Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR
07V592000FREIGHTLINER LLCfrom 05/01/2007 to 11/30/2007V (Vehicle)22004/18/2008MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC12/21/200712/21/2007
Defect SummaryOn certain trucks equipped with trw steering gears, models tas85 and rcs85, these steering gears contain potentially defective sector shafts with an incorrect gear tooth which may interfere with the rack-piston teeth, resulting in a stick or bind condition.
Consequence SummaryThis condition has the potential to cause the steering gear to stall and restrict the steering turning angle of the vehicle which could result in a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummaryFreightliner is working with trw to replace the defective steering gear (please see 07e101). the recall began on april 18, 2008. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
NotesFreightliner fl-519.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
11V514000DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAfrom 11/01/2004 to 06/15/2010V (Vehicle)968907/06/2012MFRDAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA10/13/201110/25/2011
Defect SummaryDaimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 freightliner cascadia, columbia, century, coronado, and classic xl trucks manufactured from november 1, 2004, through june 15, 2010 for the rack and pinion steering system. the lower pinion bearing may corrode and fail. a failed bearing may lead to damage of the spool valve seals. a damage spool valve seal may allow hydraulic fluid to flow to the right or left turn port instead of flowing to the return port.
Consequence SummaryThe steering could unexpectedly turn left or right, making the vehicle more difficult to control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective SummaryDaimler trucks will inspect the lower bearing for corrosion. if corrosion is found, the rack and pinion system will be replaced. if no corrosion is found, on the bearing, the bearing will be packed with grease and the rubber belows will be replaced with sealant added between the nellows and the rack housing. an interim letter was mailed in december 2011. owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712.
NotesDaimler trucks' safety recall number is fl-614.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .
09V357000DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAfrom 10/29/2004 to 07/03/2009V (Vehicle)888202/05/2010ODIDAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA09/16/200909/16/2009
Defect SummaryDaimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2010 heavy duty trucks manufactured from october 29, 2005 through july 3, 2009. under certain condition, the left hand inner tie rod end may loosen over time and if not corrected, potentially separate from the steering rack.
Consequence SummaryA separated tie rod assembly can result in loss of vehicle control at higher speeds and a crash could occur.
Corrective SummaryDaimler trucks will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired free of charge. the safety recall began on february 5, 2010. owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712.
NotesDaimler trucks' recall campaign number fl-557.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
SB-46-4710/01/200910031824Freightliner truck: inner tie rod inspection and repair, rack and pinion gear. increased length of the driver side inner tie rod (if the inner tie rod unthreads from the rack) may cause abnormal steer tire wear due to high toe in or an in01/13/2010
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
SB-46-4710/01/200910031824Freightliner truck: inner tie rod inspection and repair, rack and pinion gear. increased length of the driver side inner tie rod (if the inner tie rod unthreads from the rack) may cause abnormal steer tire wear due to high toe in or an in01/13/2010
46-4509/01/200810026868Freightliner: tightening of rack and pinion tube fittings on power assist lines is prohibited. some century class, columbia and cascadia trucks w/rack & pinion steering gears may exhibit leakage from the tube fittings on the power assist ha12/30/2008

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
PE09040DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA08/31/200911/19/2009RACK AND PINION FAILURE09V357000
 A consumer complaint was filed with the agency on august 22, 2009, by an independent contractor leasing a 2009 freightliner cascadia.the complaint alleges that in april of 2009 at approximately 50,000 miles he experienced a seal rupture in the rack and pinion assembly.a new seal was installed and at 56,000 miles he found his right steer tire completely bald.the repair shop identified an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly causing the rapid wear of the tire.odi has identified ewr field reports related to failed rack and pinions on the subject vehicles.the reports identify either an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.
PE09040FREIGHTLINER LLC08/31/200911/19/2009RACK AND PINION FAILURE09V357000
 A consumer complaint was filed with the agency on august 22, 2009, by an independent contractor leasing a 2009 freightliner cascadia.the complaint alleges that in april of 2009 at approximately 50,000 miles he experienced a seal rupture in the rack and pinion assembly.a new seal was installed and at 56,000 miles he found his right steer tire completely bald.the repair shop identified an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly causing the rapid wear of the tire.odi has identified ewr field reports related to failed rack and pinions on the subject vehicles.the reports identify either an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.
STEERING - RACK AND PINION - PINION SHAFT
PE09040DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA08/31/200911/19/2009RACK AND PINION FAILURE09V357000
 A consumer complaint was filed with the agency on august 22, 2009, by an independent contractor leasing a 2009 freightliner cascadia.the complaint alleges that in april of 2009 at approximately 50,000 miles he experienced a seal rupture in the rack and pinion assembly.a new seal was installed and at 56,000 miles he found his right steer tire completely bald.the repair shop identified an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly causing the rapid wear of the tire.odi has identified ewr field reports related to failed rack and pinions on the subject vehicles.the reports identify either an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.
PE09040FREIGHTLINER LLC08/31/200911/19/2009RACK AND PINION FAILURE09V357000
 A consumer complaint was filed with the agency on august 22, 2009, by an independent contractor leasing a 2009 freightliner cascadia.the complaint alleges that in april of 2009 at approximately 50,000 miles he experienced a seal rupture in the rack and pinion assembly.a new seal was installed and at 56,000 miles he found his right steer tire completely bald.the repair shop identified an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly causing the rapid wear of the tire.odi has identified ewr field reports related to failed rack and pinions on the subject vehicles.the reports identify either an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.
STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK
PE09040FREIGHTLINER LLC08/31/200911/19/2009RACK AND PINION FAILURE09V357000
 A consumer complaint was filed with the agency on august 22, 2009, by an independent contractor leasing a 2009 freightliner cascadia.the complaint alleges that in april of 2009 at approximately 50,000 miles he experienced a seal rupture in the rack and pinion assembly.a new seal was installed and at 56,000 miles he found his right steer tire completely bald.the repair shop identified an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly causing the rapid wear of the tire.odi has identified ewr field reports related to failed rack and pinions on the subject vehicles.the reports identify either an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.
PE09040DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA08/31/200911/19/2009RACK AND PINION FAILURE09V357000
 A consumer complaint was filed with the agency on august 22, 2009, by an independent contractor leasing a 2009 freightliner cascadia.the complaint alleges that in april of 2009 at approximately 50,000 miles he experienced a seal rupture in the rack and pinion assembly.a new seal was installed and at 56,000 miles he found his right steer tire completely bald.the repair shop identified an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly causing the rapid wear of the tire.odi has identified ewr field reports related to failed rack and pinions on the subject vehicles.the reports identify either an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
08/19/201142080
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 freightliner cascadia. the contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local mechanic for a wheel alignment inspection, the mechanic found that the driver side rocking pinion inner tie rod was separated due to defective material. the manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 09v357000 recall (steering: rack and pinion), and denied assistance with the repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 42,080 and the current mileage was 44,060. kmj
08/19/201142000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 freightliner cascadia. the contact stated while the vehicle was at the local mechanic for wheel alignment inspection the mechanic found that the left rocking pinion inner tie rod was separating due to manufacturer defected material. the manufacturer advised the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 09v357000 recall component: steering: rack and pinion, and denied assistance with the repair. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 42,080 and the current mileage was 44,060. li
12/26/2010457939
 I had made an observation that the rs steer tire was wearing very fast and wore a new tire down to the wear bars in 2 months. i brought the vehicle into a freightliner facility for an alignment. the service manager told me that the rack in the rack and pinion steering mechanisms was faulty and needed to be replaced but unfortunately they do not make this part any longer and have no service parts. there is no remedy. my concern is that this part will continue to fail to the point where it becomes unsafe. i am not a mechanic but i am sure that if it wears a tire down in 2 months then it is not setup properly and should not be trusted. the service manager says that at the current time it is safe. i will continue to replace the rs steer tire and have it inspected regularly until either freightliner comes up with a resolution or that the nhtsa looks into this problem and determines if there is a potential for a recall that will force freightliner to fix it.
11/09/200880001
 In november of 2008 we seen our first rack and pinion failure. we seen premature steer tire wear on the rightside. contacted freightliner and installed new racks and that didn't repair the problem. on the other 18 we incurred the same problem some worse the others. by july we compiled a average of steer tire wear on the cascadia was 8,000 miles to the best being 98,000. at this point we are waiting for more answers to our problem. we have the new recall information ,but we haven't seen the cure of the rack and pinion yet. today we are checking each unit each time they come back and if there is a loose rack when steers are straight forward then they must be replaced. *tr