Model year record

2015 Volvo Vnl recalls & problems

The 2015 Volvo Vnl has 9 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (3 complaints).

Recalls9safety recalls

Complaints5filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SuspensionAug 21, 2019

Front

Recall 19V61700020 vehicles

Problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2015 VNL vehicles equipped with Meritor FF967 Non-Drive Front Steer axles. The axles missed the heat treating operation during manufacturing, reducing their strength and possibly causing the axle beams to fracture.
Risk: Fracture of the axle beam can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo Trucks will notify the affected vehicle owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the axles as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact Meritor customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX1905.

Service brakes, airDec 22, 2016

Service brakes, air

Recall 16V9280005,547 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Service brakesAug 17, 2015

Service brakes

Recall 15V5240002,854 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Parking brakeJan 22, 2015

Driveline › Hydraulic › Actuator

Recall 15V026000170 vehicles

Problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2015 and 2016 VNX and VNL trucks manufactured from May 20, 2014, through March 6, 2015, equipped with certain Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators manufactured January 9, 2014, to October 28, 2014. The affected actuators may have an incomplete attachment of the internal rubber diaphragm to the actuation mechanism of the parking brake section of the Life Seal actuator.
Risk: If the diaphragm is not completely attached, there may be internal leakage from the service section past the diaphragm, potentially trapping air pressure in the parking brake section. This air pressure in turn, if not vented, may prevent full release of the actuator unit, and may induce brake drag and may result in overheated wheelend service brakes, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator and replace, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1501.

Power trainNov 18, 2014

Automatic transmission

Recall 14V7390006,234 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Service brakes, airSep 11, 2014

Disc › Caliper

Recall 14V5550003,175 vehicles

Problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 VAH, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured March 4, 2013, to April 28, 2014. Due to the bolts holding the disc brake caliper to the backing plate not being tightened to the specified torque, the disc brake caliper may detach from the backing plate.
Risk: If the disc brake caliper detaches from the backing plate it can affect the brakes to that particular wheel causing the vehicle to "pull" to the left or right, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts to specification, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1403.

Electrical systemSep 11, 2014

Software

Recall 14V55700046 vehicles

Problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2015 VNL and VNX trucks manufactured January 7, 2014, to June 5, 2014, and equipped with a D16 engine. Due to the engine control unit having an incorrect parameter setting in the software, the engine may stall.
Risk: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1404.

Forward collision avoidanceJun 20, 2014

Adaptive cruise control

Recall 14V3560001,025 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Components: Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control; Forward collision avoidance › Crash imminent braking

Engine and engine coolingMar 24, 2014

Engine

Recall 14V139000426 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Suspension	3	1	—
StructureBody	1	0	—
Steering	1	1	—
Unknown or other	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Suspension
THE CAB SUSPENSION IS AFFECTED BY SOME TYPE OF MANUFACTURE FAULT, THE CAB IS TWISTED 3 INCHS TO THE LEFT. I HAVE SEEN THE SAME COMPLAINT OF OTHER VOLVO'S VNL MODEL OWNERS. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND REALLY NEED A ATTENTION.
Dec 18, 2017
Unknown or other
HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/EU119G9VYCU THIS NEW TRUCK BOUGHT MID MARCH 29K MILES PARTS R COMING LOSE DEALER AND VOLVO GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND ON FIXING IT ?????? CAN U HELP
Aug 11, 2016 · 12,000 miles
Suspension
MY 2015 VOLVO SEMI HAS BEEN THE ROUGHEST RIDING TRUCK I HAVE BEEN IN. IT HAS FRONT AIR RIDE SUSPENSION, AND EXHIBITS UNUSUALLY HEAVY CAB SWAY, AND TAKES A LOT OF ATTENTION AND STEERING INPUT TO STAY IN ITS OWN LANE. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT IT NUMEROUS TIMES TO.THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT NEW FROM, AND DISCUSS IT WITH OTHER VOLVO DEALERS AROUND THE COUNTRY. I AM NOT NEW TO VOLVO. I DROVE 8 DIFFERENT ONES FROM 2006 THRU 2008 WHILE EMPLOYED AT KNIGHT TRANSPORTATION. SINCE BUYING IT BRAND NEW I HAVE: 1. REPLACED LEAKING CAB SHOCK ON DRIVERS SIDE 2. TAKEN TRUCK BACK TO SAME SHOP TO HAVE SSME NEW SHOCK RETIGHTENED. 3. PURCHASED EXTRA THICK.$800.00 TEMPURPEDIC MATTRESS TO TRY AND RESOLVE CO DRIVERS…
Oct 1, 2015 · 50,000 miles
Suspension1 injury
WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH OUR VEHICLE FROM THE BEGINNING. WE FILED AN EARLIER COMPLAINT. WE HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING COMING FROM THAT COMPLAINT, BUT HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH AN ODI INVESTIGATOR. WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD, OUR TRUCK HIT A BRIDGE ABUTMENT AND THE CAB BOTTOMED OUT HARD ON THE CHASSIS AND THE CAB SWAYED AGGRESSIVELY TO THE POINT THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL. I WAS IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE WHEN IT BOTTOMED OUT AND FELT AN INTENSE PAIN GO FROM MY LOWER BACK AND UP THROUGH MY SPINE TO MY HEAD. THE TRUCK SWAYED AND JERKED AND MY NECK WAS SLAPPED BACK AND FORTH AND I COULD FEEL AND HEAR MY SPINE SNAP IN MY NECK. I HAD AN INSTANT AND INTENSE HEADACHE. I THOUGHT IT WOULD…
Jun 23, 2015 · 79,800 miles
Structure › Body
FROM RECEIPT OF THIS VEHICLE, AND ESPECIALLY SINCE PLACED INTO SERVICE, WE HAVE COMPLAINED TO VOLVO ABOUT THE RIDE OF THE TRUCK. INITIALLY, THE CAB WOULD BOTTOM OUT AND IT SWAYED EXCESSIVELY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. WE CONSULTED WITH VOLVO TECHS, WITH REGARDS TO WHAT THIS MIGHT BE, AND WERE TOLD THAT THEY HAD BEEN SEEING THIS IN NUMEROUS OTHER VOLVO 780'S AND WERE UNSURE THE CAUSE OR THE CURE. AS TIME PROGRESSED, THE PROBLEMS BECAME WORSE. IT BECAME HARD TO RIDE IN THE CAB, AS IT BEGAN TO BOTTOM OUT AT THE LEAST OF ROAD CONDITIONS. THIS WAS CAUSING THE OCCUPANTS SEVERE MIGRAINES AND MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ENGAGE IN TEAM LOADS, AS THE TEAM DRIVER WAS BEING FORCED TO SLEEP ON CUSHIONS ON THE CAB…
Apr 17, 2014

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Discrepancies in Required CFR ReportingClosed
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 reporting death and injury incidents.NHTSA and Volvo Group entered into a Consent Order on January 27, 2023 to resolve AQ18-005.As part of the Consent Order, Volvo Group agreed to a total civil penalty of one-hundred and thirty million dollars ($130,000,000), of which, sixty-five million dollars ($65,000,000) was paid on February 21, 2023.Also, of that total civil penalty, Volvo Group agreed to spend twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) on the specific performance obligation to create a safety…
AQ18005 · opened Oct 22, 2018 · closed Aug 4, 2023
Ride QualityClosed
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Defect Petition (DP) assessment in response to a defect petition received from owners of a 2015 Volvo VNL 780 tractor.Prior to submitting the letter the owners had submitted two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).Their concerns included: cab sway, cab alignment , and loss of control.The petitioners further allege that due to a failure of the suspension system caused by cab misalignment one of them sustained a back injury while seated at the work station in the sleeper berth while traveling.The office received a total of six (6) complaints (1 via telephone) related to ride quality on 2013 -2016 Volvo VNL vehicles.Two (2) of the complaints were filed by the petitioners.Of the five (5) unique complaints, three (3) were received during the course of this evaluation.During this evaluation, the Owner/Operators Independent Drivers…
DP15006 · opened Sep 28, 2015 · closed Apr 8, 2016