RoadVitals

2009 Volvo Vnl

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
2
Latest Jun 20, 2015
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jun 26, 2013
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
4
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Volvo Vnl, most frequently naming the tires & wheels, electrical and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 4 NHTSA investigations name it; and 90 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Tires & wheels222.2%
  • Electrical111.1%
  • Engine111.1%
  • Powertrain (other)111.1%
  • Steering111.1%
  • Suspension111.1%
  • Driver assistance111.1%
  • Transmission111.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Jun 26, 2013
23,056 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Volvo Trucks North AmericaManufacturer number RVXX1303View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Oct 12, 2010
1,926 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 VHD, VNL, VNM, AS WELL AS 2008-2010 VT VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." THE TIRE DESCRIPTION MAY BE INCORRECT ON THE VEHICLE'S CERTIFICATION LABEL.
The risk: THE MISINFORMATION ON THESE LABELS COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE OVERLOADING THAT CAN INCREASE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE LABELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number RVXX1005View on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Aug 3, 2010
3,984 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 VNL, VT, AND 780 TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 1, 2008 THROUGH FEBRUARY 6, 2009. THE BOTTOM TRACK THAT ATTACHES TO THE ARMS USED TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE WINDOW MAY DE-BOND, WHICH RESULTS IN THE GLASS COMING LOOSE AT THE BOTTOM.
The risk: THE UPPER WINDOW HINGES MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE GLASS TO FALL OUT OF THE WINDOW FRAME CREATING A ROAD HAZARD AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR AS REQUIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number RVXX1004View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

AQ18005ClosedAudit Query

Discrepancies in Required CFR Reporting

Opened Oct 22, 2018
Closed Aug 4, 2023

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 data analytics infrastructure to detect and study emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles. The Consent Order also holds forty-five million dollars ($45,000,000) of the civil penalty in abeyance pending Volvo Group's satisfactory completion of the requirements of this Consent Order, and its compliance with the Safety Act, and regulations thereunder.The Consent Order is for a three-year term and may be extended by up to two years if NHTSA reasonably finds that an extension is warranted.In the Consent Order, Volvo Group agreed to several performance obligations, including enhanced oversight of its compliance with the Safety Act and the terms of the Consent Order through a third-party auditor and regular meetings with NHTSA.The third-party auditor will recommend and oversee implementation of process improvements to enhance Volvo Group's safety compliance processes and oversee the company's review of past recalls and submissions to NHTSA for accuracy and completeness.Also, via the Consent Order, Volvo Group agreed to create updated written policies, procedures, and training to ensure that its employees understand the requirements of the Safety Act, the regulations thereunder, and this Consent Order.Volvo Group further agreed to launch a user interface on its websites to allow users to search vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for open recalls and implement a system to support NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.Based on the Consent Order, this audit query investigation, AQ18-005, is closed.Closure of this AQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Volvo Group's ongoing performance obligations or legal obligations, and does not represent a determination by NHTSA as to Volvo Group's performance under the Consent Order to date.

COMMUNICATION
PE13002ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

Opened Feb 7, 2013
Closed Jul 3, 2013

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 unintended forward motion of a vehicle previously at rest.To date, ODI is aware of 134 subject vehicles with one or more complaints or field reports related to this condition.Also, ODI is aware of 164 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to this condition.By letter dated June 25, 2013, Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) notified ODI that it has initiated a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 13V268 and Volvo Recall No. RVXX1303) to address a safety defect in approximately 23,003 model year (MY) 2007 through 2014 Volvo VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM and VT model trucks. The affected vehicles were manufactured from December 20, 2006 through May 22, 2013 and were originally equipped with the subject automated manual transmissions.According to Volvo, reports of the subject transmission clutch mechanism failing to automatically disengage as intended are associated with the removal of a brake pedal micro switch that provided a redundant signal to the transmission control module indicating the brakes had been applied.Previously, Volvo had removed this brake pedal micro switch from new vehicle production and from certain vehicles already in-service via two field service campaigns (SP 432-024 and SP 432-026) because it decided the switch was unnecessary and/or a maintenance issue.In the absence of this redundant brake pedal micro switch, the clutch mechanism may fail to disengage the transmission from the engine at low vehicle speed should the stop lamp switch fail to send and/or the transmission control module fail to receive the primary signal.At the time of this closing, Volvo is evaluating available remedies and will provide NHTSA with details when the recall remedy procedure has been finalized.Volvo will notify affected owners by mail by August 25, 2013.Please see NHTSA Recall No. 13V268 for details.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONLed to recall 13V268000
RQ11001ClosedRecall Query

Volvo Sleeper glass de-bonding

Opened May 23, 2011
Closed Jan 20, 2012

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 Request (IR) letter was sent to Volvo on 23 June 2011.Volvo responded on 17 August 2011 and then provided updated warranty information on 9 January 2012.Volvo provided production change data and warranty information which was correlated to vehicle build month and failure date.ODI analyzed the data to determine if additional production time frames should have been included in previous recalls.ODI also requested information from its network of fleet owners.The response from this network reaffirmed the accuracy of the updated warranty information.Based on the information and data received, ODI has concluded that all production periods have been appropriately addressed by Volvo's previous recalls and no additional recall action is required at this time.

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
PE10028ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Front Air Brake Hose Interference

Opened Jul 29, 2010
Closed Dec 23, 2010

ODI opened this investigation based on EWR data indicating that a front air brake hose could rub the tire and eventually develop an air leak.Volvo's IR response and ODI's investigative review revealed no sudden loss of air events. Rather abrasion of the hose was being noted. Additionally no crashes or injuries were reported.An analysis of the warranty data with respect to time in service and miles to failure did not indicate that the subject vehicles were experiencing failures at a rate higher than peer vehicles. The subject vehicles are commercial vehicles.The front air brake hoses are easily visible and accessible during routine inspections.The failure mode is a slow abrasive process that occurs over time.ODI's review indicates that it is unlikely that the alleged defect would go undetected.Additionally, Volvo has issued two notices to dealers and authorized service stations alerting them to look for the alleged defect (abrasion on the air hose) in the subject vehicles.A safety related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 20, 2015

ON 5/29/2015 AFTER LEAVING REST AREA AND DOING A WALK AROUND MY RIG, I WAS DRIVING NORTH ON I-95 IN MY 2009 SUPER CLASS C RV, HAULMARK, MODEL 3303TS, 44' LONG W/ SUBURBAN IN TOW, TRAVELING 70 MPH, KABOOM, RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW. SAFELY SLOWED VEHICLE DOWN (FOOT OFF GAS) AND MERGED TO SAFETY LANE. AFTER GETTING MY SELF TOGETHER, I LOOKED AT THE DAMAGE. THE BLOW OUT TOOK MY PASSENGER SIDE STEPS, FENDER, HOOD, BUMPER AND DAMAGED PARTS OF REGEN SYSTEMS. THE TIRE IS GOODYEAR G670 RV, 295/80R22.5 DOT DANU2CAW0612 INSTALLED BY GOODYEAR ON 7/20/12, MILEAGE 23589. MILEAGE AT TIME OF ACCIDENT 40064. MY RV WAS TOWED TO A ELITE TOW PARKING LOT FOR THE WEEKEND AND THEN TOWED TO VOLVO DEALER LOCALLY. STILL SITTING IN THEIR LOT WAITING ON PARTS TO BE FIXED. TIRE IS STILL WITH RV AT PRESENT. INSURANCE, GOODYEAR AND I WANT THE TIRE FOR PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT & REASON FOR BLOWOUT.

NHTSA ID
10726349
Incident
May 29, 2015
Mileage
40,064 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine+5 more
Filed Oct 24, 2009

I BOUGHT A NEW 780 VOLVO TRUCK JUNE 23 08 SINCE THEN I HAVE OVER 78 SERVICE CLAIMS WARRANTY AT VOLVO TRUCK NORTH AMERICA USA MOSTLY FOR BAD SHAKING AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF STEERING AND NOX SENSOR EMISSIONS COMING THREW AIR IN CAB AND LEVELING CONTROL VALVES MALFUNCTIONS AND BAD STABILIZATION OF TRACTOR AIR FLOW THREW TURBO CHARGER AND MANIFOLD GASKETS REPLACED 4 TIMES BECAUSE OF TURBO PRESSURE IN ENGINE I SHIFT TRANSMISSION HAS HAD 2 ECM BRAINS PUT INTO TRANSMISSION HAS HAD PROBLEMS FROM THE BEGINNING . BEFORE I PULLED FIRST LOAD HAD TO BE PUT ON WRECKER AT JOPLIN DOWN FOR ANOTHER 4 DAYS WHILE PART HAD TO BE FOUND ANOTHER IS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IN CONTROL ELECTRONIC FAILURES SOMETIMES HAS MADE MOTOR QUIT TALKING TO TRANSMISSION WHICH CAUSES ELECTRIC SURGE TO SHUT DOWN ANY RESPONSE TO TRANSMISSION CONTROL INCLUDING GOING DOWN STEEP GRADES IN LOW GEAR WITH JAKE BREAK WORKING CODES ARE MID-128 MID-130 PSID-205 FM-9 WHEN THIS CODE FLASH THREW INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OPEN CIRCUIT CAUSES NO JAKE BRAKE TO WORK TRUCK SHAKES AND MOTOR STARTS TO LOOSE POWER AT TIME. SPEED ODOMETER HAS SHUT DOWN AND NO TURBO PRESSURE AND TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT WITH USING MANUAL MODE NO RPMS ON ENGINE PAST 14 1500 TRUCK HAS TO BE STOPPED AND RESET WITH KEY OFF ABOUT 5 MINUTES DEALERSHIP AT ONE OF VOLVO LOCATIONS TOLD ME HOW TO RESET THAT PROBLEM 4 NOX SENSORS HAVE BEEN PUT ON TRUCK WON'T WORK CORRECTLY SINCE PURCHASED AND 4 TIRES HAVE BEEN PUT ON STEER AXLE AND NEW HUB ASSEMBLY ON DRIVERS SIDE ALONG WITH NEW STEERING BOX, STEERING SHAFT 2 SHAFTS ALONG WITH A CODE SHOWING OFF AND ON SINCE THAT REPAIR IS MID -140 PSID 45 FM 5 ANOTHER OPEN CIRCUIT STEERING MODULE THIS IS SCARY BECAUSE AS LONG AS THIS CODE STAYS ACTIVE YOU DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN KEEP TRUCK FROM SWAYING ALL OVER ROAD EMPTY OR LOADED STEERING WHEEL MAKES A METAL TO METAL SCREECHING SOUND LIKE IT NEEDS TO BE LUBED IN CAB OTHER TIMES TRUCK SOON COMES TO STOP SAME PROBLEMS HAS OCCURRED 148 DAYS IN SHOP VOLVO WANTS TRUCK AT INDY NOV 9TH HELP ME. *TR UPDATED IVOQ 05/25/10

NHTSA ID
10289679
Incident
Jun 23, 2008
Mileage
1,500 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

KC-2347

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL; PARKING BRAKE

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

KC-202

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:KINETIC:FLYWHEEL,BEARINGS; POWER TRAIN

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

CBR-2320 202312

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

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

CBR-2120 202308

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

V728-005A 202308

SUSPENSION

TSB: Barksdale Leveling Valve, Leak Test

CBR-2112 202307

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN

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

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volvo Vnl by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025010
2024070
2023130
2022270
2021070
2020090
2019480
2018850
2017051
2016126260.8
2015592
20148123
20137143
20125144
20114124
2010043
2009Viewing244
20083123
2007159364.2
2006771
2005663
2004562
2003292
2002173
2001182
2000104259.4
1999115351.6
1998853
1997040
1996010
1995010
1994010
1993010
1992010
1991010
1990010

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.