CarRecallWatchThe 2013 Volvo VNL has 14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash.
The most-reported problem area is Tires (2 reports).
2013 Volvo VNL recalls
Oil and water can contaminate truck brakes, reducing stopping power
Incorrect software controlling the electronic air dryer can allow oil and water to get into the brake system of these trucks.
Front axle may fracture, causing loss of steering control
Certain 2013 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks built between April 16, 2012 and May 4, 2012 have Meritor FF967 front steer axles that may have been incorrectly heat treated.
Trailer May Detach From Truck Due to Fifth Wheel Lock Failure
Certain 2011-2013 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks built between June 2010 and December 2012 have Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel connectors.
Auxiliary power unit may detach from truck, creating crash risk
Certain Volvo VNL trucks built between December 2011 and September 2013 may have an electric auxiliary power unit (APU) with a metal housing whose mounting points can crack and tear.
Trailer Brake Handle May Stick, Causing Brake Drag and Fire Risk
Certain 2012-2015 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks built between May 31, 2011, and December 1, 2014, may have a trailer hand brake handle that does not return fully to the off position.
Most common 2013 Volvo VNL problems
Problem areas named in the 7 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Tires | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Visibility | 1 |
| Structure | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
What owners report
BRIDGESTONE GREATEC M885 SUPER SINGLE TIRES.ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THROUGHOUT OUR FLEET THER HAVE BEEN MANY INCIDENTS OF THESE TIRES LOSING TRACTION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DRIVING CONDITIONS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING 40 TO 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY SWERVED OUT OF CONTROL. FORCE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE TIE RODS AND TIRES, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 276,000.
EXHAUST FLEX PIPE DEVELOPED A HOLE CAUSING AN EXHAUST LEAK WHICH IN TURN PREVENTED THE TRUCK FROM CLEANING THE PARTICULATE FILTER. THIS IN TURN CREATED EXTRA WORK ON THE TURBO WHICH BECAME HEATED BEYOND NORMAL TEMPERATURES WHICH CAUSED THE PLASTIC WHEEL WELL TO MELT. VITAL COMPONENTS IN THE AREA OF THE EXTREME HEAT WERE AT RISK OF FAILURE DUE TO THIS EXTREME HEAT CAUSE BY THE BACKUP IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TR
THERE IS FABRIC COVER TO COVER UP AN OVERHEAD WINDOW TOWARDS THE TOP INTERIOR OF CAB COMPARTMENT. IT IS ONLY HELD IN PLACE BY A SMALL SUCTION CUP. NUMEROUS TIMES THIS HAS FALLEN ON ME WHILE I'M DRIVING. I HAVE TRIED TAPING IT AND EVEN THE TAPE WON'T STICK BECAUSE OF THE HEAT/COLD FROM THE WINDOW. AT THE WRONG MOMENT A DRIVER WILL HAVE THIS FALLING AND INTERFERING WITH HIS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE! *TR
THE WEST COAST MIRRORS DON'T EXTEND FAR ENOUGH FROM THE SIDES OF THE TRUCK. A DRIVER CAN'T ADJUST THESE MIRROR ARMS TO SUFFICIENTLY OBSERVE TRAFFIC IN THE LANE IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE TRUCK. I HAVE OVER 45 YRS EXPERIENCE & KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST MIRRORS. IF ADJUSTED TO OBSERVE FAR ENOUGH BACK IN THE ADJACENT LANE, 1/2 THE MIRROR SPACE IS THE NOSE OF THE TRAILER AND SIDE OF THE CAB. AT THIS POSITION YOU CAN'T SEE THE REAR MARKER LIGHT OF THE TRAILER! TO FIND THE REAR TRAILER MARKER LIGHT THE DRIVER MUST LEAN HARD TO THE LEFT WHEN LOOKING IN THE MIRROR. A DISTRACTION THAT CONSUMES SECONDS OF FOCUSING FROM DRIVING. SERIOUS PROBLEM DRIVING IN HARD RAIN/SNOW BECAUSE YOU DON'T WHERE THE BACK O
2013 Volvo VNL questions
Does the 2013 Volvo VNL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls for the 2013 Volvo VNL: Oil and water can contaminate truck brakes, reducing stopping power; Front axle may fracture, causing loss of steering control; Trailer May Detach From Truck Due to Fifth Wheel Lock Failure; Auxiliary power unit may detach from truck, creating crash risk; Trailer Brake Handle May Stick, Causing Brake Drag and Fire Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volvo VNL?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Tires (2), Service Brakes (1), Visibility (1).
How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Volvo VNL has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.