Volvo VNL · model year

2012 Volvo VNL

7 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 14 recall campaigns listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

Complaints
7
Recalls
14

The verdict

The 2012 Volvo VNL posts above-average complaint volume among its own model-year siblings.

48th pctile
complaint volume, own model years
14
recall campaigns

The 2012VolvoVNL carries 7 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2012 VNL is suspension with 2 filings, followed by service brakes, hydraulic (1) and steering (1). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA currently has 28 investigation files overlapping the 2012 VNL. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.

7
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
F
PlainCars Safety Score
0/100
2012 Volvo VNL

PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.

NHTSA Overall Rating N/A
Not rated
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program overall crash-test rating.
Front Crash N/A
Not rated
Frontal barrier crash-test rating.
Side Crash N/A
Not rated
Side barrier and pole crash-test rating.
Rollover Resistance N/A
Not rated
Static stability factor + dynamic rollover test rating.
Rollover Risk N/A
Not reported
NHTSA single-vehicle rollover probability, dynamic test.

Total Complaints

7 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SUSPENSION2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
STEERING1
AIR BAGS1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1

Recalls (14)

13V26800026/06/2013

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

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 fr

13V15200022/04/2013

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:AIR

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 VHD and VNL vehicles manufactured December 13, 2010, through July 17, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with an MGM Type 24 J-series piston parking brake chamber. The brake chambers may leak pressure allowing the parking

13V10200021/03/2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

Volvo is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks, manufactured from April 18, 2011, through March 14, 2013, and equipped with a horizontally mounted remote battery disconnect switch. The remote battery disconnect switch was manufactured with incorrect hardware allowing the c

14V35600020/06/2014

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Volvo Trucks of North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 VNL and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured November 17, 2010, through February 5, 2014, and equipped with enhanced cruise control and without side fairings. In the affected vehicles, the active braking component of the e

11V29400020/05/2011

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 VHD, VNL, AND VNM TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A MERITOR DRIVELINE. THE TUBING USED TO ASSEMBLE THE DRIVELINES HAS A NONCONFORMING SEAM WELD WITH INSUFFICIENT BONDING OF THE MATERIAL.

14V73900018/11/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012, 2014-2015 VHD, 2012-2015 VNL, and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured June 16, 2011, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with the Eco-Roll option. The affected trucks may fail to re-engage the vehicle drivetrain after using the Eco

14V74000018/11/2014

TIRES

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.

15V52400017/08/2015

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.

15V64300013/10/2015

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 mechan

13V34900013/08/2013

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

15V63400008/10/2015

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 hou

11V26500003/05/2011

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SLACK ADJUSTERS

VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 VHD, VNL, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 VNM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 15, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2011, AND EQUIPPED WITH GUNITE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. DUE TO AN INCOMPLETE "KNITTING" OF THE IRON AT THE TIME OF CASTING, INADEQUATE STRUCTURAL

11V46000001/09/2011

TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY

VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 VNL AND VNM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 1, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2011. DURING THE COUPLING PROCESS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE DRIVER TO PARTIALLY CLOSE THE FIFTH WHEEL LOCK AND IF SOLELY RELYING ON A TUG TEST (PULL TEST), THE DRIVER MAY THINK

12V03600001/02/2012

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 VHD AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2013 VNL AND VNM VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 2, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2012, AND EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX ATR-6 TRACTION RELAY VALVES. IN EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS, THESE BENDIX RELAY VALVES MAY POTENTIALLY DEVELOP INTE

Recent Complaints

20170612SUSPENSION

I BOTH THE VOLVO 780 SEMI TRUCK 8 MONTHS AGO AND I DO STILL HAVE A PROBLEM. I DO REPLACE WHOLE SUSPENSION, MAKE A 6 TIMES ALIGNMENT AND TRUCK STILL SWAY IN THE ROAD. DEALER FROM CONNECTICUT DO TEST DRIVE AND HE SAID MY WHOLE CAB SWAY FROM RIGHT TO THE LEFT. HE RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT CAB SHOCKS AND I DID, JUST WHOLE CAB IT'S SWAY ANY WAY. POOR WATHER LIKE WIND IT'S IS DIFFICULT DRIVING, ROAD ZONE NOT EVEN LANE IT'S TERRIBLE AND AWCORSE IN THE TAKE A CURVE I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO THE MINIMUM SPEED, MAKE A DENGER FOR OTHER DRIVER. I WILL BE PUT TRUCK FOR SHOP DO INVESTIGATION, JUST I'M PUT IN ALMOST $10.000 FOR REPAIR LIKE I DO NOT HAVE TO REPLACE MY WHOLE SUSPENSION AND OTHER STUFF, ALSO I STILL HAVE A TRUCK PAYMENT AND INSURANCE AND I HAVE TO TO RUN. LIKE I READ OTHER COMPLAIN, OTHER DRIVERS HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM. PLESE DO SOMETHING. TRULY WESLEY O/O . HAVE A NICE DAY

20170424ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND RODE ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THEM TO PROVIDE A REPAIR SOLUTION. THE RECALL SPECIFICS AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

20170424SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND RODE ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THEM TO PROVIDE A REPAIR SOLUTION. THE RECALL SPECIFICS AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

20151130STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 (NA) VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE GETTING OFF THE TOP BUNK OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME INJURED AND RECEIVED NERVE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 2,500

20150320CrashSTEERING

DRAG LINK FAILED, A KNOWN ISSUE TO THE MANUFACTURER RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL. CRASHED INTO CENTER WALL THEN THRU GUARDRAIL AND DOWN EMBANKMENT. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ALSO. PASSENGER WAS HURT VERY BAD, DRIVER SLIGHTLY HURT. LARGE TRUCK OUT OF CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE FROM A PROBLEM THE COMPANY KNEW TO EXIST IS CRIMINAL. TRUCK WAS WELL MAINTAINED PER VOLVO INSTRUCTIONS. 329090 MILES ON THE TRUCK. *TR

Mileage: 329,090

20150320CrashAIR BAGS

DRAG LINK FAILED, A KNOWN ISSUE TO THE MANUFACTURER RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL. CRASHED INTO CENTER WALL THEN THRU GUARDRAIL AND DOWN EMBANKMENT. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ALSO. PASSENGER WAS HURT VERY BAD, DRIVER SLIGHTLY HURT. LARGE TRUCK OUT OF CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE FROM A PROBLEM THE COMPANY KNEW TO EXIST IS CRIMINAL. TRUCK WAS WELL MAINTAINED PER VOLVO INSTRUCTIONS. 329090 MILES ON THE TRUCK. *TR

Mileage: 329,090

20120302SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO VNL 670. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V036000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE) AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS A TEMPORARY REPAIR WHICH INCLUDED DISABLING THE TRACTION CONTROL. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE A PERMANENT REMEDY FOR THE DEFECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NO LONGER FELT SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,390.

Mileage: 118,390

Compare 2012VolvoVNL to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Vehicle Safety Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 Volvo VNL have?
The 2012 Volvo VNL has 7 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 Volvo VNL?
Yes, the 2012 Volvo VNL has 14 recall(s). The most common affected component is POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volvo VNL?
The most-complained component for the 2012 Volvo VNL is SUSPENSION with 2 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC and STEERING.
Is the 2012 Volvo VNL safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.

Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2012 Volvo VNL; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.