The problem
The transmission shift control lever can break off at the transmission.
The risk
If the shift lever fails, the transmission cannot be shifted and the vehicle can become a hazard or obstruction to other drivers.
The fix
Dealers will replace these transmission shift control levers with new control levers.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-033 (97V033000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Volvo Trucks North America |
| Component | Power train › Manual transmission › Column shift assembly |
| Report date | March 3, 1997 |
| Owners notified | March 27, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,035 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-033 repair free?
Yes. Volvo dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace these transmission shift control levers with new control levers.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,035 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.