The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·13V102000·Announced 2013-03-21

Volvo Recalls 2012-2014 Trucks Due to Battery Cable Fire Risk

Volvo is recalling 2012-2014 VNL, VHD, and VNM trucks because loose or chafed battery cables may overheat and cause a fire.

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 (electrical system) where the source text explicitly states the defect may result in a fire, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured between April 18, 2011, and March 14, 2013. These vehicles are equipped with a horizontally mounted remote battery disconnect switch that was manufactured with incorrect hardware, allowing the cables to loosen. Additionally, the mounting position may cause the cables to vibrate and chafe.

The defect may lead to overheating of the battery cable and switch, which may result in a fire. The recall campaign number is RVXX1301, and the NHTSA recall number is 13V102000.

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, or contact the NHTSA 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 — Trucks
Hazard
Affected units
5,207

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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