The 2021 Volvo VNL demonstrates a concerning reliability profile due to multiple recalls affecting critical systems such as steering and hydraulic brakes. These issues emphasize the importance of ongoing maintenance and vigilance for current and prospective owners.
Key Factor:Critical brake system vulnerabilities
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (7) than the average VOLVO vehicle (0.8). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
7 recalls for this vehicle0.8 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
๐Why This Matters
Safety for all passengers, especially children in the back seat, is paramount, and defects in steering and braking systems can lead to catastrophic consequences. The concerns around the hydraulic service brakes are particularly alarming; if these components fail, it could result in partial or total loss of braking capacity, increasing the risk of accidents. Similarly, issues with steering can impair vehicle control, further jeopardizing passenger safety. Given that many drivers may not be aware of these defects until they manifest, it is crucial for owners to stay informed and proactive about their vehicle's condition.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Various
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.8)
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Summary: The recall history for the 2021 Volvo VNL suggests a decline in safety compared to what might have been expected from this brand's historically robust engineering reputation. With an emphasis on quality manufacturing practices, this spate of recalls raises significant red flags that should be addressed immediately by vehicle owners to mitigate safety risks.
Safety & Reliability Score
29/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-56
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-10
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 VOLVO VNL
Model Year2021
MakeVOLVO
ModelVNL
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more โ
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb20
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb20
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
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No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 VOLVO VNL. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
๐ ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Service Brakes
Issue: The brass fitting inserts used in pneumatic pass-through plates may have been damaged during testing, leading to potential brake failures.
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Have your service brakes inspected by a certified mechanic immediately.
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Check with the seller regarding any completed recall repairs on the service brakes.
2
Steering System
Issue: Improperly tightened steering gear fasteners may lead to steering failure.
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Inspect your steering system for any signs of looseness or failure as soon as possible.
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'Request full maintenance records including any corrective actions taken on steering components.'
3
Wheels
Issue: 'Hubcap compression springs can potentially lead to hubcap separation while driving.'
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'Regularly check wheel assemblies and hubcaps for proper installation.'
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'Ensure all wheel assemblies are intact before final purchase.'
๐กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLVO dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (7)
Campaign: 20V241000
STEERING
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2021 VNL and VNR trucks. The steering gear fasteners may have not been properly tightened.
Consequence
The loose fasteners may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the steering gear fasteners to specification, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2001.
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: 20V782000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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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
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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: 20V536000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
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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: 20V535000
STEERING
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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: 21V858000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021 VNL vehicles. A machining defect may cause pressure to build in the power steering pump, breaking the shaft seal and resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
Consequence
A loss of power steering assist increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the power steering pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2105.
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: 20V384000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Consequence
If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002.
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.
NHTSA Investigations
2 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 VNL.
INV-2021-1000๐ข Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VNL performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 53,859
INV-2021-1001๐ข Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VNL performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 10,002
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
'What are common issues with the 2021 Volvo VNL that I should be aware of?'
'Several critical recalls highlight major concerns with the steering and braking systems in the 2021 Volvo VNL. Particularly noteworthy is the risk posed by damaged hydraulic brake fittings which could result in brake failureโtherefore prospective buyers should be vigilant about checking repair records related to these recalls.'
'How does recall history affect my decision to buy a used 2021 Volvo VNL?'
'Understanding recall history is essential when considering purchasing a used vehicle like the 2021 Volvo VNL. The presence of multiple recalls reflects potential systemic issues that could compromise passenger safetyโparticularly concerning since children often occupy rear seats where inadequate braking or steering failures pose serious risks.'
๐Year-over-Year Context
โก๏ธStable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
๐งญWhat This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified VOLVO service centerโrepairs 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.
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If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every VOLVO recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later VNL iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a VOLVO specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.