Daimler recalls trucks that may pull to side when braking

Irvine, CA – November 16, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 218,147 heavy-duty trucks because they may pull to a side when braking. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall supersedes and expands one conducted in 2020 for the same reason. The affected vehicles will need a new repair.

The following trucks are included in the latest round: 

  • 2021 Freightliner 108SD
  • 2022 Freightliner 114SD
  • 2020 – 2022 Freightliner Business Class M2
  • 2017 – 2023 Freightliner Cascadia 
  • 2021 – 2023 Western Star 47X
  • 2020 – 2023 Western Star 49X
  • 2021 – 2022 Western Star 57X  

Recall summary  

All listed trucks are equipped with a device called Adaptive Cruise Control, or ACC. This comfort and safety feature monitors the road ahead and slows down the vehicle if needed by traffic conditions. On affected vehicles, corrosion within a control module that operates this system may cause the brake force applied to the front wheels to be uneven. As a result, the truck may pull to one side when the ACC activates the brakes to slow it down. Regular brakes the driver applies by pressing the pedal are not affected. 

The component causing this recall is the quick release pneumatic valve, with part numbers  WAB472 196 037 0 and WAB472 196 025 0. 

Recall risks

Uneven brake force may cause the vehicle to suddenly change its direction, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Background of the recall

Over 164,000 Freightliner Cascadia trucks were recalled for the same issue in July 2020. The manufacturer replaced the affected unpainted valves with painted ones to prevent corrosion. However, in September 2022, it received reports of repaired trucks pulling to the side while braking. On the back of the claims, Daimler decided to conduct another recall which affects both the U.S. and Canada.

Warning signs

The driver may notice the ABS light come on the dashboard,

Other DTNA recalls

A vehicle that pulls to the side while braking may be difficult to control, but so does one whose steering wheel falls off. And this is what happened to certain trucks made by DTNA, which were repaired in Freightliner recalls in June 2022 due to potential loss of steering.

Furthermore, the manufacturer recently recalled some of its buses because their roofs may detach in an event of a crash

The repair

Dealers will fix the problem by replacing the modulator valve with an upgraded one, which should not be prone to corrosion. The repair is free of charge.

Owners will be notified on December 30, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 200,000 trucks are being recalled over these DTNA brake issues. To do a DTNA recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can do the same to check all current Western Star recalls. 

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls trucks that may pull to side when braking

Daimler recalls school buses over separating roofs

Portland, OR – October 29, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is issuing a recall for 17,613 school buses with weak roof joints, which could lead to these roofs separating in the event of a crash. 

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2011 – 2023 DTNA Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner EFX 
  • 2011 – 2023 DTNA Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX 

Recall summary

On the affected school buses, the exterior roof panel may not have been attached securely enough during manufacturing, due to improperly applied adhesive.

The component involved in this recall is the roof sheet panel with part numbers 140599, 56000857, 56000896 and 56001211.

Recall risks

A roof panel that is insufficiently secured to the bus is more likely to come off in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.

Other school bus recalls

In October 2022, Daimler recalled 7,601 2011 – 2021 DTNA Thomas Built Buses Saf-T Liner HDX school buses over front seat barriers that did not pass crash tests, which could present an increased risk of injury in a crash. 

In June 2022, Navistar issued a recall and do-not-drive notice for 5,173 IC buses whose steering wheels could loosen or detach, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

The 2023 DTNA Thomas Built EFX Saf-T-Liner was included in a March 2022 recall over improperly bolted seats. The 2023 DTNA Thomas Built HDX Saf-T-Liner was subject to four additional recalls in 2022, with risks including fire and stalling.

The repair

Daimler Truck North America–authorized service facilities will secure the roof panel with additional mechanical fasteners. This will be done free of charge. DTNA will reimburse owners who paid for these repairs before the recall was announced.   

 Affected owners will be notified on or around December 10, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 17,000 vehicles are affected by this DTNA roof panel recall. To see if your vehicle is included, run a DTNA recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Joseph EstabilloDaimler recalls school buses over separating roofs

Daimler recalls school buses over insufficient passenger protection

Portland, OR – October 8, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA), is recalling 7,601 school buses over front seat barriers that may not provide the required protection to passengers. This increases the risk of injury in a collision. 

This Daimler recall includes the 2011 – 2021 DTNA Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses.

Recall summary

The HDX school buses are built with wall-mounted barriers in front of the first seats, which prevent passengers from being thrown from their seats in the event of a crash. In the subject vehicles, the barriers did not pass crash testing due to the change in materials that were used.

The components in question are the wall mounted barriers, with part numbers 159527, 159528 and 159529.

Recall risks

Occupants may collide with the front seat barriers and get injured.

Other recent Daimler recalls

In late September, Daimler, which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, recalled 161,000 vehicles over trim bars that may detach when the car is in motion.

Earlier in September, more than 4,000 Daimler trucks were recalled over a road hazard caused by part of the hood flying away while driving.

In June, nearly 6,500 heavy trucks were recalled over a risk of steering loss, increasing the risk of injury and a crash.

Repair

Daimler has yet to confirm the steps to be taken to address these forward seat barrier issues. Owners were to be notified about the repair program by October 4, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 7,000 vehicles are included in this DTNA school bus recall. To perform a DTNA recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiDaimler recalls school buses over insufficient passenger protection

Daimler recalls trucks over risk of creating road hazard

Portland, OR – September 7, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), has issued a recall for 4,006 trucks over a part of their hood that may fly away while the vehicle is in motion. This increases the risk of an accident for other road users.

The recall comes on the back of several complaints regarding the issue and covers the following models: 

  • 2020 – 2023 Western Star 47X
  • 2020 – 2023 Western Star 49X

Recall summary

These trucks are equipped with stainless steel hood bezels. The bezels serve both as decoration and as protection to shield the hood’s against corrosion.  

On the affected vehicles, both the inner and outer hood bezel covers may detach while the vehicle is in motion.

The components involved in this recall are the inner and outer hood bezel with multiple part numbers, including A17-21894-000,  A17-21893-000, A17-21893-001 and A17-21894-001.

Recall risks

Detached hood bezel covers may end up on the road, where they become hazards to other road users. In fact, leading up to the recall, drivers of the affected vehicles reported occurrences of these parts doing exactly that. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

Other Daimler recalls 

In June 2022, there was another Daimler Trucks North America recall – and a a stop-drive notice – for 5,173 Navistar school buses over steering wheels that could easily detach, increasing the risk of an accident.

The same month, there was a recall involving the 2023 Daimler 47X due to the risk of engine stall. The recall also included the 2023 Daimler 49X.

In December 2021, DTNA issued a recall for 7,128 Western Star trucks due to an electrical issue inside the engine bay that could augment the risk of fire.    

Repair

Dealers will fix the hood detaching issue by replacing the cover with parts that have been assembled using an improved process. DTNA will reimburse owners who had related repairs done prior to the announcement of the recall.  

Affected owners will be notified on or around October 28, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 4,000 vehicles are included in this DTNA recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Daimler recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloDaimler recalls trucks over risk of creating road hazard

Daimler recalls trucks over a risk of loss of steering

Portland, OR – June 19, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 6,492 heavy trucks who steering may stop to work. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Trucks affected by this recall include: 

  • 2021 –2022 FCCC MT45
  • 2022 – 2023 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2022 – 2023 Western Star 4900

Recall summary  

Trucks have steering gears, which connect their steering wheels to the front wheels and transfer movement between them. These components have recirculating steel balls inside it. Their job is to reduce friction between moving components. 

On affected trucks, the steering gear may have been assembled with fewer recirculating balls than needed. This increases the loads on the remaining ones while steering, which can cause them to fracture and fall apart, resulting in a loss of steering.

Recall risks

Not being able to steer greatly increases the risk of a crash and injury. You can find out more about risks caused by loss of steering in this Daimler article

Other Daimler recalls

Some big trucks were recalled over steering issues in October 2021, as reported.

There was a Navistar school bus recall earlier this month because of steering wheels that may potentially detach, as reported. The electric vehicle (EV) school bus – the 2023 Navistar IC EV – as well as the 2023 Navistar CE was part of this recall.

The repair

At this time, the manufacturer is still trying to figure out how to fix the issue. But once the repair becomes available, it will be free of charge.

Notifications to the owners will be sent on August 6, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Daimler truck steering recall is affecting more than 6,000 heavy trucks. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls trucks over a risk of loss of steering

Daimler recalls vans and cars that cannot dial 911

Jacksonville, FL – May 29, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 254,799 vans and cars over inability of the vehicles to dial emergency services. This compromises the occupants’ ability to get timely help in the event of a crash.

The recall affects Freightliner Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, as well as CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class and G-Class vehicles.

Some of the affected vehicles include:

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz S550 
  • 2019–2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS5 
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz  AMG GT C
  • 2017 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350

Recall summary  

All of the recalled vehicles have an emergency call system, which Daimler refers to as eCall. This is an in-built communication device that allows occupants to contact emergency services with a touch of a button. 

Due to a SIM card software issue, the eCall may not be able to access the mobile phone network, preventing the car occupants from dialing 911 in the case of an emergency.

The component causing this recall is the communication module software, with different part numbers,  depending on the model. 

 A detailed list of vehicles affected by this recall is available here and here.

Recall risks

The car occupants may not be able to get help in time, increasing the chance of a serious injury or even death.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Just last week, Daimler told drivers not to drive close to 300,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles because of potential brake failure, as reported. Earlier this month, around 12,000 Sprinter vans were recalled due to faulty rearview cameras, also as reported.

The repair

Daimler will update the SIM software using the over-the-air, or OTA, feature. Should this procedure fail, the owners will be individually contacted and advised to visit an authorized dealer. 

Metris and Sprinter van owners will receive letters with additional information on June 20, 2022 while Mercedes-Benz owners will be notified on July 19, 2022. All updates are free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz emergency call recall is affecting more than 200,000 vehicles. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls vans and cars that cannot dial 911

Daimler recalls trucks over risk of electrical fire

Portland, OR – December 11, 2021 – Daimler (NASDAQ: DDAIF), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 7,128 vehicles that may develop an electrical discharge inside the engine compartment. This may cause a fire, which increases the risk of an accident and injury. 

This recall supersedes a previous recall conducted for the same issue in 2018.

Trucks affected by this recall include:

  • 2017-2019 Western Star 4700
  • 2017-2019 Western Star 4900
  • 2017-2019 Western Star 5700
  • 2017-2019 Western Star 6900

Recall summary  

Vehicles affected by this recall have a power stud inside the engine bay, which looks like a bolt with an electrical cable attached to it. The stud can be used to jump-start the truck and is usually isolated from the so-called bulkhead, or a partition that separates the passenger space from the engine bay.

However, for reasons not explained by the manufacturer, the stud can come in contact with the bulkhead, creating an electrical arc. This may lead to a fire.

The component in question is the Pass-Thru Stud, with part numbers ranging from A23-14242-000 to A23-14242-003. 

Recall risks

A fire increases the risk of crash and injury, as the driver may not be able to stop the burning vehicle in a safe and timely fashion. 

Other Daimler recalls 

This recall supersedes one that was conducted in 2018 because of the same issue. After further analysis of unforeseen circumstances, Daimler has reconsidered the repair actions. 

In July 2021, 122,056 Daimler heavy-duty vehicles were  afflicted by electrical faults due to incompatible wiring materials which resulted in broken battery cables. 

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by replacing the pass-through power studs with improved components. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around January 09, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Daimler Trucks North America recall includes more than 7,000 heavy-duty trucks. To check if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls trucks over risk of electrical fire

Daimler recalls vehicles over risk of steering loss

Portland, OR – October 8, 2021  – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 105,183 heavy-duty trucks with steering linkage that may come apart while driving. If this happens, the vehicle will suffer from a complete loss of steering, which increases the risk of a crash and injury.  This recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2019 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2020 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2021 Freightliner Cascadia

Recall summary  

On these heavy-duty trucks, the steering assembly is connected to the front wheels with a pair of drag links. These are metal bars with a ball joint at each end that move the wheel left or right as you steer them. 

The cause of this deficiency involves the ball joint on the drag link, which may not be sufficiently tightened down.  As a result, it may become loose over time and completely detach from the steering arm

Warning signs

In its initial phases, a loose drag link may cause the vehicle steering to become loose or “off-center.” Additional warning signs may include vibrations at certain speeds and knocking sounds when turning. 

Recall risks

A reduction in steering capabilities makes the vehicle less stable or completely unresponsive, dramatically increasing  the chance of a crash or injury. This risk is as severe to the driver and its passengers as it is to other motorists and pedestrians.

Other Freightliner recalls

Daimler’s Freightliner Cascadia series trucks continue to be plagued by a cascade of several recent recalls. Deficiencies range from stalling due to faulty battery cables, to risk of fire from improperly mounted headlights, and most recently, loose steering tie rods – all within the last year.  Owners should be aware that these are separate recalls and the root of the problem is not identical. 

The repair

Daimler dealers will solve this problem by inspecting the ball joint and testing if it is tightened to a correct torque. In addition, they will replace the joint if necessary. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on October 31, 2021.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Freightliner Cascadia recall includes more than 100,000 heavy-duty trucks. To check for this and other Daimler recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls vehicles over risk of steering loss

Daimler recalls more than 120,000 trucks over risk of stalling

Portland, OR – July 26 , 2021 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 122,056 heavy-duty trucks with battery cables that could break. This would cause the vehicle to stall, upping the risk of a crash or injury.  This recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2019 – 2022 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2021 – 2022 Western Star 49X
  • 2021 Western Star WH126
  • 2020 Western Star WJ121

The affected parts are positive and negative power cables, with part numbers not available.

Recall summary  

The vehicles that are affected by this recall have battery cables that are made from aluminum and brass. In recalled trucks, the battery cable terminal connected to the vehicle frame may break or separate because the the bond between the two materials – that are incompatible – was not properly sealed, allowing debris to get through and damage the cables.

This could result in a loss of electrical power which in turn would cause the engine to stall.

Risks

Unexpected and sudden engine shutdown while driving can lead to potentially dangerous situations, especially when traveling at high-speed or in heavy traffic. Specifically, the truck may be hit from behind by other motorists, increasing the risk of injury for everyone involved.

Other Daimler Trucks recalls

Over 8,000 2020 and 2021 Freightliner Cascadia trucks are subject to a June recall due to possible loss of steering, as reported. These and several other model years were also recently recalled due to an increased fire risk, also as reported.

The repair

To fix the issue, Daimler dealers will check the aluminum battery cables and repair or replace them with conventional copper ones if needed. The repair is free of charge. Notifications will be sent to owners on August 23.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Daimler Trucks recall includes more than 120,000 heavy-duty trucks and several brands. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls more than 120,000 trucks over risk of stalling

Daimler recalls Freightliner Cascadia trucks over risk of fire

Portland, OR – February 21, 2022 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF) has remedied 40,686 2017-2022 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles due to an issue where a dislodged headlight may cause a fire. Additionally, Daimler has deemed 0 vehicles unreachable and 28 vehicles including the 2022 Freightliner Cascadia being removed from the dislodged headlight recall. All these models were remedied by Daimler during the third and last quarter of 2021.

Portland, OR – July 14, 2021 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 72,508 heavy-duty trucks in which a headlight may dislodge from its position. This can melt surrounding components, which increases the risk of fire.  

This recall includes the following:

  • 2017 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2018 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2019 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2020 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2021 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2022 Freightliner Cascadia

The trucks in question are equipped with halogen headlights and use Sylvania H11 Long life 55w bulbs. 

Recall summary  

On vehicles that are part of this recall, a headlight bulb that was incorrectly fitted during replacement may dislodge. This allows it to come in contact with surrounding headlight components, which could melt as a result of excessive heat.  

Risks

When the hot headlight bulb comes in contact with surrounding plastic components, it may melt them. Besides causing permanent damage to the affected component, this also increases the risk of fire. For tips on what do if your vehicle catches fire, please visit the following article.

Reduction in visibility is another potential risk, as the beam of light created by a dislodged bulb will be pointing in the wrong direction. 

Warning signs

Owners can conduct a visual check by looking through the headlamp lense to see how the bulb is positioned inside it. An improperly fitted one will be positioned at an awkward angle and may even flicker during its operation.

Other Daimler Trucks recalls

The manufacturer recently recalled Daimler Freightliner Cascadia trucks over a risk of tie rod detaching, caused by defective clamp nuts. 

The repair

To fix the issue on vehicles made before December 2019, dealers will put a grommet,  a fastening inside the headlight.  The repair is free of charge. Notifications will be sent to owners on July 12.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Freightliner Cascadia headlights’ recall includes more than 70,000 heavy-duty trucks and spans over several brands. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls Freightliner Cascadia trucks over risk of fire