2012 Volvo VAH recalls and problems

6 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Volvo VAH.

6
recalls
0
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Volvo VAH recalls

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly

NHTSA campaign 15V643000 · reported October 13, 2015 · Volvo Trucks North America · 669 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Steering: linkages, drag, link, connection

NHTSA campaign 15V523000 · reported August 17, 2015 · Volvo Trucks North America · 1,319 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 VAH trucks manufactured January 31, 2011, to June 25, 2015, and equipped with a sealed drag link. In the affected trucks, the draglink ball socket boot may be damaged due to the angle of the ball stud. A damaged boot may allow contaminants to enter and corrode the ball socket.
The risk
Corrosion will accelerate wear of the ball, possibly resulting in the ball joint separating from the socket, causing loss of steering and an increased risk of a crash.
The fix
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drag link with one that has an improved geometry, free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1503.

Tires

NHTSA campaign 14V740000 · reported November 18, 2014 · Volvo Trucks North America · 115 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 VAH and VNL trucks manufactured May 12, 2010, to October 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience premature tire failure during certain operating conditions such as high speeds, heavy load, and high road temperature.
The risk
Premature tire failure could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires and set the road speed limiter, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1405.

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system

NHTSA campaign 13V497000 · reported October 17, 2013 · Fontaine Modification · 206 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Fontaine Modification (Fontaine) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volvo VAH vehicles modified with upward facing exhaust diffusers for use as auto-haulers. In the affected vehicles, heat from the exhaust may transfer to the roof of the truck cab and/or the vehicles above the cab.
The risk
Excessive heat could result in a fire.
The fix
Fontaine will notify owners and dealers will replace the diffuser with one of a different shape and design, free of charge. Owners may contact Fontaine at 1-800-366-8246.

Visibility/wiper

NHTSA campaign 13V349000 · reported August 13, 2013 · Volvo Trucks North America · 17,824 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured February 1, 2010, through September 30, 2010 and June 1, 2011, through November 30, 2011. The windshield wiper motor may fail.
The risk
Inoperable wipers may result in poor driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Volvo will notify owners and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor, free of charge. The recallbegan on December 6, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1304.

Power train: clutch assembly

NHTSA campaign 13V268000 · reported June 26, 2013 · Volvo Trucks North America · 23,056 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM, and VT models. The affected vehicles were built without a redundant clutch disengagement switch. 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.
The risk
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.
The fix
Volvo Trucks will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles if necessary. The recall began on August 26, 2013. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1303. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.

VAH model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2009 1000
2010 1000
2011 5000
2012 6000
2013 5000
2014 5000
2015 3000

All Volvo VAH years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Volvo VAH have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Volvo VAH, the most recent reported on October 13, 2015 (Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volvo VAH?
There are few or no owner complaints on file for the 2012 Volvo VAH.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026.