Volvo Trucks North America is recalling 2012 VNL, VHD, and VNM trucks because a nonconforming seam weld in the driveline tubing could fracture, potentially disabling the vehicle or causing debris to fall on the roadway.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (driveline fracture) that can lead to a disabled vehicle or debris on the roadway, increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects and significant injury risk.
Plain-English summary
Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain model year 2012 VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks equipped with a Meritor driveline. The recall addresses a defect in the tubing used to assemble the drivelines, which has a nonconforming seam weld with insufficient bonding of the material.
This defect 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 scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
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 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- VOLVO VNL, VHD, VNM
- Brand
- VOLVO
- Manufacturer
- VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
- Category
- Vehicle — Heavy-Duty Truck
- Affected units
- 341
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (3)
- VNL
- VHD
- VNM
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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