Recall 16V095 affects 2,053 2009, 2010, 2016 Volvo Vt, Vnm, and Vnl trucks for drag-link ball joint wear. Free repair at franchised Volvo dealers.
Volvo is recalling 2,053 2009, 2010, and 2016 Vt, Vnm, and Vnl trucks because corrosion in USK non-greasable drag link ball joints can accelerate wear and lead to ball joint failure. Ball joint failure can separate the socket and cause a complete loss of steering, increasing crash risk; Volvo dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The drag link on the 2009, 2010, 2016 Volvo Vt, Vnm, and Vnl trucks is part of the steering linkage that helps transfer steering input to the front wheels. Its ball joints let the linkage move as the suspension travels while still holding the steering connection tight. On these trucks, the affected part is a USK non-greasable drag link, so it relies on sealed joints rather than routine greasing.
The problem starts at the boot seal around the ball joint. Volvo traced the issue to a boot that was compromised during manufacturing. Once the seal is damaged, water and road debris can reach the joint, corrosion can form, and the ball joint wears faster than designed. If wear continues, the ball joint can fail.
The warning sign is looseness in the ball joint during preventive maintenance. A technician using standard inspection criteria should be able to feel that looseness before the joint reaches failure.
Who's affected?
Covers the Vt, Vnm, and Vnl truck lines across the 2009, 2010, and 2016 model years, with upper and lower control arm components listed for each.
| 2010 Volvo Vt | lower control arm |
|---|---|
| 2010 Volvo Vt | upper control arm |
| 2009 Volvo Vt | lower control arm |
| 2009 Volvo Vt | upper control arm |
| 2016 Volvo Vnm | lower control arm |
| 2016 Volvo Vnm | upper control arm |
| 2016 Volvo Vnl | lower control arm |
| 2016 Volvo Vnl | upper control arm |
| Units affected | 2,053 |
| 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?
Ball joint failure can let the socket separate and cause a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash. The warning sign is ball joint looseness found during preventive maintenance inspection, so schedule the recall repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009, 2010, or 2016 Volvo Vt, Vnm, or Vnl is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free drag-link replacement that fixes the corroded ball joints behind the steering-loss risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V095 when you call.
- Limit driving until the drag links are replaced, and stop driving if steering feels loose or abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician replaces the drag links covered by recall 16V095. The repair addresses the USK non greasable drag links whose compromised seals can let corrosion damage the ball joints and lead to accelerated wear. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you paid for a related drag link or ball joint repair before the owner notice, Volvo handles documented expenses through the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan. Bring the repair invoice and payment documentation to the service desk, or contact Volvo customer service before your appointment.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 19, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 24, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| February 24, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 15, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 15, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 21, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V095?
Recall 16V095 covers 2,053 2009, 2010, and 2016 Volvo Vt, Vnm, and Vnl trucks with USK non-greasable drag links. Corrosion at the ball-joint seals can accelerate wear, and Volvo dealers replace the drag links for free.
What should I do if my 2009, 2010, or 2016 Volvo Vt, Vnm, or Vnl is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 16V095. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule drag-link replacement. Reference recall number 16V095 or Volvo recall number RVXX1601 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Volvo dealers replace the affected drag links free of charge under recall 16V095, regardless of where the truck was purchased.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering. In recall 16V095, ball-joint failure can separate the socket and cause a complete loss of steering, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then schedule the free drag-link replacement with a Volvo dealer.
When did the repair become available?
The repair became available when recall 16V095 began on April 21, 2016. Volvo dealers replace the affected drag links free of charge. If your truck changed owners after the notice, check your VIN and call a Volvo dealer with the recall number.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V095000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-528-6586 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V095 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V095000 |
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 →