The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·17V536000·Announced 2017-08-29

Volvo Recalls 2016 VNL and VNM Trucks for Steering Defect

Volvo is recalling 2016 VNL and VNM trucks because a loose tie rod may cause complete loss of steering, increasing crash risk.

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 (steering linkage) that can cause complete loss of steering, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain 2016 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks equipped with specific Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The recall addresses a defect where the castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, which allows the tie rod to loosen.

If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, resulting in a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash. The source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities associated with this defect.

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the components cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2017. 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 VNM, VNL
Brand
VOLVO
Manufacturer
Volvo Trucks North America
Category
Vehicle — Heavy-Duty Truck
Hazard
Affected units
470

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)

  • VNM
  • VNL

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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