Recall 15V274 covers 185 2012-2016 Volvo Vnm trucks for a crankcase vent elbow oil-leak risk. Free repair at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 185 2012-2016 Vnm trucks because excessive engine crankcase pressure can detach the 90-degree vent tube elbow and let engine oil reach hot surfaces. Oil on hot surfaces increases the risk of a fire, and the Volvo dealer repair will be free once Volvo makes the remedy available.
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What's wrong?
The crankcase ventilation breather on 2012-2016 Volvo Vnm trucks with the Cummins Westport ISL Gas Engine routes pressure and oil vapor out of the engine crankcase. The vent tube assembly, including its 90-degree elbow, is supposed to stay attached to that breather so vapor is controlled and engine oil stays away from hot engine surfaces.
On affected trucks, excessive pressure inside the crankcase can push the elbow off the breather exit tube. Cummins traced known incidents mainly to cracked pistons creating high crankcase pressure. When the elbow detaches, engine oil can escape from the vent path and reach hot surfaces around the engine.
You can notice loss of engine power, amber or red engine diagnostic lamps on the instrument cluster, or erratic engine operation before the elbow separates. Treat those signs as engine-pressure warnings and have the truck checked before continuing normal operation.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2012 through 2016 model years, with the engine listed as the affected component for each year.
| 2012 Volvo Vnm | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2013 Volvo Vnm | Engine |
| 2014 Volvo Vnm | Engine |
| 2015 Volvo Vnm | Engine |
| 2016 Volvo Vnm | Engine |
| Units affected | 185 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Engine oil on a hot surface increases the risk of fire. High crankcase pressure can also show up as power loss, amber or red engine diagnostic lamps, or erratic engine operation, so pull over safely if the vehicle behaves that way and arrange service. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2016 Volvo Vnm is included in this recall.
- Watch for Volvo's owner letter if you have not received it, or call Volvo customer service for the latest repair timing.
- Ask a franchised Volvo dealer whether the free repair is open for your VIN: the dealer secures the crankcase vent tube elbow and updates the ECM to limit crankcase pressure under misfire conditions.
- Reference recall number 15V274 when you call the dealer or Volvo customer service.
- Avoid operating the truck if you smell oil, see oil near hot engine surfaces, or notice signs of an engine oil leak.
What happens at the repair
The planned Volvo repair is to secure the ends of the 90 degree elbow on the crankcase vent tube assembly. A Volvo technician also reprograms the electronic control module so the engine can reduce output under misfire conditions and limit crankcase pressure. Until Volvo confirms the final dealer repair is open, confirm availability before scheduling service. Once available, the dealer repair will be free under the recall, with parts and labor covered.
Timeline
| May 11, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 12, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V274?
Recall 15V274 covers 185 2012-2016 Volvo Vnm trucks with a crankcase ventilation vent tube elbow that can detach under excessive crankcase pressure. If engine oil reaches hot surfaces, fire risk increases. Volvo dealers secure the 90-degree elbow and reprogram the ECM for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2016 Volvo Vnm is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V274. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer and ask for recall RVXX1502. The dealer repair is free and includes securing the vent tube elbow and reprogramming the ECM.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Volvo's remedy says these repairs are performed free of charge. A franchised Volvo dealer handles the elbow securing work and ECM software reprogramming.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Excessive engine crankcase pressure can detach the 90-degree elbow from the crankcase ventilation breather, allowing engine oil to reach hot surfaces. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Volvo dealer repair.
What if I bought my Volvo Vnm used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your truck is included, then give the dealer recall number RVXX1502 when you call Volvo service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V274000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-528-6586 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V274 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V274000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →