The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA)has begun an investigation of several reported defects in Volvo trucks, according to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which petitioned the administration for the investigation.
According to OOIDA the association petition was supported by complaints about mechanical problems with more than 500 Volvo trucks. The new investigations focus on steering problems, front u-bolt problems and sleeper berth fires. These investigations join an ongoing NHTSA inquiry of rear u-bolt problems in Volvo trucks. The problems Volvo owners reported with u-bolts include the unusual loosening, stretching, twisting and complete sheering off of u-bolts. The causes of steering problems reported include front-end shaking and shuddering and steering column lock-up. Volvo owners attributed reports of sleeper berth fires most often to problems with the electrical system.
There are no specific rules that require NHTSA to open a vehicle defect investigation. It is merely required to review the available evidence and then determine if the potential harm to public safety merits the expenditure of its limited resources, according to OOIDA.
OOIDA became aware of the problem with Volvo trucks and was able to gather from its members and readers of its monthly publication, Land Line, a sufficient number of Volvo owner complaints to get NHTSA's attention. OOIDA continues to help Volvo truck owners provide NHTSA with useful information for its investigations. The length of these investigations will depend on the complexity of the problems and the cooperation of the manufacturer. There are no statutory deadlines for the completion of an investigation.