Volvo Trucks To Be Recalled: Hazard Switch Back Lighting Issue

Volvo Trucks VN Recall Issued for Hazard Switch Backlighting Issue

Safety Risk Identified in 2023–2026 Volvo New VN Trucks

Volvo Trucks North America has issued a safety recall for more than 5,200 of its 2023–2026 model year New VN trucks due to a potential problem with the backlighting of the hazard warning switch. This recall, listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-214, was reported on April 8, 2025.

The recall affects a total of 5,257 units that may have been built with a faulty software version in the Vehicle Master Control Unit (VMCU). The backlighting on the hazard switch may intermittently fail to illuminate, especially during low-light conditions. Although the switch itself still functions, the lack of lighting could make it difficult for drivers to locate it quickly in an emergency situation.

Federal Standards and Noncompliance

This issue represents a failure to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, which governs the visibility and labeling of vehicle controls and displays. Specifically, it does not meet section S5.3.1(a), which requires illumination for critical switches when the headlamps or parking lamps are activated.

According to the recall documents, the failure is due to transient voltage spikes that can intermittently trigger overcurrent protection in the hazard switch lighting circuit. As a result, the backlighting may stop working without warning.

No Reported Injuries or Accidents

Volvo Trucks began investigating the issue in February 2025 after noticing an increase in diagnostic trouble codes during routine vehicle monitoring. An engineering investigation was followed by a full review by the Product Compliance and Safety Committees. By March 31, 2025, the company determined that the issue was a noncompliance with federal standards and filed the defect report with NHTSA shortly after.

As of the report date, there have been no known warranty claims, accidents, or injuries related to this defect.

Volvo Trucks Remedy and Notification Plan

To address the issue, Volvo Trucks will provide a free software update to affected vehicles. The updated VMCU software will prevent the backlighting failure by stabilizing the circuit affected by the voltage spikes.

Dealers will begin receiving recall instructions on April 11, 2025, and owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed by June 1, 2025. The recall has been assigned Volvo’s internal reference number RVXX2503.

Owners with questions can contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 800-528-6586. Additional details are also available through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or by visiting nhtsa.gov.

Affected Volvo Trucks

The affected trucks were manufactured between January 10, 2022, and March 26, 2025. The defect is estimated to affect roughly 2% of the recalled population.

Volvo Trucks reports that any vehicles under its control have been placed on hold and will not be released until the updated software has been installed.