Volvo Trucks North America issued a recall of certain VNL, VNM and VNX truck models because some of them may have steering shafts that could separate, resulting in complete loss of steering.

The vehicles in question were manufactured from May 11, 2015, through March 8, 2016. The roll pin may not have been installed on 19 steering shafts provided to the Volvo Group. The number of vehicles "potentially involved" was put at 15,835.

If the roll pin is missing, the lower steering shaft may disconnect from the junction block, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall report.

Also, the bolt connecting the upper steering shaft to the lower steering shaft may not be properly secure the upper steering shaft.

Either condition can lead to a separation of the steering shaft. That could result in the complete loss of steering, which may result in a vehicle crash.

So far, the cause of the defect has not been determined.

Volvo has received no reports of personal injury as a result of the defect. The NHTSA report notes that, "Volvo considers this as a proactive measure to protect the public and Volvo’s customers from the potential risk associated with this defect."

An interim solution will be provided to truck owners that involves inspection for the roll pin and securing the upper shaft. The final solution will involve replacing the two-piece shaft with a one-piece shaft.

On Jan. 4, Volvo Group received a report of a missing roll pin and in the following days a subsequent investigation was opened. The supplier and Volvo’s manufacturing facility then took containment actions to prevent it.

On March 10, Volvo began notifying owners about the issue and advised them to place the trucks out of service.