Daimler recalls trucks over risk of electrical fire

Daimler recalls trucks over risk of electrical fire

December 11, 2021 Bojan Popic

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

Daimler recalls vehicles over risk of steering loss

October 8, 2021 Bojan Popic

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

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

July 26, 2021 Bojan Popic

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

Daimler recalls Freightliner Cascadia trucks over risk of fire

July 14, 2021 Bojan Popic

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
Daimler recalls more than 8,000 trucks for possible loss of steering

Daimler recalls more than 8,000 trucks for possible loss of steering

June 25, 2021 Bojan Popic

Portland, OR – June 25, 2021 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 8,482 heavy-duty trucks with possible loose tie rods, which are important parts of steering.  The loose rods may result in the loss of steering and increase the risk of a crash or injury. 

This recall concerns the “tie rod clamp nut” (part #MPTUE0171) and includes the following vehicles:

  • 2021 – 2022 Freightliner 114SD 
  • 2021 – 2022 Freightliner 122SD
  • 2021 – 2022 Freightliner Business Class M2
  • 2021 -2022 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2021 – 2022 Western Star 4900
  • 2021 – 2022 Western Star 5700

Please see the full list of vehicles here.

Recall summary  

A tie rod is part of the steering responsible for “moving the wheel” when you turn it.

On vehicles that are part of this recall, a nut that holds the tie rod clamp in place may become loose. With time, this can allow the tie rod to separate from connecting steering components or even break apart as a result of excessive vibrations.  

Warning signs

A decrease in steering response is an indication that your vehicle’s tie rod ends may have become loose or broken. This may lead to the driver’s eventual loss of control on the steering system.

It is unsafe to continue driving the vehicle with no control over the steering system. If such a situation arises, you should get your vehicle towed by an authorised towing service.

Risks

With the driver’s inability to steer the vehicle, there is an increased chance of a crash or injury. This could also present risks for other motorists and pedestrians as well .

Other Daimler Trucks recalls

Some 2019 models were recalled because of faulty air brakes, which could lower their performance and increase the risk of crash.

The repair

To fix the issue, Daimler dealers will replace tie rod clamp bolts and nuts. The repair is free of charge. Notifications will be sent to owners around July 17.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz recall includes more than 8,000 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 more than 8,000 trucks for possible loss of steering
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