Recall 15V643 affects 669 2011-2013 Volvo Vnl, Vah, and Vnm trucks for fifth-wheel locking failure. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 669 2011-2013 Vnl, Vah, and Vnm trucks with Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel connectors because cumulative damage can stop the locking mechanism from working or engaging correctly. A damaged lock can let the trailer detach from the tractor and raise crash risk; Volvo dealers will inspect and repair the fifth wheel free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The fifth wheel on 2011-2013 Volvo Vnl, Vah, and Vnm trucks is the coupling plate behind the cab that connects the tractor to the trailer kingpin. Its locking mechanism is supposed to close around the kingpin and hold the trailer in place while the truck turns, brakes, and pulls a load.
These trucks were built with Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel connectors. Over time, cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking parts can keep the mechanism from operating or engaging fully. When the lock does not engage as designed, the trailer connection is not secure.
There is no warning sign before failure. The truck can look normal until the fifth wheel is inspected or the coupling is checked, so owners should not rely on sound, feel, or dashboard warnings to catch this problem.
Who's affected?
Spans Vnl, Vah, and Vnm trucks across the 2011, 2012, and 2013 model years, all tied to the fifth wheel assembly.
| 2012 Volvo Vnl | Fifth wheel assembly |
|---|---|
| 2011 Volvo Vah | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2013 Volvo Vnl | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2011 Volvo Vnl | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2011 Volvo Vnm | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2012 Volvo Vnm | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2013 Volvo Vnm | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2012 Volvo Vah | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2013 Volvo Vah | Fifth wheel assembly |
| Units affected | 669 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Damage to the fifth wheel and lock can keep the lock from holding the trailer as intended. If that happens, the trailer can detach from the tractor and raise the crash risk. Schedule the recall repair soon, especially if the fifth wheel shows damage. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Volvo Vnl, Vah, or Vnm is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free fifth-wheel replacement with an Ultra NT fifth wheel.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 15V643 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair, and stop using the truck if the fifth wheel lock does not fully engage.
- Call Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586 with questions about the repair appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician replaces the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel connector with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Volvo has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who paid out of pocket for the same fifth wheel repair before the recall notice. Bring receipts or other repair documents to the service desk, or contact Volvo customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 13, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| October 14, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 2, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 18, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V643?
Recall 15V643 covers 669 2011-2013 Volvo Vnl, Vah, and Vnm trucks equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel connectors. Damage to the fifth wheel and locking mechanism can keep the lock from operating or engaging properly. Fontaine dealers replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Volvo Vnl, Vah, or Vnm is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V643. If it is, contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586 or a Volvo service desk and ask for recall RVXX1507. The repair is a free Fontaine Ultra NT fifth wheel replacement.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost to the owner. For recall 15V643, Fontaine dealers replace the affected Ultra LT fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The trailer can unexpectedly detach from the tractor if the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are damaged enough to stop the lock from working as intended. That raises the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free fifth wheel replacement through the Volvo recall process.
What if I bought this Volvo truck used?
The recall still follows the truck, not the first owner. If you bought a used 2011-2013 Volvo Vnl, Vah, or Vnm, check your VIN to see whether recall 15V643 applies. Reference recall RVXX1507 when you contact Volvo or the service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V643000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-528-6586 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V643 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V643000 |
Source documents
-
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 →