Safety Recall RVXX1906 – Steering Gearbox Fastener Re-Torque – 2020 Volvo VNL & VNR

October 24, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V756000

Steering Gear may Loosen

A loose steering gear can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V756

Manufacturer Volvo Trucks North America

Components STEERING

Potential Number of Units Affected 2,287

 

Summary

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020 VNL and VNR vehicles equipped with HD94 Sheppard gear variants. The steering gear mounting fasteners may be insufficiently tightened, allowing the steering gear to loosen.

 

Remedy

Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-torque the steering gear to a higher value. Additionally, the steering gear will be replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks’ number for this recall is RVXX1906.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

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Bulletin: SRA-V19-06
Date: October 30, 2019

 

Description of Defect: 

On certain vehicles, torque loss of steering gear mounting fasteners may occur on vehicles manufactured with a Sheppard HD94 Steering Gear.  Torque loss can result in loosening of the steering gear, which may result in loss of vehicle control under certain conditions.

 

Models/ Model Years Affected: 

Certain 2020 VNL and VNR model vehicles manufactured from January 1, 2019 through October 17, 2019 with a Sheppard HD94 Gear.

 

Vehicle Quantities: 

Approximately 2,345 vehicles (2,287 U.S., 58 Canada)

The recall population is based on available facts at this time. These facts include (1) reports of the issue are limited to new vehicles manufactured in 2019 with Sheppard Steering Gear (part number 22803500) HD 94 Gear Variant, and (2) torque loss of steering gear mounting fasteners in vehicles with Sheppard HD94 Gear variant. Further investigation/ collaboration between Sheppard and Volvo is proceeding to confirm root cause and scope.

 

Dealer’s Responsibility:

The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Act requires dealers to ensure that all new and used vehicles are free of safety defects and comply with all relevant safety standards at the time of delivery to the consumer.

Dealers should make their personnel aware of the safety recall. In the event that a dealer has a vehicle included in the safety recall in their inventory to be sold, the condition must be corrected before releasing it to a customer.

 

Release Schedule:

• By November 1, 2019, VIN list and repair instructions will be available on the Dealer Portal
• By November 15, 2019, recall notification letters will be mailed to owners of the affected vehicles.

If you have questions or concerns about this recall, contact the Regulatory Affairs Department at vtna.regulatoryaffairs@volvo.com.

 

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The following Q&A is intended to help answer questions about this recall:

 

Q: What is the repair?

• Torque the steering gear mounting bolts (3 in total) to 500 +/- 25 Nm (370 +/- 18 lb ft)

 

Q: What if the bolts are loose? 

• If the bolts are loose, create an Argus case with the VIN, vehicle mileage, pictures of the loose bolts, and the steering gear casting number.
• Torque the steering gear mounting bolts (3 in total) to 500 +/- 25 Nm (370 +/- 18 lb ft)

 

Q: Will further repairs be required on these vehicles? 

• We believe that increasing the torque will address the issue; we are currently testing to confirm. Additional information will be provided to the dealer when we complete the testing.

 

Q: What is the root cause? 

• Root cause is still under review. We believe that there is more than one contributing factor.
• Volvo and Sheppard are working to confirm the root cause. We hope to have the root causes identified in the next few weeks.
• Information will be shared with the dealers when available.

 

Q: Have there been any reports of accidents? 

• No, Volvo has not received any reports of vehicle crashes as a result of this defect. Volvo is taking the proactive measure to conduct a voluntary safety recall to protect our customers and other road users from the potential risk related to the defect.

 

Q: Are there precautions that the owner can take until their vehicle is repaired? 

• Yes, as part of the pre- and post-trip daily inspections, they should visually inspect the steering gear for loose bolts. An inspection procedure will be provided with the owner notification letter.

 

Q: Should the vehicle owner park their vehicle(s)? 

• No
• They should only park their vehicle(s) if the steering gear mounting bolts are loose.

 

Q: What type of warnings, if any, will the driver receive if the gear is loose?

 

• Yes, there are warnings. These include: o Visual – a loose steering gear can be found during a pre- and post-trip inspection.
  • Feel – there would be a difference that can be felt through the steering wheel and/or handling of the vehicle.
  • Noise – there may be noise

This issue does not result in complete loss of steering without warning.

 

Q: Does the daily inspection replace the repair-retorque of the bolts? 

• No, tightening the bolts will help sustain the torque. The inspection, if used, will help identify any vehicles where there is a potential risk.
• Pre- and post-trip inspection are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and are essential to continued safe operation of the vehicle.

 

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SAFETY RECALL

VOLVO Trucks North America

Date
11/19

Number
RVXX1906

Steering Gearbox Fastener Re-Torque

 

SAFETY RECALL INFORMATION

(November 2019)

Volvo Trucks has determined that a defect that relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain

VN model vehicles manufactured from January 01, 2019, through October 17, 2019 with a Sheppard HD94 gearbox. The steering gearbox mounting fasteners to the frame rail may loosen causing the unsafe condition. Indication of this occurrence may include steering wander or a feeling of looseness in the steering.

Volvo Trucks has not received reports of personal injury because of this condition. Therefore, Volvo considers this as a proactive measure to protect the public and Volvo’s customers from the potential risk associated with this defect.

 

VEHICLES AFFECTED

Certain 2020 model vehicles manufactured from January 01, 2019, through October 17, 2019

 

VEHICLE QUANTITY

2,345 vehicles (2,287 U.S., and 58 Canada)

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE:

DECOMMISSIONING THE TRUCK FOR REPAIR

DANGER

Do not attempt to repair or service this vehicle without having sufficient training, the correct service literature and the proper tools. Failure to follow this could make the vehicle unsafe and lead to serious personal injury or death.

NOTE

Wear safety glasses during the duration of this repair to protect from possible inadvertent glass breakage

 

1. Secure the vehicle for service by parking on a flat and level surface.
2. Apply parking brake.
3. Place the transmission in neutral or park.
4. Install the wheel chocks.
5. Disconnect the cable from the battery’s negative (ground) terminal.

6. Locate the steering gearbox mounting fasteners – driver’s side frame rail.
7. Check all mounting fasteners (quantity of 3) for a relaxed torque:
   1. Set torque wrench to 275 +/- 15 Nm (202+/-10 lb ft) and tighten until “CLICK” is heard.
   2. If ANY fasteners move/rotate before reaching the relaxation torque, create a separate ARGUS Eservice case with all information and note the Recall in the case summary.

You must also include the steering gear casting information (photo ok), location shown below:

8. Properly support the steering gear.
9. Remove fasteners mounting the steering gear to the frame rail.
10. Using a wire wheel, remove the finish from the steering gear mounting flanges.
11. Remount the steering gear using the NEW install torque:
    • Set torque wrench to install torque of 500 +/- 25 Nm (370 +/- 18 lb ft) and tighten until “CLICK” is heard.
12. Touch up the paint on the mounting ears/flanges with chassis black paint.

Add a torque tell-tale across the nut washer and flange.

 

REIMBURSEMENT:

This repair is covered by an authorized Safety Recall campaign. Reimbursement is obtained through the normal claim handling process.
Claim Type (used only when uploading from the Dealer Business System)	R
Recall Status
Vehicle repaired per instructions	Modified per instructions
Labour Codes
Primary Labour Code Steering Gearbox Fastener Re-Torque	1720-16-09-01 0.4 hrs
Causal Part	22803500
Authorization Number	C6612

 

Note: Dealers are to perform Safety Recall Campaigns on all subject vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner regardless of mileage, age of vehicle or ownership (original purchaser or subsequent purchasers). Whenever vehicles are subject to a safety recall are brought to your dealership for service, or taken into your dealership vehicle inventory, it is strongly recommended that every effort be made to perform the recall correction before the vehicle is sold or released to the owner.

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL RVXX1906
NHTSA RECALL # 19V-756

 

DEAR VOLVO TRUCK OWNER:

 

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Volvo Trucks North America has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2020 VNL and VNR model vehicles manufactured from January 1, 2019 through October 17, 2019 with a Sheppard HD94 Gear.

SAFETY DEFECT:	On certain vehicles manufactured with a Sheppard HD94 Steering Gear, torque loss of steering gear mounting fasteners may occur.
SAFETY RISK:	Torque loss can result in loosening of the steering gear, which may result in loss of vehicle control and a vehicle crash under certain conditions.
PRECAUTIONS YOU CAN TAKE:	During pre and post-trip inspections, visually inspect the steering gear for looseness (see page 3 and following for further instruction). If loose fasteners are found, do not operate the vehicle; please call the Recall Support Line: 1+877-800-4945 opt #1, for further information and/or assistance.
TIME REQUIRED FOR THE REPAIR:	The time required to inspect/ repair your vehicle is approximately 1 hour.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:	You should contact the nearest Volvo Parts and Service Center and make an appointment. The dealer will inspect the gear mounting fasteners.  Fasteners will be re-tightened.   You can locate the closest Volvo Parts and Service Center by going on line to https://www.volvo.com/trucks/na/en-us/dealers/ and selecting “Dealer Locator” or by calling our toll-free number: 1-800-52-VOLVO (1-800-528-6586).
NOTICE REGARDING LEASED VEHICLES:	If you are a Lessor of vehicles subject to this Notice, you have an obligation under Federal Law to provide a copy of this Notice to all Lessees within 10 days of your receipt of this Notice.  Further, you must maintain a record, which identifies the Lessee(s) to whom you send a copy of this letter, the date you send this letter and the Vehicle Identification Number(s) of the vehicle that you have leased to that lessee.  For purposes of this Notice, the term Lessor means: a person or entity that is the owner, as reflected on the vehicle’s title, of any five or more leased vehicles (as defined in CFR Section 577.4), as of the date of notification by the manufacturer of the existence of a safety-related defect or non-compliance with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard in one or more of the leased motor vehicles.
OWNER RECALL RESPONSE CARD:	The enclosed “Notice of Vehicle Recall” identifies your vehicle.  If you no longer own the vehicle, please help us update our records by completing the “Vehicle Disposition Record” portion of the enclosed postage-free Notice of Mandatory Safety Campaign card and mailing it back to us.
ASSISTANCE/ COMPLAINTS:	Volvo Trucks North America Regulatory Affairs Department, P.O. Box 26115 Greensboro, NC 27402-6115 vtna.regulatoryaffairs@volvo.comYou may also submit complaints to the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington DC 20590 or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hot Line at 1-888327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to https://www.safercar.gov if you believe that Volvo has failed to remedy the defect without charge, or has failed to remedy the vehicle within 60 days of the owners first tender to obtain repair following the earliest time that parts are available.If you have previously paid for repairs as a result of this issue, you may be entitled to recovery of those expenses.
PRE NOTIFICATION REMEDIES:	Submit copies of all documentation supporting your claim according to the rules specified in the “General Plan for Reimbursement of Prenotification Remedies” provided in this mailing.

 

We regret any inconvenience this may cause to your operation, but hope you will appreciate our sincere efforts to demonstrate Volvo’s commitment to provide our customers with the best possible product.

 

VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

 

RVXX1906_OWNER_LTR_US
November 2019

 

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Pre-Trip/ Post Trip Inspection Requirements. 

 

Please follow the safety requirements as published in your operator’s manual. For your convenience, an excerpt from the operator’s manual is provided below.

 

STEP 1, Secure the vehicle as stated in the DANGER! box above. “Before working on or inspecting a vehicle, set the parking brakes, place the transmission in neutral, and block the wheels. Failure to do so can result in unexpected vehicle movementand can cause serious personal injury or death.

 

STEP 2, Open the hood. Follow the instruction provided in your operator’s manual. For your convenience, the information in the operator’s manual is provided below:

 

STEP 3, Locate the steeering gear. The steering gear is located on the driver side of the engine and is mounted on the frame rail.

 

STEP 4, Visually inspect the three fasteners that attach the steering gear to the frame for looseness (see circled nuts below)

 

Also, check for obvious gaps between the spacers to the frame (see circled areas below)

 

IMPORTANT NOTE!   If the steering gear nuts are loose or obvious gap between the frame and spacer, place the vehicle out of service and call the recall support line at : 1+877-800-4945 opt #1, for further information and/or assistance.   If steering gear nuts appear to be tight and there is little to no space between the frame and spacers, the vehicle can safely be driven. We do recommend that you make an appointment at your nearest Volvo service facility for further inspection at your earliest convenience.

 

Also, check for obvious gaps between the spacers to the frame (see circled areas below)

 

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2 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
VOLVO	VNL	2020
VOLVO	VNR	2020

 

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14 Associated Documents

Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-1

RCLQRT-19V756-8415.PDF 211.235KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-2

RCLQRT-19V756-5033.PDF 211.325KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V756-1624.pdf 455.175KB

 

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Recall 573 Report- Amendment 5

RCLRPT-19V756-6380.PDF 214.293KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2019-4

RCLQRT-19V756-1816.PDF 211.134KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V756-2613.pdf 244.898KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V756-6404.PDF 214.135KB

 

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Recall 573 Report- Amendment 3

RCLRPT-19V756-8540.PDF 214.258KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-19V756-3179.pdf 129.901KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V756-5652.pdf 157.888KB

 

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Recall 573 Report- Amendment 1

RCLRPT-19V756-7400.PDF 214.233KB

 

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Recall 573 Report- Amendment 4

RCLRPT-19V756-3497.PDF 214.256KB

 

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Recall 573 Report- Amendment 2

RCLRPT-19V756-5910.PDF 214.24KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2020-3

RCLQRT-19V756-9196.PDF 211.434KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V756&docType=RCL

 

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