Updated 4:30p.m., Eastern--The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun an investigation of several reported defects in Volvo trucks. These investigations come in response to a petition submitted last year by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association alleging mechanical problems with more than 500 Volvo trucks.

Shortly after OOIDA filed its petition, Volvo also urged the agency to look into the alleged defects, saying the problems were caused by improper spec'ing and maintenance issues and that it wanted to have the issue put to rest.
Friday afternoon, the company released a statement saying, “NHTSA routinely considers such petitions regardless of merit. While Volvo Trucks believes the petition is without merit, the company will continue to work with NHTSA and comply with all of their requests.”
According to OOIDA, the 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 shearing 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.
Volvo says that “if any Volvo owner believes there is a problem with a vehicle, they are encouraged to contact a credible source for complete information on the subject. A network of authorized Volvo Trucks dealers is ready to assist Volvo Truck owners.”
Volvo officials say they are “anxious for NHTSA to publish its findings on the subject.”
If, after investigating, NHTSA believes a vehicle defect exists, it has the power to pursue a vehicle recall and/or the manufacturer's remedy of that defect.

Related stories:

• "OOIDA Petitions NHTSA to Investigate Volvo Defects," 3/28/2001

• "Volvo Addresses Front Axle Complaints," 4/2/2001

• "Couple Appeals Volvo Decision," 4/3/2001

• "OOIDA, Volvo Spar Over Alleged Defects," 5/11/2001