Daimler Recalls Trucks Due to Instrument Cluster Problem

Portland, Ore. – Mar. 20, 2017 – Daimler Trucks North America has recalled almost 800 semi-trailer trucks due to malfunctioning instrument clusters. The recall impacts Freightliner 108SD and 114SD models produced between 2016 and 2017, as well as Freightliner Business Class M2s built over the same span, according to documents from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

The impacted trucks include OEM gauges on the left side of the cab – and a second cluster on the right – from third-party parts supplier Fontaine Modification. The body builder installs the latter before the vehicles are delivered to Daimler for completion. The disparate displays can become unresponsive due to hardware and software compatibility issues. When this occurs, a complete system shutdown is required to regain functionality. Vehicle turn signals can also lose power as a result of cluster integration problems.

Together, these issues can increase the likelihood of an accident. No injuries related to the display malfunctions mentioned above have been reported.

Timeline of Events

Engineers at Daimler discovered the flaw in November 2016 and immediately launched an official investigation. In January 2017 the automaker issued a voluntary recall of all affected vehicles, according to internal documents related to the event.

The Solution

Daimler has ordered dealers to inspect left-hand-side instrument clusters in affected vehicles and offer compatible replacement displays, free of charge. The company plans to notify dealers and vehicle owners March 19. It encourages customers with pressing concerns related to the recall to contact the Daimler customer service department or the NHTSA. Daimler has not yet announced how it plans to address future fabrication workflows, or provided details on its use of Fontaine Modification equipment.

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