1997 Volvo Wca recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
6 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HALDEX MANIFOLD DASH VALVES (MDV) USED IN TRACTOR AND TRAILER PARKING BRAKES. THESE VALVES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." A LOSS OF THE ISOLATION OF THE TWO BRAKE SYSTEM CIRCUITS CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES WHEN THERE IS ANOTHER FAILURE OF ONE OF THE TWO BRAKE CIRCUITS.
What could happen: THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT VALVES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 WCA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00V002002.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: PARKING BRAKE
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HALDEX MANIFOLD DASH VALVES (MDV) USED IN TRACTOR AND TRAILER PARKING BRAKES. THESE VALVES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." A LOSS OF THE ISOLATION OF THE TWO BRAKE SYSTEM CIRCUITS CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES WHEN THERE IS ANOTHER FAILURE OF ONE OF THE TWO BRAKE CIRCUITS.
Consequence: THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT VALVES.
Notes: VOLVO TRUCK RECALL NO. RVXX0002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 28, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE STEER AXLE WHEEL BEARING JAM NUT LOCK WASHER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN BENT OVER THE JAM NUT AFTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE ADJUSTED.
What could happen: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE JAM NUT AND WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTING NUT CAN BACK OFF THE SPINDLE ALLOWING THE WHEEL AND THE BRAKE DRUM ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING AXLE WHEEL BEARING JAM NUT LOCK WASHER TO DETERMINE IF IT IS BENT OVER THE JAM NUT, AND IF NOT, REPAIR AS REQUIRED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 WCA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V212000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE STEER AXLE WHEEL BEARING JAM NUT LOCK WASHER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN BENT OVER THE JAM NUT AFTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE ADJUSTED.
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE JAM NUT AND WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTING NUT CAN BACK OFF THE SPINDLE ALLOWING THE WHEEL AND THE BRAKE DRUM ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING AXLE WHEEL BEARING JAM NUT LOCK WASHER TO DETERMINE IF IT IS BENT OVER THE JAM NUT, AND IF NOT, REPAIR AS REQUIRED.
Notes:
3. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BACK-UP LAMP,AND LICENSE TAG LAMP WERE MOUNTED ON INSUFFICIENTLY RIGID MOUNTS.
What could happen: IT MAY NOT ALLOW THE DRIVER OF A REARWARD APPROACHING VEHICLE TO HAVE FULL VIEW OF THE LAMPS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL ATTACH THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BACK-UP LAMP, AND THE LICENSE TAP LAMP ON STIFFER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 31, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCK…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 WCA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 02V238000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-528-6586.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BACK-UP LAMP,AND LICENSE TAG LAMP WERE MOUNTED ON INSUFFICIENTLY RIGID MOUNTS.
Consequence: IT MAY NOT ALLOW THE DRIVER OF A REARWARD APPROACHING VEHICLE TO HAVE FULL VIEW OF THE LAMPS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ATTACH THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BACK-UP LAMP, AND THE LICENSE TAP LAMP ON STIFFER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 31, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
4. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. WARNING LABELS IDENTIFYING THE CLIMBING SEQUENCE AND PROCESS WERE OMITTED.
What could happen: PERSONS NOT USING THE SEQUENCE AND PROCESS DURING CAB ENTRY OR EXIT OR WHEN USING THE OPTIONAL BACK OF CAB ACCESS MAY SLIP AND/OR FALL CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: VOLVO HEAVY TRUCK WILL BE PROVIDING WARNING LABELS TO BE INSTALLED BY OWNERS ON THEIR TRUCKS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 WCA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V023000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY
Summary: WARNING LABELS IDENTIFYING THE CLIMBING SEQUENCE AND PROCESS WERE OMITTED.
Consequence: PERSONS NOT USING THE SEQUENCE AND PROCESS DURING CAB ENTRY OR EXIT OR WHEN USING THE OPTIONAL BACK OF CAB ACCESS MAY SLIP AND/OR FALL CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: VOLVO HEAVY TRUCK WILL BE PROVIDING WARNING LABELS TO BE INSTALLED BY OWNERS ON THEIR TRUCKS.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MARCH 18, 1997.
NOTES: OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE WARNING LABEL FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO GM HEAVY DUTY TRUCK AT 1-910-393-2000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
5. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET ALUMINUM DUAL WHEELS, 22.5X8.25, ONE-PIECE, TUBELESS, SUPPLIED BY ACCURIDE/AKW. CERTAIN DESIGN REVISIONS COMBINED WITH PROCESS CONDITIONS CAUSED FATIGUE CRACKS IN THESE WHEELS.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THESE WHEELS.
The fix: ACCURIDE/AKW WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 WCA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V120001.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: WHEELS:RIM
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET ALUMINUM DUAL WHEELS, 22.5X8.25, ONE-PIECE, TUBELESS, SUPPLIED BY ACCURIDE/AKW. CERTAIN DESIGN REVISIONS COMBINED WITH PROCESS CONDITIONS CAUSED FATIGUE CRACKS IN THESE WHEELS.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THESE WHEELS.
Remedy: ACCURIDE/AKW WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.
Notes: ACCURIDE/AKW WILL CONDUCT THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY CAMPAIGN FOR THIS RECALL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 27, 1998. OWNERS WHO DO NOT HAVE THEIR WHEELS REPLACED FREE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ACCURIDE/KAISER AT 1-888-665-9189 OR VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
6. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE AIR SUSPENSION CONTROL VALVE SUPPLY LINE WAS NOT PLUMBED THROUGH AN AIR PRESSURE PROTECTION VALVE. IN THE EVENT OF A FAILURE, THERE WOULD BE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE 'B' SYSTEM AIR RESERVOIR THAT SUPPLIES AIR PRESSURE FOR THE FRONT STEER AXLE BRAKES.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY AIR PRESSURE PROTECTION VALVE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 WCA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V255000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION:LINES AND FITTINGS
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE AIR SUSPENSION CONTROL VALVE SUPPLY LINE WAS NOT PLUMBED THROUGH AN AIR PRESSURE PROTECTION VALVE. IN THE EVENT OF A FAILURE, THERE WOULD BE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE 'B' SYSTEM AIR RESERVOIR THAT SUPPLIES AIR PRESSURE FOR THE FRONT STEER AXLE BRAKES.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY AIR PRESSURE PROTECTION VALVE.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1997 Volvo Wca owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
03/18/1999 · Electrical system · fire
FAILURE IN ROUTING DURING INSTALLATION OF THE POWER HARNESS TO THE HEATED MIRROR CAUSED SHORT RESULTING IN FIRE. *MS