Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
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

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
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.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
12/22/2011324000
 Tie rod fell out of the rack and pinion. truck could not be steered. i own 10 of these trucks and this failure has happened to 2 of them so far, the local dealer riverstates freightliner in wisconsin seems to be turning a blind eye to the issue.
02/12/2010130272
 Tl-the contact owns a 2009 freightliner cascadia. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised that the rank and pinion steering was defective and required replacement. in february of 2010, the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 09v357000 (steering:rack and pinion) however, the malfunction recurred due to the remedy repair failing to correct the problem. the vehicle was repaired a second time for the same failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. the failure mileage was 130,272. kmj
02/12/2010130272
 Tl-the contact owns a 2009 freightliner cascadia. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the rank and pinion steering was defective and required replacement. in february of 2010, the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number 09v357000 (steering:rack and pinion); however the malfunction recurred due to the remedy repair failing to correct the problem. the vehicle was repaired the second time for the identical failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. the failure mileage was 130,272. js
02/02/2011300000
 Rack and pinion steering locking on trucks while going down the road,i have 4 trucks all with rack and pinion steering, they are locking up so drivers can not turn or steer them
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
09/02/20091
 Addendum odi 10281432: i made a complaint about defective rack and pinions on freightliner 2009 cascadia models on aug. 23, 2009. on aug. 24, 2009 one was overnighted at the behest of freightliner to my leased to company c. r. england, inc. who had previously purchased all available rack and pinions off the market to quietly/ secretly repair it's fleet. on aug. 31, 2009 nhtsa began an official investigation and c.r. england, inc, with freightliner's help issued it's own recall of the defective rack and pinions that same date. on sep. 2, 2009 i was q-commed by my dm for cre to call him asap. i did so and he informed me that my new rack and pinion was also defective and had to be repaired and to have it done in burns harbor, in some 998 miles away! i was just a mile away from freightliner dealership in cheyenne, wy and had the repairs done their and i have faxed that proof to nhtsa. on sep 4, 2009 cre retaliated against me by assigning a load of some 850 miles that delivered on sep. 9, 2009. i was already down some three weeks waiting for a rack and pinion, with fixed costs of lease at $762.50 per week, and a short week from the friday before and now another short week from pocatello, id to burns, harbor, in and this retaliation load that would not be added to the next weeks pay either - week ends at midnight on tuesday!!!! in other words my family would never be allowed to eat again with a substantially reduced contract to be forced into effect on september 21, 2009 by cre on all of its ic's! thus in light of this planned retaliation by cre against me and my family i will terminate my contract with cre on sep. 8, 2009 by turning in this 2009 freightliiner cascadia with a still defective new and repaired rack and pinion. *tr
08/16/2009520001
 I am an independent contractor for cr england, inc. (trucking) i leased a 2009 freightliner, which has a defective rack and pinion steering as have dozens/ hundreds of others of the same model this year! why hasn't this major safety defect been formally recalled? is it because all of the drivers have reported the intense loss of front tire rubber and the defects thus far have been fortunately reported and repaired without a massive road accident that might claim hundreds/ thousands of lives if carrying hazardous materials? loss of steering would be about the worst thing that a fully loaded tractor could have go wrong other than brakes failing in a suburb setting. in addition, no rack and pinions are available to replace mine anywhere, according to my dealership located on daniel payne drive in b'ham, al., because of the numerous ones already replaced has completely depleted the available stock! maybe one of your loved ones will not be killed by this heinous defect. *tr the consumer referenced recall # 03v357000. updated 04/07/10.*jb