2012 Volvo VNL Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
93/100
#2 most-complained of 16 VNL years
The 2012 Volvo VNL has a Complaint Index of 93 and ranks 2nd worst out of 16 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 5 complaints, 14 recalls, 1 crash, and 3 injuries, with suspension/wheels/tires the top problem area.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2012 Volvo VNL problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (40%)
- Airbags1 (20%)
- Brakes1 (20%)
- Electrical System1 (20%)
- Steering1 (20%)
- Structure & Body1 (20%)
What owners report
- Drag link failure reported at 329,090 miles caused total loss of steering control, a crash, and failed airbag deployment.
- Brake recall repair described as only temporary, disabling traction control without fixing the underlying check valve defect at 118,390 miles.
- Cab and suspension components replaced multiple times, including six alignments, yet the cab continued to sway side to side on the road.
- Electrical system recall service left the truck failing to start and running roughly afterward.
- Structure and body failure involving a bunk floor that gave way, reported at 2,500 miles, requiring floor replacement.
2012 Volvo VNL recalls
14 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V643000Oct 13, 2015Structure & Body669 vehicles
Trailer hitches:fifth wheel assembly
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured June 21, 2010, to December 14, 2012. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.
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 detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and Fontaine dealers will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1507.
- NHTSA 15V634000Oct 8, 2015Electrical System101 vehicles
Electrical system
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Volvo VNL trucks manufactured December 1, 2011, to September 1, 2013, equipped with certain Electric Auxiliary Power Units (APU), part number BA600, manufactured by Idle Free Systems (IFS). The affected APUs have metal housings whose mounting points may crack and tear. Additionally, the mounting bolts of the power units may loosen or possibly fail.
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 the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and IFS dealers will inspect the APU for damage and, where needed, install a welded gusset upgrade kit to strengthen the APU C-channels. All units will receive stronger clamping brackets. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586, or IFS customer service at 1-920-206-9333. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1506.
- NHTSA 15V524000Aug 17, 2015Brakes2,854 vehicles
Service brakes
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured May 31, 2011, to December 1, 2014. In the affected trucks, the trailer hand brake handle may not to return to the off position due to being restricted by the cut out in the trim panel.
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 fire or tire blowout. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trim panel slot and make it longer, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-258-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1504.
2012 compared with other VNL years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Volvo VNL a bad year?
- Compared to other Volvo VNL model years, 2012 ranks 2nd worst out of 16 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 93 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
- What is the top problem area for the 2012 Volvo VNL?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires is the top problem area, accounting for 40% of complaints filed with NHTSA for this year.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Volvo VNL have?
- NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2012 Volvo VNL, covering areas including structure & body, electrical system, brakes, suspension/tires, transmission & powertrain, collision avoidance systems, and visibility/wipers.
- At what mileage do 2012 Volvo VNL problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for the 2012 VNL is 118,390 miles, though individual complaints range from as low as 2,500 miles to as high as 329,090 miles.
- Were there any crashes or injuries linked to 2012 Volvo VNL complaints?
- NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 3 injuries tied to complaints filed for the 2012 Volvo VNL, with no reported fires or deaths.