Volvo Trucks recalling 63,000 vehicles complete loss of steering possible!

Last Updated: June 25. 2010 12:24PM Volvo Trucks recalling 63,000 vehicles David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau Washington -- Volvo Trucks North America is recalling more than 63,000 heavy trucks over concerns a defective part could lead to a complete loss of steering. The North Carolina-based company told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it is recalling 63,788 2001-2006 Volvo VNL trucks because of concerns that some vehicles could suffer ball socket separation that could result "in complete loss of steering, and there can result in a vehicle crash." NHTSA opened an investigation into the vehicles in September 2008, saying there were 76 complaints in North America alleging 12 crashes and 12 injuries for 1998-2005 Volvo Trucks VNL and VN trucks over concerns the steering could fail without warning. Advertisement Volvo initially believed the issue was a failure by owners and operators to conduct proper inspections. Volvo Trucks will issue a safety recall alert to dealers by next week -- and will send letters to owners by Aug. 15. All of the vehicles will be inspected and, if necessary, the ball socket or a part -- a drag link -- will be replaced. For vehicles built before 2000 with the same part, owners will be notified of the condition and risk. NHTSA upgraded its investigation to an engineering analysis in January 2009. In May 2009, NHTSA investigators met with Volvo and the part supplier TRW in Livonia for a technical review session. In September, NHTSA sought more documents from Volvo and TRW. NHTSA held a meeting with Volvo Trucks on Dec. 19 and again on May 26 to discuss the investigation. [email protected] (202) 662-8735 From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/...rucks-recalling-63-000-vehicles#ixzz0ruL5TAKm