Mack and Volvo recall 1,242 tanker-spec tractors over trailer braking software; owner letters due Nov. 27
An axle-load calculation error can reduce braking when pulling smoothbore tankers, and dealers will install free software that turns the feature off.
Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks North America are recalling a combined 1,242 heavy trucks built with a tanker application package. According to recall reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a software error can reduce braking performance when the trucks pull smoothbore tank trailers.
Both companies filed their reports on September 28, 2026. Dealers will fix the trucks for free, and owner notification letters are expected to go out on November 27, 2026.
Which trucks are covered
Mack's recall, NHTSA campaign 26V620, covers 850 vehicles: certain model year 2026 and 2027 Anthem and Pioneer models equipped with the tanker package. Mack's own campaign number is SC0500.
Volvo's recall, NHTSA campaign 26V619, covers 392 vehicles: certain model year 2025 to 2027 VNL and model year 2026 and 2027 VNR trucks with the same package. Volvo's campaign number is RVXX2610.
The recalls apply only to trucks built with the tanker application package. Not every Anthem, Pioneer, VNL or VNR is affected.
What goes wrong
Both filings describe the same defect. The trucks' dynamic trailer braking feature relies on axle-load calculations, and those calculations can be inaccurate when the trailer is a smoothbore tanker. Smoothbore tanks have no internal baffles, so liquid cargo can surge forward and back.
NHTSA's summary says the inaccurate calculations may reduce braking performance. A truck then needs more distance to stop, which raises the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install new software that disables the dynamic trailer braking calculations, free of charge. The recall filings do not describe any other change to the brake system.
NHTSA said the VINs covered by both campaigns became searchable on NHTSA.gov starting October 5, 2026. Fleets running tanker-spec Mack or Volvo tractors do not have to wait for the mailed letter. They can check VINs on NHTSA's recall lookup now and ask their dealer about scheduling the update.
Who to call
- Mack customer service: 1-800-866-1177 (recall SC0500)
- Volvo Trucks customer service: 800-528-6586 (recall RVXX2610)
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236
Mack and Volvo are both part of the Volvo Group. Fuel, chemical and food-grade tank fleets that run either brand should check whether their tractors were ordered with the tanker package.