Recall 21V781 affects 162 2022 Volvo Vnl trucks because the transmission can shift into neutral unexpectedly. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 162 2022 Vnl vehicles because electronic control unit software can let the transmission shift into neutral unexpectedly. That sudden loss of drive power can increase crash risk, and Volvo dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Vehicle Electronic Control Unit software on the 2022 Volvo Vnl is the truck's control program for coordinating the engine and automatic transmission. It passes commands between the engine controller and transmission controller so the truck knows when to hold a gear, change gears, or stay in drive. In normal operation, that software keeps driver input, engine torque, and transmission behavior aligned.
On affected Vnl trucks, a Volvo software defect allows the transmission to shift into neutral without driver input. The filing identifies the problem as Volvo programming in the vehicle control unit, not a Cummins engine issue or an Eaton transmission issue. When the defect occurs, the truck leaves drive unexpectedly and stops pulling under engine power.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner or driver notices is the transmission shifting to neutral without being commanded.
Who's affected?
| 2022 Volvo Vnl | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 162 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected shift to neutral can take drive power away and increase the risk of a crash, especially when traffic expects the truck to keep moving. If the transmission shifts out of gear, move out of traffic when safe and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022 Volvo Vnl is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free electronic control module reprogramming that corrects the unexpected shift to neutral.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 21V781 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and leave extra space to coast or stop if the transmission shifts to neutral unexpectedly.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician reprograms the electronic control module so the transmission control software no longer allows an unexpected shift into neutral. The recall repair is free, and labor is covered because the work is software programming. Volvo has a reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for this related repair before the recall notice. If that applies to you, contact Volvo Trucks customer service or ask the service desk what documentation Volvo needs for a reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 6, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 19, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| October 19, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 1, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 24, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V781?
Recall 21V781 covers 162 2022 Volvo Vnl vehicles with software that can let the transmission shift into neutral unexpectedly. An unexpected shift to neutral can increase crash risk. Volvo dealers will reprogram the electronic control module for free.
What should I do if my 2022 Volvo Vnl is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V781. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the electronic control module reprogramming. Reference recall 21V781 or Volvo recall RVXX2104 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volvo's remedy states that dealers will reprogram the electronic control module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Volvo dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected shift to neutral while driving. If the transmission shifts into neutral without the driver selecting it, the vehicle loses driven power, which can increase the risk of a crash. The dealer repair corrects the software issue for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V781000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-528-6586 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V781 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V781000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →