The Used Car Index

2011 Volvo VNL problems

NHTSA lists 4 complaints for the 2011 Volvo VNL, 0 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 0 complaints mention an injury, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-08.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as VOLVO VNL.

At a glance

Complaints
4
With crash
0
With fire
0
With injury (complaints)
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Recalls
12
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
23,056
Investigations
4
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
110

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM125.0%
ENGINE125.0%
STEERING125.0%
SUSPENSION125.0%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

12 recalls. Showing the latest 10 of 12.

15V643000

Date: 2015-10-13. Systems: TRAILER HITCHES.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

14V740000

Date: 2014-11-18. Systems: TIRES.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

14V356000

Date: 2014-06-20. Systems: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

13V349000

Date: 2013-08-13. Systems: VISIBILITY/WIPER.

Defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured February 1, 2010, through September 30, 2010 and June 1, 2011, through November 30, 2011. The windshield wiper motor may fail.

Consequence: Inoperable wipers may result in poor driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor, free of charge. The recallbegan on December 6, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1304.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

13V268000

Date: 2013-06-26. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

13V152000

Date: 2013-04-22. Systems: PARKING BRAKE.

Defect: 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 com (excerpt)

Consequence: Overheated brake components could result in a fire. (excerpt)

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. VolvoA s campaign recall number is RVXX1302. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

12V036000

Date: 2012-02-01. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.

Defect: 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 SECO (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

11V460000

Date: 2011-09-01. Systems: TRAILER HITCHES.

Defect: VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 VNL AND VNM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 1, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2011. DURING THE COUPLING PROCESS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE DRIVER TO PARTIALLY CLOSE THE FIFTH WHEEL LOCK AND IF SOLELY RELYING ON A TUG TEST (PULL TEST), THE DRIVER MAY THINK THAT THE FIFTH WHEEL LOCK IS PROPERLY COUPLED TO THE TRAILER KING PIN WHEN IN FACT IT IS NOT PROPER (excerpt)

Consequence: IF THE DRIVER DRIVES AWAY WITH A TRAILER THAT IS NOT PROPERLY COUPLED, THE TRAILER CAN COME LOOSE AND POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. (excerpt)

Remedy: DEALERS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOCK BAR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

11V265000

Date: 2011-05-03. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.

Defect: VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 VHD, VNL, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 VNM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 15, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2011, AND EQUIPPED WITH GUNITE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. DUE TO AN INCOMPLETE "KNITTING" OF THE IRON AT THE TIME OF CASTING, INADEQUATE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING CAN OCCUR, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE HOUSING TO BREAK AT THE HA (excerpt)

Consequence: SLACK ADJUSTERS WITH THIS FLOW NOTCH COULD CRACK UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. (excerpt)

Remedy: VOLVO TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT SLACK ADJUSTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

11V050000

Date: 2011-01-24. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 VNL TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 23, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 22, 2010. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO START WITHOUT WARNING BECAUSE OF AN UNINTENDED PATH TO GROUND THAT EXISTS. THIS CAN OCCUR WHEN EITHER THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE IS DISCONNECTED AT THE BATTERY/FUSIBLE LINK OR IF THE FUSIBLE LINK OPENS AS A RESULT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence: THIS PRESENTS A RISK OF INJURY WITH NONOPERATIONAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING SERVICED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE A WIRING HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

4 investigations; 0 open.

AQ18005

Opened: 2018-10-22. Closed: 2023-08-04.

Discrepancies in Required CFR Reporting

On October 22, 2018, an Audit Query (AQ18-005) was opened to assess the completeness and timeliness of Volvo Group's early warning reporting, safety recalls, and communications submissions to the agency.NHTSA's investigation determined that Volvo Group failed to recall vehicles in a timely fashion and to comply with other recall and reporting requirements, including notifying owners of recalls and

Systems: COMMUNICATION.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

PE13005

Opened: 2013-03-18. Closed: 2013-08-29.

Windshield Wiper Failures

Through regular communications with heavy truck fleets, ODI learned of a potential issue involving failures of both the windshield wiper motor or linkage on model year 2011-2012 Volvo VNL trucks.ODI searched its Early Warning Reporting (EWR) database and identified a significant number of claims of wiper system problems reported by Volvo.In some cases the windshield wiper linkage separated and in

Systems: VISIBILITY, VISIBILITY/WIPER.

Linked campaign numbers: 13V349000.

PE13002

Opened: 2013-02-07. Closed: 2013-07-03.

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles equipped with the subject automated manual transmission had allegedly experienced a condition where the clutch failed to automatically disengage the transmission from the engine as intended. This may result in extended stopping distances and/or

Systems: POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.

Linked campaign numbers: 13V268000.

RQ11001

Opened: 2011-05-23. Closed: 2012-01-20.

Volvo Sleeper glass de-bonding

ODI opened Recall Query RQ11-001 after a review of EWR Field Reports identified lower bunk window separations on the subject vehicles.Volvo had issued three recalls for sleeper window separations since 2003.Additionally, Volvo had issued two bulletins for sleeper window issues during the same time period.The frequency of related actions led ODI to open this formal investigation.An Information Requ

Systems: VISIBILITY.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

Manufacturer communications

110 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING26
POWER TRAIN21
EQUIPMENT14
UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
EXTERIOR LIGHTING7
ENGINE6
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL5

10251325

Date: 2024-02-23. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT.

CBR - Telematics Gateway (TGW) Connect Ability Issues.

10251319

Date: 2024-02-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER, POWER TRAIN.

CBR - Automated Manual Transmission ( AMT ) Flywheel Pilot Bearing Wear On Input Shaft.

10251323

Date: 2024-02-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, PARKING BRAKE.

CBR - Active "Set Park Brake" Message On Drivers Information Display (DID)

10249569

Date: 2024-01-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

CBR: TGW Will Not Connect After SIM Card Replacement

10248063

Date: 2023-12-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VISIBILITY.

CBR: 11L Engine - Air Conditioner (A/C) Line Damaged At Bracket - Model Year 2007 to Present.

10241904

Date: 2023-08-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

CBR: Volvo VHD & VN Models - Vehicle Wil Not Start, PTO Active Message Displayed In Cluster, PTO Light On When PTO Switch Is Turned Off

10241906

Date: 2023-08-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SUSPENSION.

TSB: Barksdale Leveling Valve, Leak Test

10240244

Date: 2023-07-24. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, POWER TRAIN.

CBR: Programming Failure - Chassis With Cummins Engine And An Allison Transmission

10225704

Date: 2022-10-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Volvo Chassis - ( AMT, I-Shift ) - Transmission Grinding When Downshifting ; Range Synchronizer (Synchro) Timing Procedure - US07 And Newer

10222270

Date: 2022-09-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

TSB-Charge Air Cooler t-clamp install.

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
VNL4

Same model, other years

All model years | All Volvo models

Other Volvo models, 2011

Sources

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