Recall 18V542 affects 69 2019 Volvo Vnl and Vnr trucks for a narrow fifth wheel slider bracket. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 69 2019 Vnl and Vnr trucks equipped with Jost fifth wheel couplings because the outboard slider bracket is too narrow. If the trailer separates from the tractor, crash risk increases, and Volvo dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The fifth wheel coupling on the 2019 Volvo Vnl and Vnr is the heavy hitch assembly mounted over the rear frame of the tractor. It locks around the trailer kingpin and carries the trailer's pull and weight through turns, braking, and acceleration. The slider bracket lets that coupling sit in the proper position on the tractor frame.
On affected trucks, the Jost fifth wheel can have an outboard slider bracket that is too narrow. Volvo's filing traces the issue to a prototype part that entered normal production. If that bracket does not hold the coupling correctly, the trailer connection can lose retention and the trailer can separate from the tractor.
There is no warning sign before failure. The defect is in the bracket fit, so an owner or driver should not expect a noise, light, or handling change before the coupling loses retention.
Who's affected?
Covers Vnl and Vnr truck lines that use the same fifth wheel assembly.
| 2019 Volvo Vnl | Fifth wheel assembly |
|---|---|
| 2019 Volvo Vnr | Fifth wheel assembly |
| Units affected | 69 |
A matching 2019 Volvo Vnl or Vnr does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
In NHTSA campaign 18V542, trailer separation from the tractor increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before separation, so schedule the inspection soon and treat any fifth wheel or trailer connection concern as a reason to stop hauling and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Volvo Vnl or Vnr is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free fifth-wheel slider-bracket inspection and replacement if the bracket is too narrow.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one, and reference recall number 18V542 when you call.
- Avoid hauling a trailer until the fifth wheel is inspected and any needed repair is complete.
- Call Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586 if you need help finding the correct dealer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician inspects the fifth wheel slider bracket on the affected fifth wheel coupling and replaces the bracket as needed. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. If you paid out of pocket for a related fifth wheel repair before the recall work, Volvo's general reimbursement plan on file gives you a path to claim documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact Volvo customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 16, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 11, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 11, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 25, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 1, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 1, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V542?
Recall 18V542 covers 69 2019 Volvo Vnl and Vnr trucks with Jost fifth wheel couplings. The fifth wheel slider bracket can be too narrow, allowing the trailer to separate from the tractor and increasing crash risk. Volvo dealers inspect the bracket and replace it for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2019 Volvo Vnl or Vnr is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V542. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the fifth wheel slider bracket inspection. Reference recall number 18V542 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. For recall 18V542, Volvo dealers inspect the fifth wheel slider bracket and replace it when needed, free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my 2019 Volvo Vnl or Vnr?
Recall 18V542 does not include a do-not-drive instruction. The risk is specific: a narrow fifth wheel slider bracket can allow the trailer to separate from the tractor, increasing crash risk. Until your VIN is cleared or repaired, contact a Volvo dealer for inspection scheduling.
What if I bought the Volvo truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor safety recalls regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2019 Volvo Vnl or Vnr is included, then reference recall 18V542 when you call a Volvo dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V542000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-528-6586 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V542 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V542000 |
Source documents
-
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →