2021 Volvo Vnl Label Recall (20V384)

Recall 20V384 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021 Volvo Vnl in recall 20V384?

The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs.

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Is it safe to drive a 2021 Vnl with recall 20V384?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the labels.

Which vehicles are included in recall 20V384?

Recall 20V384 covers 89 vehicles: 2021 Volvo Vnl; 2021 Volvo Vnr.

NHTSA lists 89 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the Vnl label recall?

Yes. Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge.

Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002.

When was recall 20V384 announced?

Volvo Trucks North America reported recall 20V384 to NHTSA on July 1, 2020.

This recall was filed 76 months ago. If your Vnl was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my Vnl is part of recall 20V384?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 20V384 is open on your Vnl, it will be listed there.

Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 20V384000 is open on your Vnl, it will be listed there, along with Volvo recall number RVXX2002. You can also ask any Volvo dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.

What should Vnl owners do about recall 20V384?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 20V384000 applies to your Vnl.
2. Book the recall appointment with any authorized Volvo dealer. Ask up front whether parts are available and how long the vehicle will be there.
3. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Write down when symptoms involving the labels happen: date, mileage, speed, weather and what you felt or heard. Photos and short videos help.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the problem comes back after the repair, return to the dealer and contact a lemon law attorney.

What are Vnl owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 1 of them about the other equipment.

Too few NHTSA complaints about the other equipment have been filed since recall 20V384 was reported (1) to say whether the fix is holding.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 1 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 1 of them involve the other equipment. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2021 Volvo Vnr: 1 complaints in total, 1 about the other equipment
• 2021 Volvo Vnl: 0 complaints in total, 0 about the other equipment

Can recall 20V384 make my Vnl a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

Owners often ask whether this labels recall means their Vnl qualifies as a lemon. Not by itself. Song-Beverly looks at whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs use, value or safety and was not fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

Even an equipment recall can matter in a lemon law claim if the problem keeps coming back or the 2021 Volvo Vnl spends many days at the dealer.

A remedy is available. Many vehicles are fixed on the first try. If the problem returns after the recall repair, or the 2021 Volvo Vnl has needed other repairs for the same defect, those visits count toward a lemon law claim.

For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the Vnl went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 20V384