RECALLS — MAKE · MODEL · YEAR
2013 Volvo VNL recalls
26 safety recall campaigns have been filed for the 2013 Volvo VNL with Transport Canada and the U.S. NHTSA. Here is what both agencies say.
- Canadian recalls
- 12
- U.S. recalls
- 14
- Total campaigns
- 26
Transport Canada recalls
12- Brakes#2016643
127 units affected
On certain vehicles equipped with an electronic air dryer, the operating parameters may have been set incorrectly. This could allow condensation into the air brake system, potentially affecting brake system function in cold weather conditions and increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control unit.
- Powertrain#2016321
16 units affected
On certain vehicles, the front axle beam may have been improperly heat treated, affecting material properties. This could lead to fracture of the axle beam at the kingpin, potentially causing lead to a loss of vehicle control and a vehicle crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the axle beam for batch code and serial number markings and replace affected axles. Note: There may be evidence of the beam deforming before the knuckle and king pin loosens from the beam.
- Structure#2015456
6 units affected
On certain vehicles, the fifth wheel locking mechanisms could be susceptible to damage and/or wear. This could cause the locking mechanism to fail properly engage, potentially resulting in a towed trailer unit separating from the truck tractor. As a result, the trailer could strike another vehicle, stationary object, or bystander, causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Fontaine dealers will replace all Ultra LT fifth wheel units with Ultra NT model fifth wheel units.
- Electrical#2015453
1 units affected
On certain vehicles equipped with an Idle Free Model BA600 Electric Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), the mounting points on the housing of the APU could crack or tear. This could cause the power unit to possibly fail, or detach from the truck, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a welded gusset upgrade kit and stronger clamping brackets.
- Powertrain#2014529
2,885 units affected
On certain vehicles equipped with Eco-Roll, which allows the transmission to disengage from the engine in certain situations to conserve fuel, a defect in the software may prevent the drivetrain from reengaging when coming out of Eco-Roll. This could occur without prior warning and under certain conditions, extend stopping distances, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update vehicle software.
- Tires#2014528
6 units affected
On certain vehicles with a governed road speed setting of 113 kilometers per hour (70MPH) or more that are outfitted with 295/60 R22.5 XZA2 Energy Tires and used in an auto transport application (i.e. truck modified with frame mounted to the truck to carry automobiles over the truck's front axle), a premature tire failure may occur on the front or steer axle as a result of certain operating conditions (high speeds, load and road temperature). A tire failure could cause the driver to lose vehicle control, which may result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the tires and set the road speed governor.
- Brakes#2014260
70 units affected
On certain model vehicles outfitted with enhanced cruise control and without side fairings, a programming error could result in the active braking feature of the enhanced cruise control to be disabled. As a result, the enhanced cruise control system may not automatically activate the brakes as designed. This could possibly result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will update the software of the control unit.
- Other#2013221
7,911 units affected
On certain vehicles, the secondary clutch disengagement switch may have been omitted during vehicle assembly or, in some instances, removed during servicing. As such, primary switch failure would cause the automated manual transmission’s clutch to remain engaged when the brakes are applied. This could increase stopping distances, possibly resulting in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install a micro-switch at the brake pedal and update the software to run a diagnostic on the switch during engine start-up.
- Brakes#2013126
215 units affected
On certain trucks, the brake chambers may develop an air leak. As a result, the parking brake may not fully release. Park brake drag could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake chambers.
- Electrical#2013090
461 units affected
On certain trucks, the battery cables were fastened to the remote battery disconnect switch using incorrect hardware. In addition, the cables may be prone to chafing and vibration. Both issues could lead to electrical arcing, which could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will relocate the remote battery disconnect switch module.
- Wheels#2012345
On certain vehicles, the wheel rims may have been manufactured incorrectly and could fail. A wheel separating from the vehicle could cause a loss of control and a crash. In addition, the errant wheel assembly could strike a vehicle, stationary object, or a bystander. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wheel rims. Note: Further evaluation revealed that no Canadian vehicles are involved.
- Brakes#2012032
3,111 units affected
On certain trucks equipped with Bendix ATR-6 Antilock Traction Relay valves, in extremely cold conditions (at or below -18 degrees Celsius), internal ATR valve leakage can occur. This could cause unintended brake application, which could overheat the affected brakes and cause a fire. Also, in certain low traction conditions, unexpected brake application can cause a loss of vehicle control and a crash. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will update the cover assembly on the ATR valves.
Canadian data updated August 24, 2026
U.S. NHTSA recalls
14- SERVICE BRAKES, AIR#16V928000
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system.
Risk: If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1608.
- SUSPENSION:FRONT#16V467000
Volvo Trucks North America, (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013 VNM and VNL trucks manufactured April 16, 2012, to May 4, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with certain Meritor FF967 non-drive front steer axles that may have been incorrectly heat treated.
Risk: The improperly heat treated axles may fracture, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the axles for specific heat code serial numbers. The affected axles will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1605.
- TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY#15V643000
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured June 21, 2010, to December 14, 2012. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.
Risk: If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1507.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM#15V634000
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Volvo VNL trucks manufactured December 1, 2011, to September 1, 2013, equipped with certain Electric Auxiliary Power Units (APU), part number BA600, manufactured by Idle Free Systems (IFS). The affected APUs have metal housings whose mounting points may crack and tear. Additionally, the mounting bolts of the power units may loosen or possibly fail.
Risk: If the mounting points crack and tear or the attaching bolts loosen or fail, the power unit may detach from the truck, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and IFS dealers will inspect the APU for damage and, where needed, install a welded gusset upgrade kit to strengthen the APU C-channels. All units will receive stronger clamping brackets. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586, or IFS customer service at 1-920-206-9333. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1506.
- SERVICE BRAKES#15V524000
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured May 31, 2011, to December 1, 2014. In the affected trucks, the trailer hand brake handle may not to return to the off position due to being restricted by the cut out in the trim panel.
Risk: If the brake handle does return to the off position, the trailer service brakes may drag causing the wheel end to overheat and potentially cause a wheel end fire or tire blowout. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trim panel slot and make it longer, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-258-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1504.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION#14V739000
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012, 2014-2015 VHD, 2012-2015 VNL, and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured June 16, 2011, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with the Eco-Roll option. The affected trucks may fail to re-engage the vehicle drivetrain after using the Eco-Roll feature.
Risk: If the drivetrain does not re-engage, the vehicle's stopping distance may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo has notified owners, and dealers will update the Eco-Roll software, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1406.
- TIRES#14V740000
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 VAH and VNL trucks manufactured May 12, 2010, to October 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience premature tire failure during certain operating conditions such as high speeds, heavy load, and high road temperature.
Risk: Premature tire failure could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires and set the road speed limiter, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1405.
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL#14V356000
Volvo Trucks of North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 VNL and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured November 17, 2010, through February 5, 2014, and equipped with enhanced cruise control and without side fairings. In the affected vehicles, the active braking component of the enhanced cruise control can become disabled.
Risk: If the active braking feature becomes disabled, the vehicle may not automatically activate the brakes as intended when the enhanced cruise control system is in use, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1402.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE#14V139000
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 VNL trucks, and 2013-2014 VNM trucks equipped with certain Cummins Westport Model ISL G and ISX12 G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.
Risk: The improper operation of the sensor could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.
Remedy: Cummins Inc. and Cummins Wesport Inc. will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1401.
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT#13V366000
Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 VNL vehicles manufactured April 2, 2012, through May 3, 2013; and equipped with a Meritor RPL-20 driveline transmission. The driveshaft is too weak for this application and may fail.
Risk: Failure of the driveshaft can result in debris on the roadway and disabling of the truck, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1305.
- POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY#13V268000
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM, and VT models. The affected vehicles were built without a redundant clutch disengagement switch. Without a redundant switch, a loss of signal from the brake air pressure switch can prevent the clutch from automatically disengaging when the brake is applied.
Risk: Without a signal to disengage the clutch when the brakes are applied, the distance required to stop the truck may lengthen, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles if necessary. The recall began on August 26, 2013. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1303. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
- PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:AIR#13V152000
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 VHD and VNL vehicles manufactured December 13, 2010, through July 17, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with an MGM Type 24 J-series piston parking brake chamber. The brake chambers may leak pressure allowing the parking brake to drag when it is supposed to be released. Brake dragging could lead to overheated brake components.
Risk: Overheated brake components could result in a fire.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and the brake chambers will be replaced as needed, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or before, June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Volvos campaign recall number is RVXX1302.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES#13V102000
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks, manufactured from April 18, 2011, through March 14, 2013, and equipped with a horizontally mounted remote battery disconnect switch. The remote battery disconnect switch was manufactured with incorrect hardware allowing the cables to loosen. Additionally, as mounted, the cables may vibrate and chafe.
Risk: Loose or chafed cables may lead to overheating of the battery cable and switch which may result in a fire.
Remedy: 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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE#12V036000
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 VHD AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2013 VNL AND VNM VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 2, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2012, AND EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX ATR-6 TRACTION RELAY VALVES. IN EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS, THESE BENDIX RELAY VALVES MAY POTENTIALLY DEVELOP INTERNAL LEAKAGE. INTERNAL LEAKAGE CAN LEAD TO AIR PRESSURE BEING DELIVERED TO AFFECTED PRIMARY OR SECONDARY BRAKE CAUSING CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION.
Risk: INADVERTENT BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND LEAD TO A FIRE. INADVERTENT BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE WHEELS TO LOCK-UP LEADING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND PROVIDE A TEMPORARY REPAIR UNTIL BENDIX DEVELOPS A PERMANENT REMEDY. A PERMANENT REMEDY HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AND NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
Does this recall apply to my vehicle?
Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.
What to do
Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer in both countries. To confirm a recall applies to your specific vehicle, or to book the work, contact your manufacturer or dealer with your full VIN, or use the official channel:
- NHTSA recall lookup (search by VIN) — U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Defects and recalls database — Transport Canada
Check a 2013 Volvo VNL VIN
A VIN decode confirms your vehicle's exact model year, trim and assembly plant, then runs this same recall check against it.