Volvo Trucks Issues Recall for Defective Meritor Steer Axles
Volvo Trucks North America is recalling 129 of its 2013 models in the United States because the steer axles may have been incorrectly heat treated.
The action covers the VNL and VNM models manufactured between April 16 and May 4, 2012, the company reports in a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Meritor manufactured the incorrectly heated non-drive front steer axle, which the company tells Volvo Trucks can cause a nonconforming metallurgical microstructure.
According to Meritor, “there is a plasticity observed around the failed areas that could indicate some level of warning to the driver before the knuckle and king pin loosens from the beam,” which would lead to fracture and loss of vehicle control. Volvo will notify owners and dealers and begin the recall on July 29.
