The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·11V460000·Announced 2011-09-01

Volvo VNL and VNM Trucks Recalled for Fifth Wheel Coupling Defect

Volvo Trucks North America is recalling 2011-2012 VNL and VNM trucks because the fifth wheel lock may not fully engage, potentially allowing a trailer to detach.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The defect involves a structural vehicle component (fifth wheel lock) that can lead to trailer detachment and a vehicle crash, meeting the rubric criteria for a structural vehicle defect or significant injury/property-damage risk.

Plain-English summary

Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured between May 1, 2010, and January 31, 2011. The recall involves the fifth wheel assembly, specifically the lock bar mechanism used to couple the truck to a trailer.

During the coupling process, it is possible for the driver to partially close the fifth wheel lock. If the driver relies solely on a tug test (pull test) to verify the connection, they may incorrectly believe the fifth wheel lock is properly coupled to the trailer king pin when it is not. If the vehicle is driven with a trailer that is not properly coupled, the trailer can come loose, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash.

Dealers will notify owners and 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 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
VOLVO VNL, VNM
Brand
VOLVO
Manufacturer
VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Category
Vehicle — Truck
Hazard
Affected units
299

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 (2)

  • VNL
  • VNM

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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