Recall 15V523 affects 1,319 2012-2016 Volvo Vah trucks for drag-link corrosion that can cause steering loss. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 1,319 2012-2016 Vah trucks because the sealed drag link ball socket boot can be damaged, letting contaminants corrode the ball socket. That corrosion accelerates wear and can separate the ball joint from the socket, causing loss of steering and increased crash risk; Volvo dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The drag link on 2012-2016 Volvo Vah trucks is part of the steering linkage that carries steering movement from the steering gear to the front wheels. A sealed drag link uses ball sockets at its ends so the linkage can pivot as the suspension moves and the wheels turn. The rubber boot around each socket keeps dirt, water, and road salt away from the joint.
On affected trucks, the angle of the ball stud can deform the boot. Once the boot is damaged, contaminants can get inside the ball socket and cause corrosion. That corrosion can create looseness in the joint, which weakens the steering connection the drag link is supposed to hold tight.
The warning sign is looseness or play in the ball socket during the required steering inspections. A driver will not necessarily feel that play from the cab, so the inspection check matters.
Who's affected?
Spans the Vah across the 2012-2016 model years, with the same steering linkage listed for each year.
| 2012 Volvo Vah | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2013 Volvo Vah | steering linkage |
| 2014 Volvo Vah | steering linkage |
| 2015 Volvo Vah | steering linkage |
| 2016 Volvo Vah | steering linkage |
| Units affected | 1,319 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Corrosion accelerates wear in the drag link ball joint. If the ball separates from the socket, steering can be lost and crash risk increases. Looseness or play found during required inspections is a warning to schedule service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2016 Volvo Vah is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free drag-link replacement that protects the ball socket from boot damage, contamination, and corrosion.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V523 when you call.
- Drive only as needed until the repair is complete, and keep extra space for steering corrections.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician replaces the sealed drag link with a new drag link that has improved geometry. That repair addresses the ball socket boot angle problem that lets contaminants reach the ball socket and corrode it. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid for a drag link repair tied to this issue before the owner notice, Volvo's standard reimbursement plan covers documented claims. Contact Volvo customer service with your repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 17, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 19, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| August 19, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 13, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 13, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 13, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V523?
Recall 15V523 covers 1,319 2012-2016 Volvo Vah trucks with a sealed drag link. The draglink ball socket boot can be damaged by the ball stud angle, letting contaminants corrode the socket. Volvo dealers will replace the drag link for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2016 Volvo Vah is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V523. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the drag link replacement. Reference recall number 15V523 and Volvo recall number RVXX1503 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volvo's remedy says dealers will replace the drag link free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Volvo dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V523?
The safety risk is loss of steering. If corrosion accelerates wear in the draglink ball socket, the ball joint can separate from the socket, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair if your truck is included.
What if I bought my Volvo Vah used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the truck, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific 2012-2016 Volvo Vah is included, then call a franchised Volvo dealer or Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V523000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-528-6586 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V523 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V523000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- 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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →