Volvo Trucks North America says it will recall 23,000 model year 2007-2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM, and VT models over a manufacturing omission that could lengthen stopping distances.
The affected trucks were built between Dec. 20, 2006 and May 22, 2013.
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration bulletin says the affected vehicles were built without a redundant clutch disengagement switch.
According to the NHTSA, without a redundant switch, a loss of signal from the brake air pressure switch can prevent the clutch from automatically disengaging when the brake is applied. 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.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation cited 134 of these trucks with one or more complaints or field reports related to this condition. The agency says it is aware of 164 with one or more warranty claims related to this condition.
According to Volvo, reports of the subject transmission clutch mechanism failing to automatically disengage as intended are associated with the removal of a brake pedal micro switch that provided a redundant signal to the transmission control module indicating the brakes had been applied.
Previously, Volvo says it has removed the brake pedal micro switch from new vehicle production and from certain vehicles already in-service via two field service campaigns after determining the switch was unnecessary and/or a maintenance issue.
The remedy for this recall campaign is still under development but is expected to begin by August 25.
Volvo’s recall number is RVXX1303.
Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
In May, Volvo issued a recall on certain 2011-2013 model 701 VHD and VNL trucks over concerns with the unit’s parking brakes.
