Brake System Fail: Mack, Volvo Recall Over 5,100 Trucks

Mack, Volvo Recall Over 5,100 Trucks for Brake System Defect

More than 5,100 heavy-duty trucks from Mack and Volvo are being recalled in the United States after the manufacturers found a brake system defect that can disable important safety functions.

The recalls affect a combined 5,137 trucks and involve newer model Mack Pioneer, Mack Anthem, Volvo VNL, and Volvo VNR tractors. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the issue centers on rear brake modulators with unprotected electrical connectors that may short-circuit during operation.

If that happens, the truck can lose both its anti-lock braking system and its electronic stability control.

Those systems are designed to help drivers maintain braking control and vehicle stability during sudden stops, slippery road conditions, or emergency maneuvers. A failure in either system can increase crash risk, especially on loaded highway tractors.

Mack Brake System Recall Covers Pioneer and Anthem Trucks

Mack Trucks, Inc. is recalling 2,337 trucks in the United States under NHTSA campaign 26V261.

The recall includes:

• 2025 through 2027 Mack Pioneer PR trucks
• 2026 through 2027 Mack Anthem AN trucks

Mack said certain vehicles built with multiple rear brake modulators may have an exposed electrical connector on the brake modulator. That connector may short-circuit and lead to a loss of anti-lock brake and electronic stability control systems.

Company records show the affected Mack trucks were built between October 22, 2024, and April 8, 2026.

Mack reported five field reports and four warranty claims tied to the issue. No crashes or injuries were reported.

Volvo Brake System Recall Covers VNL and VNR Models

Volvo Trucks North America is issuing a similar recall involving 2,800 trucks in the United States under NHTSA campaign 26V260.

The affected Volvo vehicles are:

• 2025 through 2027 Volvo VNL trucks
• 2026 through 2027 Volvo VNR trucks

Volvo said the same type of rear brake modulator may contain an unprotected electrical connector that can short-circuit during normal vehicle use and disable the anti-lock brake and electronic stability control systems.

The affected Volvo trucks were built between January 8, 2024, and April 15, 2026.

Volvo reported 43 field reports and 43 warranty claims related to the defect. No crashes or injuries were reported.

Shared Component Behind Both Brake System Recalls

Recall filings show both Mack and Volvo identified the same supplier component in the affected vehicles.

The rear brake modulator involved in both recalls was supplied by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC. Both filings list the same modulator description and part number, showing that the two truck manufacturers are addressing the same underlying brake connector design issue.

In both cases, the manufacturers said a design error left an electrical connector on the brake modulator improperly protected from exposure during vehicle operation.

That means this is not two unrelated truck recalls announced on the same day. It is one brake system defect affecting two of the largest heavy-duty truck brands in the U.S. market.

No Driver Warning Listed

One of the most important details in both recall reports is that the manufacturers listed no warning for this condition.

According to the filings, there may be no advance driver warning before the exposed connector shorts and the truck loses anti-lock brake and electronic stability control functions.

For commercial truck drivers, that means the issue is more serious than a simple nuisance fault code or dash light. ABS and stability control are designed to help maintain directional control when traction is reduced or when a hard braking event occurs.

Loss of those systems can make a tractor harder to control during rain, sudden lane changes, downhill braking, or panic stops.

Stop-Shipment Order Issued on New Trucks

Both Mack and Volvo said a stop-shipment order was issued on April 16, 2026, for affected vehicles under Volvo Group control.

The trucks will not be released from production until they receive the recall repair.

Dealers were also instructed not to release affected inventory until the defect is corrected.

This means some newly ordered trucks may face delivery delays while the repair process is completed.

What Drivers Should Do About the Brake System Recall

Dealers will inspect the rear brake modulator electrical connectors, install a protective cover, and replace the rear brake modulators when necessary. Repairs will be performed at no cost.

Vehicle identification numbers involved in both recalls were scheduled to become searchable beginning April 30, 2026. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on or before June 22, 2026.

For truck drivers, owner-operators, and fleet maintenance departments operating newer Mack or Volvo tractors, the next step is to verify VIN status and schedule recall repairs as soon as dealer instructions are released.

Because the defect affects brake-related safety systems, fleets may also choose to prioritize affected units for inspection before the official owner letters arrive.