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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-VOLVO-VNLNHTSA data synced 5 days ago
Volvo
2012 Volvo VNL problems
The 2012 Volvo VNL has 14 active recall campaigns on file and only 5 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.
The 2012 Volvo VNL has 5 NHTSA owner complaints and 14 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Limited NHTSA data — only 5 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 14 active recalls on file.
0
Critical
14
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 VNL?
Not enough data for a verdict
Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 14 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 VNL· bodyInjury
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…
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…
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…
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…
Had a problem with your 2012 Volvo VNL?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured June 21, 2010, to December 14, 2012
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.
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.
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)
If the mounting points crack and tear or the attaching bolts loosen or fail, the power unit may detach from the truck, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners and IFS dealers will inspect the APU for damage and, where needed, install a welded gusset upgrade kit to strengthen the APU C-channels. All units will receive stronger clamping brackets. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586, or IFS customer service at 1-920-206-9333. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1506.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured May 31, 2011, to December 1, 2014
If the brake handle does return to the off position, the trailer service brakes may drag causing the wheel end to overheat and potentially cause a wheel end fire or tire blowout. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trim panel slot and make it longer, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-258-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1504.
Limited NHTSA data. Only 5 owner complaints have been filed for the 2012 Volvo VNL, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2012 Volvo VNL?
Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 14 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2012 Volvo VNL without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Volvo VNL?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2012 Volvo VNL to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2012 Volvo VNL a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 5 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Volvo VNL?
No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.
How do I check if my Volvo VNL has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Volvo VNL?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 5 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Volvo/VNL.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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