Dive Brief:
- A massive recall involving Bendix EC80 advanced electronic control units is affecting several Volvo Trucks and Mack trucks with model years 2020 to 2025, requiring fixes for over 187,000 vehicles between the brands, both owned by the same parent company, Volvo Group.
- The ECUs, responsible for safety measures such as antilock braking and collision mitigation systems, can fail to communicate due to electrical noise interference or low power, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notices.
- Owners are slated to get letters Dec. 13, and dealers will reprogram software free of charge, NHTSA said.
Volvo Group brands recall model year 2020-2025 trucks due to Bendix issue
| Make | Model | Affected units |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo | VNL, VAH, VHD and VNRE | 126,649 |
| Mack | Anthem, Granite, TerraPro and Pinnacle | 60,450 |
SOURCE: NHTSA recalls
Dive Insight:
While vast, the ECU problem is somewhat nuanced, where certain usages may heighten or lessen risks — or even eliminate them altogether.
Vehicles without towing capability and Bendix EC80 and Power Line Carrier (PLC) communication are excluded from the recall, the notices said.
“The combination of high electrical interference and low PLC signal strength is more likely on vehicles that tow more than one trailer than vehicles that tow only one trailer,” the notices also said.
Refraining from adding optional devices to the power line could also help, the recalls suggested.
The improper communication may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop working, NHTSA said for Volvo Trucks North America’s recall.
Despite the potential risks, no accidents, field reports or injuries were reported, according to the notices.
Bendix’s recall, announced Oct. 11, involves over 445,000 vehicles with various part numbers for the ECU.
“While rare overall, beginning in 2023, Bendix began to receive a small but increasing number of reports of issues with the performance of the ABS system from vehicles in the field,” the manufacturer said in a report.
Bendix said it’s “continuing to evaluate the effects of signal noise on the PLC with other EC80 configurations” and will update its report as needed.
Recall reports from Bendix suggested International Motors (formerly Navistar) could also be affected.
