Volvo Trucks North America has begun a recall to of 23,003 units to deal with a potential clutch problem, the manufacturer advised the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall covers 2007-2014 models of Volvo’s VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM and VT tractors. The recall was outlined in a letter from Volvo, whose U.S. headquarters is in Greensboro, N.C.
At issue is the potential risk of a crash because of a longer stopping distance if the clutch doesn’t disengage when the brakes are applied. No crashes or injuries have been reported in connection with the condition.
“Volvo considers this [recall] as a proactive measure to protect the public and Volvo’s customers from the risk of a vehicle crash,” said the letter from Tim LaFon, director of regulatory affairs. “Volvo has received 183 warranty reports and 155 field reports that may be associated” with the condition.
Volvo spokesman Brandon Borgna said the company declined to comment, referring Transport Topics to the NHTSA report.
Volvo identified the problem as the possible removal of a “micro switch” that “provided a redundant clutch disengagement signal.”
The micro switch is designed to instruct the automated manual transmission to disengage the clutch in the event that the primary brake switch doesn’t do so.
The recall began July 2 with a message to dealers, and tractor owners will be notified of the recall by Aug. 25. Volvo said in its letter that the defect doesn’t affect the braking system.
According to Volvo, the company is evaluating potential solutions and will advise NHTSA when a decision is made about the specific repairs.
The company statement said the number of units with the micro switch issue isn’t known. Volvo first notified NHTSA of the potential issue in February.
