Recall 13V497 affects 206 2011-2013 Volvo Vah vehicles with upward-facing exhaust diffusers that overheat the cab roof. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 206 2011-2013 Vah auto-hauler trucks under recall 13V497 because exhaust heat can reach the cab roof or vehicles carried above the cab. That excessive heat creates a fire risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Volvo makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The exhaust system on 2011-2013 Volvo Vah auto-haulers carries hot engine gases out of the truck after combustion. These trucks were modified with upward facing exhaust diffusers, which direct the exhaust flow above the cab instead of sending it straight back or down. The diffuser is supposed to move exhaust away while keeping heat away from parts that should not be heated.
On affected trucks, that upward path puts exhaust heat near the cab roof and the vehicles loaded above the cab. Heat transfers into areas that are not meant to handle that temperature. Over time or during operation, that heat exposure damages the truck cab roof, the carried vehicle, or both.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is heat exposure around the exhaust outlet, so a driver should not expect a dashboard light, engine change, or drivability symptom before damage occurs.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2011, 2012, and 2013 model years, all tied to the exhaust system.
| 2011 Volvo Vah | Exhaust system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Volvo Vah | Exhaust system |
| 2013 Volvo Vah | Exhaust system |
| Units affected | 206 |
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?
Excessive heat creates a fire risk, so treat this recall as a safety issue even if the vehicle seems normal. If your VIN is included, limit unnecessary driving and arrange the dealer repair when it opens. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Volvo Vah is included in this recall.
- Wait for the owner notice if you have not received one, then contact a franchised Volvo dealer about the free repair.
- Ask the dealer to replace the upward-facing exhaust diffuser with the redesigned diffuser that reduces heat transfer to the cab roof and vehicles above the cab.
- Bring the recall notice if Fontaine mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V497 when you call.
- Keep the truck away from enclosed storage or loaded auto-hauler use until the dealer confirms the exhaust diffuser repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Once the repair is available, a Volvo technician will replace the upward-facing exhaust diffuser with a diffuser that has a different shape and design. The repair is meant to change how exhaust heat moves near the truck cab roof and vehicles carried above the cab. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Until Volvo sends owner instructions, keep the recall notice with your paperwork and tell the service desk this is recall 13V497 when you call.
Timeline
| October 17, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 19, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V497?
Recall 13V497 covers 206 2011-2013 Volvo Vah auto-hauler trucks modified with upward-facing exhaust diffusers. Heat from the exhaust can transfer to the cab roof or vehicles above the cab, creating a fire risk. Dealers will replace the diffuser for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Volvo Vah is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V497. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the exhaust diffuser replacement. Reference recall number 13V497 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and dealers will replace the affected exhaust diffuser with a different shape and design for free. Owners can call 1-800-366-8246 for recall support.
What is the safety risk in recall 13V497?
The safety risk is fire from excessive exhaust heat. In affected 2011-2013 Volvo Vah auto-haulers, heat from the upward-facing exhaust diffuser can reach the truck cab roof or vehicles carried above the cab. The dealer repair replaces that diffuser design.
What if I bought my Volvo Vah used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor safety recalls regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2011-2013 Volvo Vah is included, then call a franchised Volvo dealer with recall number 13V497.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V497000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-366-8246 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V497 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V497000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →