Editor’s Note: Corrects that part involved in the recall is a brake plate, not the brake pedal.
Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) is recalling more than 17,500 heavy-duty trucks across its lineup in the U.S. and Canada because a plate securing the brake pedal shaft could crack, increasing the possibility of brake failure and a crash.
The recall population could grow. The company is uncertain when the defective material used in the brake pedal plates stopped arriving at Volvo’s manufacturing plant in Virginia from the Czech Republic.
The recall covers 15,156 trucks in the U.S. and 2,389 trucks in Canada. Only 1% of the trucks are expected to experience the problem, VTNA said.
The diecast pedal plate may have a casting process issue that can result in failure at one of three attachment ears that support the brake pedal shaft, VTNA told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
If one of the three ears fails, the brake pedal shaft could work its way out of one of the two other attachment holes, dislodging the brake pedal and making it inoperable. A driver would feel looseness in the pedal before the problem progressed to the point at which the brake pedal would not work, VTNA spokesman John Mies said.
VTNA is unaware of any crashes or injuries related to the condition covering certain 2020 and 2021 Volvo VAH, VHD, VNL and VNR vehicles manufactured from Sept. 2, 2019, through Aug. 27 of this year. It has no warranty or property damage claims, consumer complaints or field reports.
Dealers will inspect the brake pedal plate and replace if necessary at no change. Customers will get more details Oct. 30. The NHTSA recall report is 20V-536.
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