URGENT: VOLVO VNL, VNX, AND VNM ON-ROAD TRUCK RECALL 

Volvo 2016-2017 on-road trucks manufactured from May 11, 2015 through March 8, 2016.

• VNL
• VNX
• VNM
• Certain 2016 and 2017 Mack Titan model trucks

The trucks may have been manufactured without a roll pin on the two-part steering shaft. If the shaft separates, the driver will loss control of the truck’s steering and may crash.

THIS IS NOT THE SAME STEERING SHAFT ISSUE SENT OUT IN A NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 NOTIFICATION

Volvo sent out a recall notice in November/December 2015 regarding steering shafts in these model trucks. This new recall is different because Volvo has identified other issues.

Q&A from DOT:

What is the issue?
– The upper steering shaft may separate without warning. A complete loss of steering will result if the upper steering shaft separates.

What models and model years are affected?
– Certain 2016 and 2017 Volvo VNL, VNM, and VNX ( VNX is under review and may be affected ) model trucks
– Certain 2016 and 2017 Mack Titan model trucks

When were the trucks manufactured?
– May 11, 2015 through March 8, 2016

How many vehicles are affected?
– Volvo: 19,863 in total
i.   U.S. – 17,008
ii.  Canada – 2,847
iii. Mexico – 8
– Mack: 56 in total
i. U.S. – 52
ii. Canada – 4

Is this the same steering shaft that I received notification on back in November/December 2015?
– Yes

Is it the same issue?
– No
– Volvo has identified other issues; the bolt connecting the upper steering shaft to the lower steering shaft at the junction may not properly secure the upper steering shaft, and on some steering shafts, the pin that attaches the lower steering shaft to the junction block may have not been installed by the supplier.

Is there a fix?
– Yes,
– We will replace all two-piece steering shafts with a one piece steering shaft. We are working to secure parts to support this activity.
– An interim (temporary) solution, which will allow for safe operation of the vehicle until a one piece shaft has been installed, will be available.

When will this be available?
– The interim solution will be available the week of March 14, and will be used to repair trucks so that they can be placed back in service.
– We expect to start receiving one piece shafts within the next 4 weeks. It will take some time to acquire enough one-piece shafts to address all trucks in service.

What should I do?
– Volvo is recommending that the trucks be placed out of service as quickly as possible. Volvo believes that this action is necessary considering the severity of the matter and that the separation can occur without warning.

Who do I contact to make an appointment?
– You should contact your local Volvo dealer or Volvo Authorized Service Center
– Please contact the dedicated customer support line. The number is 1-877-800-4945 opt #1

Will Volvo cover towing?
– Yes, where needed. The customer support line will support with any towing needs

Will the truck have to be repaired again?
– Yes, the interim solution is a temporary measure
– Once one piece steering shafts are available, we will notify the owners.

What should a dealer do if they have trucks in their inventory to be addressed?
– The vehicles must be addressed before they are sold/ delivered according to Federal Law

What should I do if I have a vehicle in my dealership service center that is affected by the recall?
– You should inform the owner of the recall and that the potential consequence is complete loss of steering
– You should inform the owner that Volvo strongly recommends that the vehicle remain out of service until repairs are made
– You should inform that an interim solution will be available next week (week of March 14).
– You should administer the interim solution (when available)

What if the owner refuses to place the vehicle out of service? Should I not let the owner take the vehicle?
– The owner has the right to take the vehicle.
– You should document in Argus and or ASIST that the driver/owner refused to take the truck out of service.

This declaration is not intended to provide a basis for further enforcement action, but seeks only the immediate cessation of the unrepaired, unsafe trucks.  Operators of vehicles declared out-of-service must comply; violating a federal out-of-service order may result in civil penalties as well as criminal prosecution.  A full copy of the Federal Register notification isavailable here.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has determined that vehicles subject to Volvo Trucks’ Safety Recall (NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report No. 16V-097000) that have not already received the interim or permanent recall remedy repair specified by Volvo in the recall and are still operating on the nation’s roadways are in an unsafe condition and should not be operated; such vehicles are to be immediately ordered out-of-service by federal and state roadside safety inspectors.

SOURCE: FMCSA