Volvo Recalls 2011-2013 VNL, VAH, and VNM Trucks for Fifth Wheel Defect
Volvo is recalling 2011-2013 VNL, VAH, and VNM trucks because the fifth wheel locking mechanism may fail, potentially causing the trailer to detach.
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 where the trailer may detach, 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 2011-2013 VNL, VAH, and VNM trucks manufactured between June 21, 2010, and December 14, 2012. The affected vehicles are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors. Due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, the locking mechanism may fail to operate or properly engage.
If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended. This failure could cause the trailer to unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- VOLVO VNL, VAH, VNM
- Brand
- VOLVO
- Manufacturer
- Volvo Trucks North America
- Category
- Vehicle — Commercial Truck
- Affected units
- 669
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
- VAH
- VNM
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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