The 2021 Volvo VHD's reliability is compromised by significant recalls affecting critical systems like brakes and steering. Given the nature of these issues, particularly the brake failure risks, proactive monitoring and maintenance are crucial for safety.
Key Factor:Brake and steering concerns
β οΈ
Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (6) than the average VOLVO vehicle (0.8). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
6 recalls for this vehicle0.8 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
In the heavy-duty truck segment, reliability is paramount. The 2021 Volvo VHD is facing multiple recalls that highlight vulnerabilities in its braking system and steering components. These defects are not just technicalities; they pose serious operational hazards that can jeopardize driver safety and fleet efficiency if not addressed promptly. For a brand renowned for its commitment to engineering excellence, such issues could tarnish its reputation significantly among fleet operators who demand peak performance from their vehicles.
Furthermore, heavy-duty trucks like the VHD are essential to logistics and transportation sectors, where downtime can lead to substantial financial losses. Therefore, an absence of major defects would typically be a point of pride for brands in this class; however, the presence of six recalls raises questions about manufacturing quality control during this production year.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
π
Expert Analysis
π
Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
β οΈ
Primary Risk Area:Various
βοΈ
Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.8)
π
Summary: While Volvo has historically maintained a strong safety profile in its commercial vehicles, the recall trends observed in 2021 suggest a troubling deviation from this norm. The presence of multiple recalls indicates potential lapses in quality assurance that could have implications for both driver safety and brand integrity moving forward. Fleet managers need to approach this model with increased scrutiny given these developments.
Safety & Reliability Score
37/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-48
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-10
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 VOLVO VHD
Model Year2021
MakeVOLVO
ModelVHD
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more β
Feb20
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb20
RECALLRecall Issued
Aug20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
β
No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 VOLVO VHD. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICWHEELSSTEERINGSERVICE BRAKES, AIRSEATSELECTRICAL SYSTEM
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Service Brakes
Issue: Potential complete air brake line release due to faulty collets.
β
Schedule an urgent inspection of brake systems with a qualified technician.
π
Verify recall completion status through NHTSA before finalizing any purchase.
Campaigns:21V-12321V-45621V-789
2
Steering System
Issue: Improperly tightened king pin nuts may cause steering failures.
β
Have a professional re-evaluate steering assembly integrity immediately.
π
'Request documentation on prior repairs related to steering components before buying.'
Campaign:21V-222
3
Wheels
Issue: 'Hubcap compression spring faults could result in hubcap detachment.'
β
'Conduct a thorough check on wheel assemblies regularly.'
π
'Check for any history of hubcap replacements during vehicle inspection.'
Campaign:21V-333
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLVO dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (6)
Campaign: 20V782000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS
βΌ
Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling 2021 VNL, VNR, VAH, and VHD vehicles. The collets (internal jaws) for the brass fitting inserts used in the pneumatic pass-through plate may have been damaged during leak testing. As a result, the brass fitting may completely release the air brake line from the pass-through plate while under pressure. If this occurs on the park brake circuit, signal pressure that holds off the mechanical spring in the park brake chambers will be lost allowing the park brakes to apply.
Consequence
If the park brakes apply unexpectedly, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air brake line for proper engagement of the fitting in the pass-through plate, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2006.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 21V417000
WHEELS:HUB
βΌ
Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021-2022 VAH, VDH, VNL, AND VNR vehicles. The hubcap compression spring can cause the hubcap to separate.
Consequence
A separated hubcap can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the hubcap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Mack's number for this recall is RVXX 2102.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 20V535000
STEERING
βΌ
Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021 VNL, VHD, and VNR vehicles. The king pin nut may not have been installed or properly tightened during axle assembly.
Consequence
If the king pin is missing or not tightened properly, the knuckle may separate from the axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to make sure that the king pin nut is installed and that it properly tightened, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-458-1522. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX 2003.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V536000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
βΌ
Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2021 VAH, VHD, VNL and VNR vehicles. The die cast pedal plate may break at one of its attachment points, possibly resulting in the brake pedal dislodging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Consequence
A dislodged brake pedal would be inoperable, increasing a risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the pedal plates if required, free of charge. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2004.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 23V769000
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
βΌ
Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2019-2024 VN and VHD vehicles. The passenger side bench seat may be inadequately attached to the floor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 210, "Seatbelt Assembly Anchorage."
Consequence
The attachment points may fail, allowing the bench seat to shift and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the weld nut with two nuts and a washer, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2312.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V790000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
βΌ
Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2025 VN, VAH, VHD and VNRE trucks, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop working.
Consequence
Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System) may have diminished or lost functionality, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2409.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
2 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 VHD.
INV-2021-1000π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VHD performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 52,523
INV-2021-1001π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VHD performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 22,813
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
β
No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
'What are common issues with the 2021 Volvo VHD that buyers should be aware of?'
The most significant concerns include recalls related to service brakes which may fail under pressure due to damaged fittings, as well as potential steering failures stemming from improperly secured components. It's vital for buyers to ensure these issues have been rectified before making any purchases.
'How does the recall rate for the 2021 Volvo VHD compare with other heavy-duty trucks?'
The six recalls reported for the Volvo VHD place it at a concerning intersection compared to competitors known for fewer defects at launch. Many brands aim for zero recalls within their first production year; thus, prospective buyers should weigh these risks against alternatives with more favorable reliability histories.
πYear-over-Year Context
β‘οΈStable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
π§What This Means for You
This analysis is particularly important for drivers who navigate steep terrain, tow regularly, or drive in frequent rain or snow.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
π
If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified VOLVO service centerβrepairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in VOLVO's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
π
If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every VOLVO recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later VHD iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a VOLVO specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.