repaired · 2017 Q1
Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly
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…
2012 Volvo VNLProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2012 Volvo VNL, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 14 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-643 the manufacturer reports only 32% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 12, 2017. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Volvo VNL has problems
5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Suspension
1Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
1Electrical system
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Steering1 crash/fire/injury
1Structure1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
14 recalls
2012 Volvo VNL recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Electrical system
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…
repaired · 2017 Q1
Service brakes
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…
repaired · 2016 Q2
Tires
Risk. Premature tire failure could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Show 10 more recalls
repaired · 2016 Q1
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. If the drivetrain does not re-engage, the vehicle's stopping distance may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control
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…
repaired · 2015 Q1
Visibility/wiper
Risk. Inoperable wipers may result in poor driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Power train: clutch assembly
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.
no report yet
Conventional: air
Risk. Overheated brake components could result in a fire.
no report yet
12v/24v/48v battery: cables
Risk. Loose or chafed cables may lead to overheating of the battery cable and switch which may result in a fire.
no report yet
Supply: check valve
Risk. INADVERTENT BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND LEAD TO A FIRE.
no report yet
Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly
Risk. 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.
no report yet
Power train: driveline
Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN SEAM WELD FRACTURE WHEN TORQUE IS APPLIED.
no report yet
Service brakes, air: slack adjusters
Risk. SLACK ADJUSTERS WITH THIS FLOW NOTCH COULD CRACK UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other VNL year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the VNL median. How we score
'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Volvo VNL, and the recalls they led to.
- Discrepancies in Required CFR ReportingNo recall
- Stop Lamp Switch SignalLed to recall 13V-268
- Windshield Wiper FailuresLed to recall 13V-349
- Volvo Sleeper glass de-bondingNo recall
In owners' words
What VNL owners report
Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I BOTH THE VOLVO 780 SEMI TRUCK 8 MONTHS AGO AND I DO STILL HAVE A PROBLEM. I DO REPLACE WHOLE SUSPENSION, MAKE A 6 TIMES ALIGNMENT AND TRUCK STILL SWAY IN THE ROAD. DEALER FROM CONNECTICUT DO TEST DRIVE AND HE SAID MY WHOLE CAB SWAY FROM RIGHT TO THE LEFT. HE RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT CAB SHOCKS AND…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND RODE ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE…
Own a 2012 VNL?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.