Recall 16V097 affects 18,116 2016-2017 Volvo Vnx, Vnm, and Vnl trucks for steering-shaft separation. Do not drive. Free interim repair is available.
If the steering shaft separates, the driver loses steering control and crash risk increases. Do not drive the vehicle, even for short trips, until Volvo's interim remedy is applied. If the vehicle needs to move, call the dealer and ask about towing. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once Volvo opens it.
Do not drive affected 2016-2017 Volvo Vnx, Vnm, and Vnl trucks until Volvo opens the free dealer remedy. Volvo is recalling 18,116 trucks because a missing roll pin or loose steering shaft bolt can let the steering shaft separate, causing complete loss of steering and increasing crash risk.
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What's wrong?
The steering shaft on 2016-2017 Volvo Vnx, Vnm, and Vnl trucks is the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the steering gear. When the driver turns the wheel, the shaft carries that movement through its joints so the front wheels respond. A roll pin and a tightened joint help keep the lower and upper shaft sections locked together.
On affected trucks, the lower steering shaft was built without the roll pin, or the bolt joining the upper and lower steering shafts was not tightened correctly. A missing pin lets the lower shaft disconnect from the junction block. A loose upper connection also lets the shaft separate, which breaks the steering connection the driver relies on.
There is no warning sign before failure. The steering can separate without a light, noise, or change in feel that gives the driver time to react.
Who's affected?
Covers Vnx, Vnm, and Vnl trucks from the 2016 and 2017 model years, all tied to the steering system.
| 2016 Volvo Vnx | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Volvo Vnm | steering system |
| 2017 Volvo Vnx | steering system |
| 2016 Volvo Vnm | steering system |
| 2016 Volvo Vnl | steering system |
| 2017 Volvo Vnl | steering system |
| Units affected | 18,116 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 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?
If the steering shaft separates, the driver loses steering control and crash risk increases. Do not drive the vehicle, even for short trips, until Volvo's interim remedy is applied. If the vehicle needs to move, call the dealer and ask about towing. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once Volvo opens it.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Volvo Vnx, Vnm, or Vnl truck is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the truck until a Volvo dealer applies the interim steering-shaft repair.
- Contact your nearest franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free steering-shaft repair that secures the missing roll pin or loose steering-shaft bolt.
- Arrange a tow if the truck has to be moved before the interim repair is complete; do not drive it there yourself.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V097 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Do not drive an affected Volvo truck until Volvo applies the interim repair. At the dealer, a Volvo technician checks the steering shaft connection, addresses a missing roll pin, and secures the upper and lower steering shaft connection as needed under the campaign. The final dealer repair will be free once available, and parts and labor are covered for both remedy stages. If you paid for a related repair before the recall notice, Volvo's general reimbursement plan addresses eligible documented repairs.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 17, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 10, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| March 10, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 16, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 16, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 13, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V097?
Recall 16V097 covers 18,116 2016-2017 Volvo Vnx, Vnm, and Vnl trucks with steering-shaft assembly defects. A missing roll pin or loose steering-shaft bolt can let the steering shaft separate, causing complete loss of steering and crash risk.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Volvo Vnx, Vnm, or Vnl is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 16V097. If it is, do not drive the truck until a Volvo dealer applies the interim remedy. Ask the dealer or Volvo customer service at 1-877-800-4945 about towing and next steps.
What does "do not drive" mean for this Volvo recall?
Do not drive the truck until the interim remedy is applied. Volvo strongly recommended that affected vehicles stay off the road because steering-shaft separation causes complete loss of steering. If the truck has to move, ask a franchised Volvo dealer about towing.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Volvo says the interim remedy and final remedy are free of charge. Federal recall law also requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost at a franchised dealer.
What if I bought this Volvo truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the truck, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Volvo dealer with recall number 16V097 so the service desk can confirm the repair path for your specific truck.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V097000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-877-800-4945 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V097 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V097000 |
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 →