Recall 11V050 affects 1,847 2011 Volvo Vnl trucks for a wiring fault that can cause unintended starting. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 1,847 2011 Vnl trucks because an unintended ground path can let the vehicle start without warning when the negative battery cable is disconnected or a fusible link opens. That creates an injury risk during service work, and the Volvo dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The battery cables on a 2011 Volvo Vnl truck carry electrical current between the batteries, starter, and the rest of the truck. The negative battery cable also provides the normal path back to ground, which lets current return safely instead of finding another route. A fusible link sits in that circuit as a protective piece that opens when a short circuit overloads it.
On affected trucks, the electrical system has an unintended path to ground. If the negative battery cable is disconnected at the battery or fusible link, or if the fusible link opens because of a short circuit, current still has a path through the truck. That unintended ground path can allow the vehicle to start without warning, even when someone expects the battery circuit to be disabled.
There is no warning sign before failure. The concern is the condition of the battery ground circuit itself, so an owner is not expected to hear, smell, or feel a warning before the truck starts without warning.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Volvo Vnl | battery |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,847 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury when the vehicle is not operating, such as during service work. Treat this as a service area hazard, not a normal driving warning. If your VIN is included, contact a franchised Volvo dealer about the wiring harness replacement. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Volvo Vnl is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free wiring-harness replacement that fixes the unintended ground path linked to starting without warning.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 11V050 when you call.
- Avoid servicing the truck or disconnecting the negative battery cable until the wiring harness repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician replaces the wiring harness tied to the unintended ground path described in recall 11V050. The repair replaces the affected harness rather than asking the owner to monitor for a warning sign. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, and the dealer repair will be free once Volvo confirms it is open for scheduling. If the truck is already at a service location, ask the service desk to confirm the campaign number and whether the harness replacement can be completed during that visit.
Timeline
| January 24, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 13, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V050?
Recall 11V050 covers 1,847 2011 Volvo Vnl trucks with an electrical defect that can let the vehicle start without warning during nonoperational conditions, including service work. Volvo dealers will replace the affected wiring harness for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Volvo Vnl is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 11V050. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the wiring harness replacement. Reference recall number 11V050 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 11V050, Volvo dealers replace the affected wiring harness free of charge, and Volvo lists 1-800-528-6586 as the owner contact number.
What is the safety risk in recall 11V050?
The safety risk is injury while the truck is in a nonoperational condition, such as during service. The defect can create an unintended path to ground and let the vehicle start without warning. Keep people clear of moving parts and schedule the free harness repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V050000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-528-6586 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V050 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V050000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →