Recall 16V928 affects 5,547 2013-2017 Volvo Vnm, Vnx, and Vnl trucks for air dryer software contaminating brakes. Repair is free at a franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 5,547 2013-2017 Vnl, Vnm, and Vnx trucks because incorrect electronic air dryer software can let oil and water contaminate the brake system. That contamination can reduce braking performance and increase crash risk; Volvo dealers will install corrected software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electronic air dryer on 2013-2017 Volvo Vnm, Vnx, and Vnl trucks is part of the air brake system. It removes moisture and oil from compressed air before that air is used to help apply the brakes. The system depends on clean, dry air moving through the brake components.
On affected trucks, incorrect parameters in the vehicle control unit tell the electronic air dryer to operate with the wrong control settings. That software problem lets oil and water remain in the air system instead of being removed as intended. Over time, that contamination reaches the brake system and leaves components exposed to fluid and residue they are not designed to handle.
Volvo's notice points owners toward periodic maintenance, including draining the wet tank and replacing service parts. Oil or water found during that maintenance is the practical warning sign to report to a Volvo dealer. The filing does not describe a separate dashboard warning or driving symptom before contamination is found.
Who's affected?
Covers Vnm, Vnx, and Vnl trucks across the 2013-2017 model years, all tied to the brake system.
| 2017 Volvo Vnm | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Volvo Vnx | brake system |
| 2014 Volvo Vnl | brake system |
| 2013 Volvo Vnl | brake system |
| 2013 Volvo Vnm | brake system |
| 2014 Volvo Vnm | brake system |
| 2015 Volvo Vnl | brake system |
| 2015 Volvo Vnm | brake system |
| 2016 Volvo Vnm | brake system |
| 2016 Volvo Vnl | brake system |
| 2017 Volvo Vnl | brake system |
| Units affected | 5,547 |
| 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?
Brake system contamination can affect braking performance and increase crash risk. Schedule the recall repair, and keep up with wet tank draining and air dryer filter service until the dealer completes it. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2017 Volvo Vnm, Vnx, or Vnl is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free vehicle-control-module reprogramming and air-dryer-filter replacement that helps keep oil and water out of the brake system.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V928 when you call.
- Avoid heavy braking and leave extra following distance until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician reprograms the vehicle control module so the electronic air dryer is controlled correctly, then replaces the air dryer filter. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid for a related repair before the recall notice, contact Volvo customer service with repair documentation. Volvo reviews those claims case by case under its pre-notice reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 22, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 22, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| December 22, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 16, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 17, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 17, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V928?
Recall 16V928 covers 5,547 2013-2017 Volvo Vnm, Vnx, and Vnl trucks with incorrect electronic air dryer software. Oil and water can contaminate the air brake system, which can reduce braking performance and increase crash risk. Volvo dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2017 Volvo Vnm, Vnx, or Vnl is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 16V928. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the vehicle control module reprogramming and air dryer filter replacement. Reference recall number 16V928 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 will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter free of charge under recall 16V928.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced braking performance. Incorrect electronic air dryer software can let oil and water contaminate the air brake system. If that happens, braking performance can be affected and crash risk increases. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if your truck is included.
What if I bought my Volvo truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included, then call a franchised Volvo dealer and reference recall 16V928 when scheduling the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V928000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-528-6586 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V928 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V928000 |
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 →