Parking Brake Defect Prompts a Volvo VNL Recall

Parking Brake Recall Highlights Rollaway Risk

Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) is recalling certain Volvo VNL (4) tractors after federal safety filings identified a condition that could reduce parking brake holding force and increase the risk of a rollaway.

The recall is listed under National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Campaign Number 26V076, which covers approximately 800 vehicles from model years 2024 through 2027.

NHTSA Campaign 26V076: Parking Brake Force Concern

NHTSA documents describe the issue as a “Rollaway Risk from Inadequate Parking Brake Force.” The recall involves Volvo VNL (4) trucks built without auxiliary parking brakes.

According to the agency’s summary, when an affected vehicle enters weight-bias mode, there may not be enough weight applied to the axle equipped with the parking brake. This condition can result in inadequate brake holding force.

NHTSA warns that insufficient brake force can allow unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.

What’s Behind the Issue

Volvo’s Part 573 Safety Recall Report explains that the condition affects certain VNL (4) tractors equipped with:

• A 6×4 axle configuration
• Electronically controlled suspension
• No auxiliary parking brakes

In this setup, the vehicle may experience weight biasing. When weight-bias mode is active, the drive axle fitted with the parking brake can lose sufficient downforce. As a result, the brake system may not generate enough holding force to keep the truck stationary.

Volvo attributed the problem to an inadequate design for a specific combination of features.

Parking Brake Safety Risk and Potential Consequences

Both NHTSA and Volvo identified a rollaway hazard tied to reduced parking brake effectiveness.

NHTSA states that inadequate parking brake force can result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. Volvo’s safety report adds that a rollaway could potentially lead to:

• Equipment damage
• A crash event

At the time of the filing, Volvo reported:

• No warranty claims
• 0 field reports
• No accidents
• 0 injuries

Despite the absence of reported injuries, the condition was classified as a safety defect under federal recall regulations.

Vehicles Included in the Recall

The recall population includes:

• Make/Model: Volvo VNL (4)
• Model Years: 2024–2027
• Production Dates: October 2, 2023 – February 4, 2026
• Estimated Units Affected: 800
• Estimated Percentage with Defect: 100%

Volvo describes the affected vehicles as VNL (4) tractors with electronic suspension and a 6×4 axle configuration that were not equipped with auxiliary parking brakes.

Remedy: Components to Be Replaced

Volvo Trucks North America will correct the condition by replacing brake chambers.

NHTSA recall documents state dealers will replace the brake chambers free of charge.

Volvo’s Part 573 report further notes that the replacement brake chambers will include auxiliary parking brakes.

The remedy is categorized as “Replace.” The updated components are intended to restore proper holding force under all operating conditions.

Production Fix Addresses Parking Brake Design

Volvo indicated that corrective actions were taken at the manufacturing level.

According to the recall report:

• A stop-ship order was issued on February 4, 2026
• A build deviation request followed on February 9, 2026
• New vehicles will receive brake chambers that include auxiliary parking brakes

These measures were implemented to prevent additional trucks with the condition from entering service.

Recall Schedule and Notifications

Volvo provided the following timeline:

• Dealer Notification: On or before February 17, 2026
• Owner Notification Letters: On or before April 10, 2026
• VIN Search Availability: Beginning February 17, 2026

Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) associated with the recall are searchable through NHTSA’s recall lookup tool.

Driver Advisory

Volvo’s safety filing includes consumer advisories:

• Do Not Drive
• Park Outside

Such advisories are typically issued when a defect could allow unintended vehicle movement. In this case, the guidance reflects concerns about reduced parking brake holding force.

Timeline of the Investigation

Volvo’s internal review began following a reported incident.

Key events listed in the Part 573 Safety Recall Report include:

• Nov. 19, 2025: Volvo corporate transport company notified Volvo of a vehicle roll on site
• Dec. 2, 2025: Product Safety Evaluation Committee review #1
• Dec. 15, 2025: Committee review #2 with testing data requests
• Jan. 26, 2026: Committee review #3 recommending escalation
• Feb. 3, 2026: Product Safety Committee determined a safety defect exists and initiated recall

Contact Information for the Recall

Owners and fleet operators may contact:

Volvo Trucks Customer Service
Phone: 800-528-6586
Manufacturer Recall Number: RVXX2601

Owners may also contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit NHTSA.gov for recall information.

Bottom Line

The recall focuses on a parking brake holding force condition affecting certain Volvo VNL (4) tractors built between 2023 and 2026. Regulators warn that inadequate brake performance can increase rollaway risk.

Volvo’s remedy involves replacing brake chambers with updated components that add auxiliary parking brake functionality. Dealers will perform the repair at no cost, with VIN searches available and owner notifications scheduled.