Recall 20V535 affects 12 2021 Volvo Vhd, Vnl, and Vnr trucks for improperly installed king pin nuts. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 12 2021 Vhd, Vnl, and Vnr trucks because the king pin nut was left out or not properly tightened during axle assembly. If the knuckle separates from the axle, crash risk increases; Volvo dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The king pin is part of the front axle steering joint on 2021 Volvo Vhd, Vnl, and Vnr trucks. It lets the steering knuckle pivot against the axle so the wheel end turns when the driver moves the steering wheel. The king pin nut holds that joint tight, and the grease cap helps keep lubricant around the moving parts.
On affected trucks, the king pin nut was missing or was not tightened correctly at axle assembly. A loose or missing nut lets the king pin move out of position. That movement can make the knuckle bind against the axle interface, which changes steering effort and handling.
Drivers have warning signs to watch for before the joint fails completely. The steering can feel heavy, the truck can develop handling issues, or grease caps can be missing because the king pin has moved.
Who's affected?
Vhd, Vnl, and Vnr trucks are included under the same steering-system issue.
| 2021 Volvo Vhd | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Volvo Vnl | steering system |
| 2021 Volvo Vnr | steering system |
| Units affected | 12 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A missing or loose king pin can let the knuckle separate from the axle, increasing the risk of a crash. Heavy steering, handling changes, or missing grease caps point to king pin movement, so schedule the inspection soon and use extra caution. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Volvo Vhd, Vnl, or Vnr is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free king pin nut inspection and tightening that secures the steering knuckle to the axle.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V535 when you call.
- Call Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1522 with questions and reference Volvo recall RVXX 2003.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer confirms the king pin nut is installed and properly tightened.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician inspects the vehicle to confirm the king pin nut is installed and properly tightened. If the nut is missing or loose, the dealer corrects the condition before releasing the truck. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Volvo's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible out-of-pocket repairs completed before the owner notice. Bring documentation for any related king pin nut repair to the service desk so Volvo can review it under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 2, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 8, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 8, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 11, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 28, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V535?
Recall 20V535 covers 12 2021 Volvo Vhd, Vnl, and Vnr vehicles with a steering-axle assembly issue. The king pin nut was missing or not properly tightened during axle assembly. Volvo dealers will inspect the vehicle and tighten or install the nut for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Volvo Vhd, Vnl, or Vnr is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V535. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the steering-axle inspection. Reference recall number 20V535 and Volvo recall number RVXX 2003 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Volvo dealers will inspect the vehicle, confirm the king pin nut is installed, and make sure it is properly tightened free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is steering-axle separation. If the king pin nut is missing or loose, the knuckle can separate from the axle, increasing crash risk. Check your VIN, then ask a franchised Volvo dealer to inspect the axle assembly before relying on the vehicle for service.
When did Volvo start this recall?
Volvo began recall 20V535 on September 28, 2020. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the free dealer inspection applies. Volvo customer service is available at 1-800-458-1522.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V535000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-458-1522 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V535 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V535000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →