The problem
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.
The risk
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 trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 02V-238 (02V238000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Volvo Trucks North America |
| Component | Exterior lighting › Tail lights › Switch |
| Report date | September 9, 2002 |
| Owners notified | October 31, 2002 |
| Vehicles affected | 5,532 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 1997 Volvo VNL
- 1998 Volvo VNL
- 1999 Volvo VNL
- 2000 Volvo VNL
- 2001 Volvo VNL
- 2002 Volvo VNL
- 1997 Volvo VNM
- 1998 Volvo VNM
- 1999 Volvo VNM
- 2000 Volvo VNM
- 2001 Volvo VNM
- 2002 Volvo VNM
- 1995 Volvo Wca
- 1996 Volvo Wca
- 1997 Volvo Wca
- 1998 Volvo Wca
- 1995 Volvo WG
- 1996 Volvo WG
- 1997 Volvo WG
- 1998 Volvo WG
- 1999 Volvo WG
- 2000 Volvo WG
- 1995 Volvo Wia
- 1996 Volvo Wia
- 1997 Volvo Wia
- 1998 Volvo Wia
Plus 14 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the lights
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 02V-238 repair free?
Yes. Volvo dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 5,532 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.