Both recalls deal with compliance concerns tied to federal safety standards and will require dealer repairs at no cost to the owner.

Instrument Panel Failure Recall

The first issue impacts 115 trucks. According to the report, the instrument panel may stop working while the truck is in operation. If that happens, the truck would not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 101, “Controls and Displays.”

To correct the problem, dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster. This repair will be handled at no charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 24. Anyone with questions can contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 800-528-6586 and reference recall number RVXX2603. VINs tied to the recall can also be checked through NHTSA records.

Service Brake Delay Recall

A second recall covers 222 additional trucks from the same model years. In these units, the service brake may not release as quickly as expected.

Because of that delay, the trucks do not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121, “Air Brake Systems.”

The fix involves installing an added brake valve along with fittings in the service brake air system. As with the first recall, this work will be completed free of charge.

Notification letters are expected to be sent on May 22. Owners may contact customer service at 800-528-6586 and reference recall number RVXX2602.

What to Do Next

Owners of affected trucks should watch for the mailed notices and schedule repairs once notified. Both issues will be handled through authorized dealers, and there is no cost for the work.

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A New VNX Is Coming

Volvo confirmed that a next-generation VNX is expected to debut later this year. While details are still limited, the move points to a bigger plan already underway across the company’s lineup.

The current VNX is built for heavy-haul and severe-duty work. It has not yet been updated with Volvo’s latest platform, which has already been rolled out in the newer VNL and VNR models. Bringing the VNX into that same system would give heavy-haul operators access to the same fuel savings, safety upgrades, and connected tech.

“We’re in the midst of more than $2 billion in product investments,” said Magnus Koeck, vice president of strategy, marketing, and brand management. “And we’re not done.”

For fleets running specialized freight, this signals that Volvo is getting more serious about competing in heavy-haul and vocational segments.

What the New Platform Is Delivering So Far

Volvo’s latest truck platform first showed up in the redesigned VNL, followed by the VNR for regional operations. Early numbers are already getting attention across the industry.

The VNL is delivering fuel economy gains of 10 percent or more in real-world use. The VNR is targeting up to 7.5 percent fuel savings. For carriers watching every cost, those numbers matter.

“In today’s environment, that can mean a 3% improvement in operating margin,” Koeck said. “That’s the difference between profit and loss for many fleets.”

For owner-operators and fleet managers alike, that kind of margin shift can decide whether a truck stays profitable over time.

Expanding Production to Keep Up

To support these new trucks, Volvo is putting serious money into production. The company has invested more than $400 million into its New River Valley plant in Virginia and is building a new $700 million facility in Monterrey, Mexico.

The Mexico plant is expected to begin low-volume production later this year. Volvo has made it clear this is about adding capacity, not replacing U.S. manufacturing, as it looks to grow its footprint in North America.

Trucks Are Getting More Connected

Volvo is also pushing further into connected truck technology. More than 220,000 Volvo trucks across North America are now connected, allowing over-the-air updates that can be installed without taking trucks off the road.

Adoption has picked up quickly. In about six months, the number of trucks running the latest software jumped from roughly 25 percent to more than 80 percent. According to Volvo, trucks with updated software are seeing 24 percent fewer unplanned stops.

“Trucks today are essentially smartphones on wheels,” said product expert Maddie Sullivan. “They’re constantly improving.”

For drivers, that means fewer shop visits tied to software issues and more updates happening without downtime.

New Hardware to Support More Data

Volvo is also working on a new tractor-trailer connector designed to handle more data than current systems. Today’s connectors mainly support lights and braking, but newer trucks rely on cameras, sensors, and telematics that need more bandwidth.

The company says it is working with partners to turn this into a new standard across North America. If adopted widely, it could improve how tractors and trailers share information in real time.

Safety Features Continue to Expand

Safety remains a major focus across Volvo’s lineup. New platform trucks now include features like a side-curtain airbag for heavy-duty applications and an automatic emergency call system that alerts first responders after a crash.

Additional options include blind-spot detection along the full length of a 53-foot trailer, adaptive lighting, and Volvo Dynamic Steering.

Beyond safety itself, there is also a financial side. Volvo noted that even non-injury crashes can average close to $50,000 in damage, making prevention a priority for fleets trying to control costs.

What This Means for Drivers and Fleets

Between a new VNX on the horizon, ongoing platform upgrades, and continued investment in both hardware and software, Volvo is clearly building toward a more unified lineup.

For drivers, that likely means more consistency from truck to truck. For fleets, it points to better efficiency, fewer unexpected repairs, and more control over operating costs.

With the heavy-haul segment next in line, the upcoming VNX will be one to watch as more details come out later this year.

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In a first for the heavy-duty truck segment, Volvo partnered with the Center for Pet Safety to evaluate its new long-haul Volvo VNL for in-cab pet travel. The result was a successful pass in a formal pet safety evaluation conducted earlier this month.

Why Pet Safety Matters in Long Haul Trucking

Volvo estimates that roughly 800,000 pets travel in commercial trucks across the United States. For drivers, pets are not accessories. They are companions and family. That makes secure travel and reduced distraction a real safety issue, not a lifestyle feature.

“To my knowledge, our Volvo VNL is the first heavy-duty truck ever to pass a pet safety test,” said Maddie Sullivan, product manager, Volvo Trucks North America. “Safety is in our DNA at Volvo, and that commitment extends to everyone who shares the road, including the pets that so many drivers consider family.”

Inside the Volvo VNL Pet Safety Evaluation

The evaluation took place on December 12 at the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia. Specialists from the Center for Pet Safety conducted a hands-on assessment of the Volvo VNL cab design, focusing on how pets can be restrained and transported safely during real-world driving.

The review included inspection of interior layouts, strength-tested anchor points, available restraint connection options, and cab climate control. Dogs also rode along on the Volvo Customer Center test track using Center for Pet Safety-approved harnesses and carriers. This allowed evaluators to observe pet positioning, movement, and comfort under normal driving conditions.

“Evaluating the Volvo VNL in person allows us to examine how vehicle design, securement points, and cab layout all work together to impact pet safety,” said Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of the Center for Pet Safety. “By working directly with Volvo’s engineers and product teams, we can evaluate real-world cab features, identify the safest places for pets to ride, and help drivers make choices that keep pets secure while reducing distractions, especially during busy holiday travel.”

What Helped the Volvo VNL Pass the Test

According to Volvo, several built-in features contributed to the successful evaluation. The VNL includes strength-tested anchor points that are compatible with Center for Pet Safety-certified harnesses and carriers. These anchor points help keep pets restrained during sudden stops or evasive maneuvers.

The truck also features the Volvo Parking Cooler, a climate control system designed to maintain safe interior temperatures for up to eight hours without idling. This is especially important for drivers traveling with pets during temperature extremes.

In addition, Volvo noted that the VNL’s strength-tested mesh bed design showed strong potential as a safe rest area for pets, with only minor adjustments needed to support secure travel.

“The Volvo VNL was designed to support life on the road, and working directly with the Center for Pet Safety helps us better understand how our design choices can support safer, more comfortable travel for drivers and their furry co-pilots,” Sullivan said.

Practical Takeaways for Drivers and Carriers

While the evaluation focused on one specific truck model, the findings highlight broader lessons for the industry. Proper restraint systems matter. Anchor points and certified harnesses reduce risk for both pets and drivers. Climate control is critical for safety, not just comfort. Cab layout and secure rest areas can help minimize distraction during long hours behind the wheel.

For fleets, the evaluation reinforces how in-cab design can support driver wellbeing and focus. For owner operators, it provides reassurance that pet travel can be done responsibly with the right equipment and planning.

Holiday Travel and Pet Safety on the Road

As part of the event, the Center for Pet Safety also shared seasonal reminders for drivers traveling with pets during the winter months. These included securing pets properly, packing essentials, planning rest stops, and preparing for cold weather conditions.

The guidance aligns with the Center’s ongoing mission to improve safety for families and pets traveling year-round.

For drivers who rely on a four-legged copilot to make the road feel like home, the Volvo VNL evaluation marks a meaningful step forward in acknowledging that reality and designing trucks that support it safely.

Source: The Trucker

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Recall Details

The action covers approximately 4,040 trucks manufactured between April 1 and Aug. 22, 2025. According to recall filings, the interior door handle cable may have been installed incorrectly. If this occurs, the affected door might not open when needed, creating a potential hazard for drivers and passengers.

Recall documents state that the issue stems from a supplier error in which “one of Volvo’s suppliers did not apply adequate adhesive to a connection point within the door latch.”

Corrective Action

Dealers will address the defect by replacing both the door latch cable and pivot clip at no cost to owners.

Letters notifying truck owners will be mailed beginning Nov. 17, 2025. Volvo truck owners seeking more information can contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 800-528-6586 and reference recall number RVXX2508. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has logged the issue under recall number 25V-620.

Source: Truckers News

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“When most people hear design, they think of automotive or fashion, not heavy-duty trucks. However, for our team, design plays a critical role in everything from fuel efficiency to driver comfort,” shared Brian Balicki, head of design at Volvo Trucks North America. “With the all-new Volvo VNL, we started with a blank sheet of paper and reimagined the truck from the ground up. The streamlined, wedge-shaped cab and dramatically sloped windshield are not just visually striking, they reduce aerodynamic drag and help deliver up to 10% better fuel efficiency compared to the legacy model. Inside, we transformed the driving environment and sleeper into a space that feels more like a home away from home.”

Cutting-edge redesign and features

Revealed in January 2024, the all-new Volvo VNL represents six years of intensive research and represents a complete rethinking of the long-haul truck. With a nearly 90% redesign from its predecessors, the truck offers enhanced productivity, safety, profitability, and sustainability, addressing the demands of the North American freight transport sector.

The Volvo VNL is visually distinguished by its dynamic lines, aerodynamic efficiency, and innovative wedge-shaped profile. Its curved windshield reduces drag, while the angled front grille, headlights, and intakes enhance both form and function. Volvo described this design as “a significant industry shift” that exemplifies its brand strengths.

Inside the cabin, driver-focused features fuel innovation. An all-new 24-volt electrical system hosts technologies like dynamic displays, a Camera Monitor System, inductive charging, and task/ambient lighting. Comfort is redefined with customizable cab configurations, upgraded materials, and amenities like versatile bunk setups and airline-inspired window shades designed to meet drivers’ needs.

Revolutionizing the driver experience

“The all-new Volvo VNL was designed to change everything for heavy-duty trucks, and we evaluated every detail of the driver experience from selecting materials that provide a premium look and feel to incorporating innovative safety features that help protect drivers in case of an accident,” remarked Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Winning this prestigious design award validates the six years of dedication that went into transforming our flagship VNL model. We created a vehicle that not only connects with customers but also delivers exceptional performance and comfort.”

The design innovations are aimed at creating a driver experience that reflects their needs on the road, earning praise from drivers and the broader trucking industry along the way.

About the Red Dot Award

The Red Dot Design Award is a globally celebrated mark of recognition, honoring exceptional design across industries. Originating in Essen, Germany over 70 years ago, it spans 51 categories, including vehicles, electronics, household goods, and more. Winning the Red Dot Award reflects not only design excellence but also innovation and functionality.

The official award announcement will occur on July 8 at the Designers’ Night hosted at the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen.

Volvo Trucks continues to push industry boundaries, setting a new standard for functionality, comfort, and design with the Volvo VNL.

Source: The Trucker
Source: Volvo Trucks

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall impacts approximately 5,257 vehicles.

Reason for Recall

The issue stems from a malfunction in the hazard switch backlighting, which could result in the lighting becoming non-operational. The NHTSA states this defect puts these trucks out of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, which governs “Controls and Displays.”

Fix Available at No Cost

To resolve the issue, Volvo dealers will provide a software update for the vehicle master control unit (VMCU) at no charge.

Owner Notifications

If you own one of the affected vehicles, look for a notification letter, which Volvo Trucks plans to mail by June 1. For additional details or assistance, contact Volvo Trucks’ customer service at 800-528-6586 using the recall ID RVXX2503.

For further information, you can also call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or visit nhtsa.gov.

Ensure your truck meets safety standards and promptly address this issue to avoid disruptions.

Source: The Trucker
Source: Volvo Trucks

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Volvo Trucks’ Enduring Support

The American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition recently saw Volvo Trucks recommit to backing the ATA’s America’s Road Team. Established in 1986, this initiative is dedicated to acknowledging the significant role of truck drivers in economic support and improving quality of life. Since 2002, Volvo Trucks has been the sole sponsor of this esteemed program.

Spotlight on the 2025 Road Team Captains

Every two years, a select group of exemplary drivers is chosen to become captains of America’s Road Team. These captains, recognized for their impeccable safety records, driving expertise, and commitment to the industry, exemplify the pinnacle of professional standards. In 2025, they will have the unique opportunity to operate the cutting-edge Volvo VNL, after previewing it at the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia, earlier this year.

These captains will travel nationwide to educate various audiences about road safety and the indispensable nature of the trucking industry.

Volvo Trucks’ Vision for Safety

“Our Road Team Captains have logged millions of accident-free miles; a testament to their dedication to safety, which aligns with our vision at Volvo Trucks of zero accidents—a future in which no Volvo Truck is the cause of an accident,” shared Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “These professional drivers have demonstrated that with safe driving practices, we can make the roads a safe place for trucks, passenger cars, and other road users like pedestrians and cyclists. The members of this outstanding group serve as champions and role models who represent what being a professional truck driver is all about.”

Innovative Contributions to the 2025 Campaign

Volvo Trucks is further supporting the 2025 campaign by donating a fully equipped Volvo VNL 860 sleeper. This advanced vehicle will be used to transport the ATA Interstate One mobile classroom during its nationwide tour. Designed to revolutionize heavy-duty trucking, the all-new Volvo VNL sets unprecedented safety standards.

“The all-new Volvo VNL is the truck designed to change everything, just like these captains are the ambassadors for change and constant improvement in their profession,” Voorhoeve added. “We are confident that the all-new Volvo VNL is the safest, most connected, and most fuel-efficient Class 8 truck ever built, making it the perfect partner for our America’s Road Team Captains. These men and women deserve our respect and recognition for all they do to deliver essential goods and materials safely and securely, day after day.”

With this continued partnership, Volvo Trucks reinforces its dedication to innovation, safety, and the recognition of those who drive progress in the trucking industry.

Source: FleetOwner

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The initial production run includes 400 trucks set to be distributed to dealers for customer demonstrations. According to Magnus Koeck, VTNA’s Vice President of Strategy, Branding, and Marketing, “even as the end of the calendar year approaches, the company still has ‘a few’ slots open for 2024 builds.”

At the New River Valley plant—the largest of its kind globally—Volvo’s revamped VNL makes its debut. This launch underscores the brand’s $400 million investment in its new cab production site. The VNL is touted as being 90% new and 10% more efficient, heralding a new era for the company.

Throughout the summer, over 1,800 customers, dealers, and sales personnel attended pre-launch events at Volvo Trucks’ Customer Center, eagerly anticipating the commercial release of their next-generation flagship tractor.

The redesigned Volvo VNL comes in four trim levels—Core, Edge, Edge Black, and Ultimate—and offers six cab configurations, including the VNL 300 Day Cab and the spacious VNL 860 74-inch Full-Height Sleeper.

The VNL series, developed over six years, incorporates insights from Volvo’s SuperTruck 2 initiative. Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve describes it as “the most aerodynamic and efficient truck” in Volvo’s history. This new VNL will be pivotal for future advancements, including battery electric, hydrogen, and autonomous technologies.

Equipped with the D13 engine, the new models offer horsepower ratings from 405 to 500 hp and torque ratings between 1,750 and 1,950 lb-ft. Engine enhancements include smaller needle control valves in the fuel injectors, allowing for better fuel atomization and combustion efficiency. Additionally, the latest I-Shift transmission offers up to 30% faster shifting speeds, improving overall performance.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

Image: Volvo Trucks

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