Tanker Truck Drivers Face Warning for Reduced Braking Performance

Volvo and Mack Recall 1,242 Trucks Over Tanker Braking Issue

Volvo Trucks North America and Mack Trucks are recalling a combined 1,242 trucks in the U.S. because of a software issue that may reduce trailer braking performance during some tanker truck operations.

The recalls affect certain Volvo VNL and VNR tractors and certain Mack Anthem and Pioneer tractors equipped with a tanker application package. The problem can occur while the trucks are hauling smoothbore, or unbaffled, tanker trailers.

According to the recall reports, liquid movement inside those trailers can cause errors in the trucks’ dynamic axle load calculations. Those errors may reduce trailer braking effectiveness and increase the distance needed to stop.

Tanker Truck Movement Can Affect Braking Calculations

The recalls involve a specific operating condition rather than a broad problem affecting every Volvo or Mack truck from the listed model years.

Volvo Group said liquid movement inside a smoothbore or unbaffled tanker can interfere with software calculations used to determine dynamic axle loads. When those calculations are wrong, trailer braking effectiveness may be reduced.

Smoothbore tankers do not contain internal baffles that limit liquid movement. As the liquid shifts while the truck is moving, braking, or changing speed, that movement can affect how the software calculates axle loads.

Mack’s recall report describes the same condition. It says liquid movement can cause errors in the dynamic axle load calculation and reduce trailer braking effectiveness.

For truck drivers, the main concern is stopping distance. Reduced trailer braking effectiveness can mean more room is needed to bring the combination to a stop.

Tanker Truck Drivers May Receive No Warning

One of the most important details in the recall documents is that there may be no warning before the problem occurs.

Both Volvo and Mack report that there are no warnings that precede the condition.

That means drivers should not expect a warning light or other notice from the truck before the braking issue develops.

The recalls do not say that the truck loses all braking ability. Instead, the concern involves reduced trailer braking effectiveness and a possible increase in stopping distance.

No crashes or injuries have been reported in connection with the issue.

Which Volvo Trucks Are Included?

Volvo Trucks is recalling 392 vehicles in the U.S. under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V619.

The recall includes certain 2025-2027 Volvo VNL tractors and 2026-2027 Volvo VNR tractors.

Of the 392 U.S. trucks, 308 are VNL models and 84 are VNR models. The recalled population was identified through manufacturing records and includes trucks built with the tanker application package. Trucks built with other application packages were not included.

Volvo’s dealer notice says the broader North American campaign includes 597 vehicles. That total includes 392 in the U.S. and 205 in Canada.

Which Mack Tanker Truck Models Are Included?

Mack Trucks is recalling 850 vehicles in the U.S. under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V620.

The recall includes certain 2026-2027 Mack Anthem tractors and 2026-2027 Mack Pioneer tractors.

The U.S. population includes 544 Anthem models and 306 Pioneer models. Like the Volvo recall, Mack identified the affected trucks through manufacturing records based on whether they were built with a tanker application package.

Mack’s dealer notice says the broader campaign includes 1,000 trucks in the U.S. and Canada. That total includes 850 U.S. trucks and 150 Canadian trucks.

Combined, the Volvo and Mack recalls cover 1,242 U.S. trucks and 1,597 trucks across the U.S. and Canada.

Recall Followed Reports of Braking Concerns

The investigation began after Volvo Group received a field report on July 13, 2026. The report involved a braking concern on a truck used with a smoothbore or unbaffled tanker.

An engineering investigation followed. Two additional field reports were received between July 14 and August 25. Volvo Group later determined that a safety issue existed and decided on September 21 to begin a recall.

The Volvo recall report lists three field reports related to the issue. It lists no warranty claims, crashes, or injuries.

The Mack filing states that there were no Mack-specific field reports, warranty claims, crashes, or injuries tied to the issue.

Software Update Will Address Tanker Truck Braking Issue

The planned repair does not involve replacing brake hardware.

Dealers will install software that disables the dynamic trailer braking calculations involved in the problem. The repair will be provided at no charge.

The recall reports also include an important difference for fleets that operate several types of tanker trailers.

Customers that only use baffled or compartmentalized tanker trailers may keep software that uses the dynamic trailer braking calculations. If those trucks later begin pulling smoothbore tankers, the software can be changed by a dealer or service center.

Volvo Group also plans to introduce a new sales code to identify trucks intended to haul smoothbore or unbaffled tankers.

What Truck Drivers and Fleets Should Know

The recalls are especially relevant to tanker truck drivers, owner-operators, and fleets using affected Volvo or Mack tractors.

Affected VINs were scheduled to become searchable beginning October 5, 2026. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by November 27.

That timing may be important for fleets and drivers that regularly haul smoothbore tankers. The manufacturer dealer notices state that repair instructions will be released when available, so operators may need to check with dealers about repair scheduling.

The recalls do not affect every Volvo VNL, VNR, Mack Anthem, or Pioneer from the listed model years. The affected population is tied to trucks built with the tanker application package.

For tanker truck operators, the issue is important because the braking condition may develop without warning. The software problem can reduce trailer braking effectiveness during smoothbore tanker operations, making it important for affected fleets and drivers to identify recalled trucks and follow the manufacturer’s repair instructions.