Recall 11V460 affects 299 2011-2012 Volvo Vnl and Vnm trucks for an improperly locking fifth wheel. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 299 2011-2012 Vnl and Vnm trucks under recall 11V460 because the fifth wheel lock can appear coupled after a tug test even when it is not secured to the trailer king pin. If the driver pulls away with an improperly coupled trailer, the trailer can come loose and increase the risk of a crash; the Volvo dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The fifth wheel assembly on 2011-2012 Volvo Vnl and Vnm trucks is the hitch plate and locking mechanism behind the cab. It receives the trailer king pin, the heavy pin under the trailer nose, and locks around it so the tractor and trailer stay coupled during operation.
On affected trucks, the driver can partially close the fifth wheel lock during the coupling process. A tug test, also called a pull test, can then give the driver the impression that the trailer is properly coupled. In that condition, the lock is not fully engaged around the king pin, so the trailer is not secured the way the hitch is designed to hold it.
There is no warning sign before failure. The concern is that the normal coupling check can look complete even when the lock has not fully closed, so the hitch position needs direct attention during the coupling process.
Who's affected?
Covers the Vnl and Vnm truck lines across the 2011 and 2012 model years, tied to the fifth wheel assembly.
| 2012 Volvo Vnl | Fifth wheel assembly |
|---|---|
| 2011 Volvo Vnm | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2011 Volvo Vnl | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2012 Volvo Vnm | Fifth wheel assembly |
| Units affected | 299 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
A trailer that is not properly coupled can come loose after the driver pulls away. That loss of coupling creates a crash risk. If you tow with a 2011-2012 Volvo Vnl or Vnm, confirm the trailer is fully coupled before moving and contact a Volvo dealer for recall guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Volvo Vnl or Vnm truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer and ask whether the free fifth-wheel lock-bar replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 11V460 when you call Volvo or the dealer.
- Schedule the fifth-wheel lock-bar replacement that fixes the risk of an improperly coupled trailer king pin.
- Inspect coupling before driving away with a trailer and do not rely only on a tug test until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician replaces the fifth wheel lock bar covered by recall 11V460. The repair addresses a lock that can appear coupled during a tug test even when the trailer king pin is not properly secured. The replacement lock bar and labor are free under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm the recall work is open for your VIN before bringing the truck in.
Timeline
| September 1, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 7, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V460?
Recall 11V460 covers 299 2011-2012 Volvo Vnl and Vnm trucks with a fifth wheel lock bar issue. During coupling, the lock can partially close and make a tug test look successful even when the trailer king pin is not properly secured.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Volvo Vnl or Vnm is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 11V460. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer and ask for the fifth wheel lock bar replacement. Reference recall number 11V460 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volvo dealers will replace the fifth wheel lock bar free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included trucks.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation. If the fifth wheel is not properly coupled and the driver pulls away, the trailer can come loose and result in a crash. The repair path is a free lock bar replacement at a franchised Volvo dealer.
What if I bought my Volvo Vnl or Vnm used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included, then contact a franchised Volvo dealer and reference recall number 11V460.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V460000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-528-6586 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V460 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V460000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →