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Why do Volvo trucks have wrong weight labels and loose load locks?
All three Volvo equipment recalls come from Volvo Trucks North America, and two of the three are the same paperwork problem: a certification label that overstates a Gross Axle Weight Rating. On 2018-2021 VNL and VNR units, the rear drive axle rating printed on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs, a failure to comply with federal labeling requirements. On 2024 VN and VHD trucks built with size 295/75 or 385/65 Continental front tires, the front GAWR on the label is incorrect. Either way, the truck can be loaded past its true limit. The third recall is mechanical: load lock clamps on the back of the cab of 2024-2026 VNL (4) trucks may loosen, leaving the load lock bars unsecured.
Warning signs to watch for
- Nothing to feel or hear on the two label recalls — the only sign is a GAWR number on the certification label that is higher than the axle, hub or tire rating really allows
- Load lock clamps on the back of the cab that feel loose or will not stay tight
- Load lock bars shifting, rattling or hanging free instead of staying secured
- Cargo behind the cab that no longer stays braced the way it used to
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of these three recalls tells owners to stop driving or to park outside. On both label recalls the truck itself is fine; the hazard only appears if you load to the overstated rating, so keep loads within the corrected front or rear axle limits until the new label is installed. The load lock clamp recall also does not restrict driving, but a bar that comes loose can fall into traffic, so check that the clamps and bars are secure before each trip and get the replacement done promptly.
What the free repair involves
For the two labeling recalls, Volvo supplies a corrected certification label — dealers remove and replace the label on the 2024 VN and VHD trucks, and corrected replacement labels were sent to owners of the 2018-2021 VNL and VNR units. For the load lock issue, dealers replace the load lock clamps. All three repairs are free of charge, and Volvo Trucks customer service is 1-800-528-6586.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| medium | 2 |
| low | 1 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-20 | Volvo VNL trucks: load lock clamps may loosen | medium |
| 2023-12-05 | Volvo VN and VHD trucks have wrong weight label | medium |
| 2020-07-01 | Volvo VNL and VNR weight label overstates axle rating | low |
Common questions
If it is only a sticker, why does the label recall matter?
Because the printed Gross Axle Weight Rating is what you load to. The rear label overstated what the wheel hubs are rated for, and the front label was wrong on trucks with 295/75 or 385/65 Continental tires, so the truck can be overloaded.
Can I keep hauling before the new label arrives?
Yes. Neither label recall restricts driving. Volvo's guidance is to stay within the corrected axle rating rather than the number currently printed on the certification label, and to have the replacement label installed when you can.
Which trucks have the load lock clamp problem?
Certain 2024-2026 VNL (4) vehicles. The clamps sit on the back of the cab and can loosen so the load lock bars are no longer secured. Dealers replace the clamps free of charge; owner letters were mailed December 18, 2025.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.