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Campaign 12V036 Posted February 1, 2012 21,625 units

2011-2013 Volvo Vnl/Vnm/Vhd Recall 12V036: Air Brake Valve

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 12V036 affects 21,625 2011-2013 Volvo Vnl, Vnm, and Vhd trucks for Bendix ATR-6 relay valve leakage. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.

Volvo is recalling 21,625 2011-2013 Vnl, Vnm, and Vhd trucks because Bendix ATR-6 traction relay valves can leak internally in extreme cold and apply the brakes continuously. That brake application can overheat the brakes, start a fire, or lock the wheels, and the Volvo dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The Bendix ATR-6 traction relay valve in the air brake system helps control compressed air going to the service brakes on 2011-2013 Volvo Vnl, Vnm, and Vhd trucks. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the valve sends air pressure to the brake circuit so the brakes apply, then releases that pressure so the brakes let go.

In NHTSA campaign 12V036, the issue is inside the relay valve itself. In extremely cold conditions, the valve can leak internally. That internal leakage sends air pressure to the primary or secondary brake circuit even when it should not, which causes continuous brake application on the affected brake circuit.

There is no warning sign before failure. If the valve begins leaking internally, the first thing the driver notices can be the brakes staying applied or the truck not rolling normally after the pedal is released.

Who's affected?

Spans Vnl, Vnm, and Vhd trucks across 2011-2013, all tied to the same brake system check valve.

2012 Volvo Vnl brake system
2011 Volvo Vnm brake system
2013 Volvo Vnl brake system
2011 Volvo Vnl brake system
2011 Volvo Vhd brake system
Units affected21,625

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?

Inadvertent brake application can overheat the brakes and lead to a fire. It can also cause the wheels to lock up, which can make the driver lose control and increase crash risk. Schedule service soon and ask the dealer whether a temporary repair applies. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Volvo Vnl, Vnm, or Vhd is included in this recall.
  2. Review the owner letter Volvo mailed on April 27, 2012 for the current repair path.
  3. Contact a franchised Volvo dealer and ask about recall number 12V036 before scheduling service.
  4. Ask the dealer about the free Bendix ATR-6 traction relay valve repair that stops unintended brake application in cold conditions.
  5. Bring the recall notice to the dealer if you have it.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Volvo technician performs the campaign service for the Bendix ATR-6 traction relay valve issue. Volvo first provided a temporary repair while Bendix developed the permanent remedy. The permanent remedy has since been developed, and the campaign service is performed free of charge. The service desk can confirm the repair procedure tied to your VIN and document that the brake valve recall work was completed.

Timeline

February 1, 2012 NHTSA published the recall
April 27, 2012 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 12V036?

Recall 12V036 covers 21,625 2011-2013 Volvo Vnl, Vnm, and Vhd trucks equipped with Bendix ATR-6 traction relay valves. In extreme cold, internal leakage can cause continuous brake application, overheated brakes, fire risk, wheel lockup, and loss of vehicle control. Volvo provides the repair for free.

What should I do if my 2011-2013 Volvo Vnl, Vnm, or Vhd is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V036. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the Bendix ATR-6 traction relay valve repair. Reference recall number 12V036 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, and Volvo states this service is performed free of charge. A franchised Volvo dealer handles the recall work, including the permanent remedy for the Bendix traction relay valve issue.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is unintended brake application. Internal leakage in the Bendix relay valve can keep air pressure applied to the primary or secondary brake, causing brake overheating, fire risk, wheel lockup, loss of vehicle control, and increased crash risk.

When were owners notified about recall 12V036?

Volvo began owner notification for the permanent remedy on April 27, 2012. If you own one of these trucks now and never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a Volvo dealer with recall number 12V036.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V036000
Volvo customer service1-800-528-6586
NHTSA recall #12V036
NHTSA recall # (full)12V036000

Source documents

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 →