Recall 13V102 affects 5,207 2012-2014 Volvo Vnl, Vhd, and Vnm trucks for loose or chafed battery cables. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 5,207 2012-2014 Vnl, Vhd, and Vnm trucks equipped with a horizontally mounted remote battery disconnect switch because incorrect hardware can let battery cables loosen, vibrate, and chafe. Loose or chafed cables can overheat at the battery cable and switch, raising the risk of a fire, and the Volvo dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The remote battery disconnect switch on 2012-2014 Volvo Vnl, Vhd, and Vnm trucks is part of the truck's battery cable system. Its job is to let battery power be disconnected from the truck when needed, while keeping the battery cables clamped tightly in place during normal driving. Because these trucks use heavy battery cables, the connection has to stay secure while the truck vibrates on the road.
On affected trucks, the horizontally mounted disconnect switch was built with incorrect hardware. That hardware lets the battery cables loosen at the switch. Once the cables are loose, normal vibration lets them move and rub against nearby parts. That rubbing can chafe the cables, wearing through the protective covering or damaging the connection.
There is no warning sign before failure. The loosened or chafed cable area is not something a driver is expected to feel from the seat, so the recall issue needs a physical inspection and dealer repair.
Who's affected?
Covers Vnl, Vhd, and Vnm trucks across the 2012-2014 model years, all tied to the same battery-cable component.
| 2012 Volvo Vnl | battery |
|---|---|
| 2014 Volvo Vnl | battery |
| 2013 Volvo Vnl | battery |
| 2012 Volvo Vhd | battery |
| 2012 Volvo Vnm | battery |
| 2013 Volvo Vnm | battery |
| 2013 Volvo Vhd | battery |
| 2014 Volvo Vhd | battery |
| 2014 Volvo Vnm | battery |
| Units affected | 5,207 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose or chafed battery-disconnect cables can overheat the battery cable and switch, raising the risk of fire. There is no listed warning sign before failure, so schedule the repair soon and stop using the vehicle if you notice heat, smoke, or a burning smell near the switch. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2014 Volvo Vnl, Vhd, or Vnm truck is included in this recall.
- Use the Volvo owner notice mailed on May 7, 2013, or call Volvo recall support at 1-877-800-4945 if you need recall help.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer and ask whether the free remote battery disconnect switch repair is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 13V102 when you call the dealer.
- Avoid operating the truck until Volvo or the dealer confirms the battery disconnect switch and cable condition, since loose or chafed cables can overheat and start a fire.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician replaces the remote battery disconnect switch and relocates it so the battery cables are secured away from vibration and chafing. Volvo's remedy notice says owners were sent an interim letter and that the recall began on May 7, 2013. Because the current remedy status is not listed as available, ask the Volvo dealer to confirm that the campaign is open for your VIN before scheduling. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under recall 13V102.
Timeline
| March 21, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 7, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V102?
Recall 13V102 covers 5,207 2012-2014 Volvo Vnl, Vhd, and Vnm trucks with a remote battery disconnect switch problem. Loose or chafed battery cables can overheat at the cable and switch, creating a fire risk. Volvo dealers will replace and relocate the switch for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2014 Volvo Vnl, Vhd, or Vnm is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V102. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the remote battery disconnect switch replacement and relocation. Reference recall number 13V102 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. Volvo dealers will replace and relocate the remote battery disconnect switch free of charge, including parts and labor, for trucks included in recall 13V102.
What is the safety risk in recall 13V102?
The safety risk is fire. Under recall 13V102, incorrect hardware and switch placement can let battery cables loosen, vibrate, chafe, and overheat at the cable and switch. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Volvo dealer repair.
What if I bought my Volvo truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2012-2014 Volvo Vnl, Vhd, or Vnm is included, then call a franchised Volvo dealer with recall number 13V102.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V102000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-877-800-4945 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V102 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V102000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (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 →