2011–2013 Volvo VAH Recall: In the affected vehicles, heat from the exhaust may transfer to the roof…
NHTSA campaign 13V497000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Oct 17, 2013 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Fontaine Modification (Fontaine) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volvo VAH vehicles modified with upward facing exhaust diffusers for use as auto-haulers. In the affected vehicles, heat from the exhaust may transfer to the roof of the truck cab and/or the vehicles above the cab.
The risk
Excessive heat could result in a fire.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
Fontaine will notify owners and dealers will replace the diffuser with one of a different shape and design, free of charge. Owners may contact Fontaine at 1-800-366-8246.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Volvo VAH recalls
- 2026 Volvo VAH and 4 other models — Steering knuckles may have been manufactured with…
- 2026 Volvo VAH and 4 other models — Wheel lug nuts may loosen and allow the wheel to detach
- 2019–2026 Volvo VAH — Passenger seat belt anchor may fail due to inadequate floor…
- 2020–2025 Volvo VAH and 3 other models — Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier…
- 2022–2024 Volvo VAH and 3 other models — Windshield wiper motor gears may wear prematurely, causing…
Other campaigns involving Volvo vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 13V497000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.