NHTSA safety recall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Volvo Trucks VNR and VNL recall: The rear brake modulators may have unprotected electrical connectors

Recall published 6 months ago

The rear brake modulators may have unprotected electrical connectors that can short circuit and lead to a loss of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).

The hazard: Brake system defect

This is a brake recall, which is the category where the gap between "the car feels fine" and a failure is shortest.

What the notice says: A loss of anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Why it matters: A fault in the braking system can lengthen stopping distances or cause a loss of braking. Unlike most vehicle faults, this one gives very little warning before it matters.

Recall details

Recall number
26V260000
Published
April 23, 2026
Risk level
NHTSA safety recall
Status
Open safety recall
Issued by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Brand
Volvo Trucks
Product type
Service Brakes, Air
Distribution
Nationwide
Vehicles
Volvo VNL (4)
Lot / code info
NHTSA campaign number 26V260000

Products covered by this recall

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2026-2027 VNR (4) and 2025-2027 VNL (4) vehicles. The rear brake modulators may have unprotected electrical connectors that can short circuit and lead to a loss of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).

Vehicles in this campaign

Check your product

The notice names 2 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Vehicle

Match this against the make and model on your registration.

  • VNR (4)
  • VNL (4)

Codes are lifted verbatim from the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Brakes

Volvo Trucks — This is a brake recall, which is the category where the gap between "the car feels fine" and a failure is shortest.

  1. Book this repair promptly, and in the meantime leave a larger gap than usual to the vehicle in front.
  2. Tell the dealer if you have noticed a soft or sinking pedal, a longer stop, a warning light or a new noise — those symptoms affect how urgently they fit you in.
  3. Do not top up or change brake fluid as a workaround; it will not fix a mechanical or software defect and it may mask one.
  4. Keep the repair order the dealer hands you. It is your proof the campaign was closed out, and it matters at resale.

Costs, reimbursement and your rights

The repair itself is free. What people most often miss is that money already spent can frequently be claimed back.

  • If you paid for the same repair out of pocket before the recall was announced, ask the manufacturer for reimbursement. Carmakers must run a reimbursement plan for pre-notification repairs; you will need the original invoice.
  • Towing is normally covered where the vehicle is unsafe to drive, and loaner cars or rental reimbursement are often available on long parts delays. Neither is usually offered unless you ask.
  • A dealer may not charge a diagnostic, inspection or shop-supplies fee for recall work. If one appears on the estimate, query it before you sign.
  • If a dealer refuses the repair, delays it unreasonably or tries to bill you, complain to the manufacturer’s customer line, then to NHTSA. Those complaints are logged against the campaign.

Remedy named in the notice: Dealers will inspect the rear brake modulator electrical connectors, install a protective cover, and replace the rear brake modulators, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 8, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2605. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 30, 2026.

Company contact: Volvo Trucks North America

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Volvo Trucks service brakes, air recalled?

The rear brake modulators may have unprotected electrical connectors that can short circuit and lead to a loss of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). A loss of anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash or injury.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

Book this repair promptly, and in the meantime leave a larger gap than usual to the vehicle in front.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Dealers will inspect the rear brake modulator electrical connectors, install a protective cover, and replace the rear brake modulators, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 8, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2605. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 30, 2026.

Does the repair cost me anything?

No. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge at a franchised dealer for as long as the campaign is open, whether or not the vehicle is still under warranty.

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