Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
STEERING
07V306000FREIGHTLINER LLCfrom 01/05/2007 to 05/17/2007V (Vehicle)1800012/21/2007MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC07/18/200707/18/2007
Defect SummaryFreightliner is recalling certain school bus chassis, heavy trucks, van chassis, rv motorhome chassis manufactured from january 5 to may 17, 2007, equipped with axle alliance company (aac) front axles. during the front axle assembly, the fasteners that attach the steering arm or tie rod arms to the spindle may be over or under tightened.
Consequence SummaryIncorrectly tightened steering arm fasteners may fatigue and fracture which could cause a crash without warning.
Corrective SummaryThomas built will notify owners, inspect the fasteners, and replace the steering arm if necessary. the recall began on december 21, 2007. owners can contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
NotesFreightliner recall no. fl-501.customers may 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.
STEERING - COLUMN
07V357000FREIGHTLINER LLCfrom 02/01/2006 to 06/30/2007V (Vehicle)4200011/23/2007MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC08/13/200708/15/2007
Defect SummaryOn certain trucks built with a trw global adjustable upper steering column, two upper tilt plate bolts may loosen with use and fall out. these fasteners hold the upper column assembly in place. the steering column pivot may fracture if the bolts are missing when an excessive force is applied to the steering wheel.
Consequence SummaryLoss of steering wheel position may cause the steering to respond differently than expected. if this condition is ignored, a crash may occur.
Corrective SummaryThe tilt plate bolts will be inspected and replaced if necessary. the recall began on november 23, 2007. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
NotesFreightliner recall no. fl-505.customers 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.
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 - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
07V403000FREIGHTLINER LLCfrom 11/01/2004 to 08/31/2007V (Vehicle)45007/08/2008MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC09/06/200709/06/2007
Defect SummaryOn certain trucks equipped with rack and pinion steering, the ball socket assembly at the inner end of the driver side tie rod may be damaged in a sharp turn. excessive tie rod angles may loosen the tie rod in the ball socket or damage the threaded tie rod socket attachment to the steering rack on the driver side. the threaded end of the ball socket assembly may fracture and separate.
Consequence SummaryA fractured tie rod assembly will make the vehicle more difficult to control at higher speeds and a crash may occur.
Corrective SummaryDealers will change the front axle steering stops to prevent interference in the tie rod ball socket assembly and steering components will be replaced free of charge. the recall began on july 8, 2008, and will be mailed in phases through december 31, 2008. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
NotesFreightliner recall no. fl-513. customers 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.
07V400000FREIGHTLINER LLCfrom 11/01/2004 to 08/31/2007V (Vehicle)41305/01/2008MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC09/05/200709/05/2007
Defect SummaryOn certain trucks equipped with rack and pinion steering, the tie rod arms may have been incorrectly installed. the threaded end of the ball socket assembly may fracture and separate.
Consequence SummaryA fractured tie rod assembly will make the vehicle more difficult to control at higher speeds and a crash may occur.
Corrective SummaryDealers will inspect for installation of the steering arms. steering components will be replaced on trucks that have incorrectly installed tie rod arms. the recall began on may 1, 2008. owner may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
NotesFreightliner recall no. fl-512.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 - COLUMN
GI-46-4110/01/201110041592Freightliner: adjusting the correct tilt lock force on trw steering columns. *pe10/11/2011
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
SB-46-5105/01/201110039609Freightliner: there is a procedure to replace the power steering pump. *rm08/05/2011
SB-46-5105/01/201110039609Ready08/05/2011
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
SF-447A12/01/201110043170Daimler truck (freightliner): on right hand steering assist ram, when suspension is extended, fully, it may contact front spring hanger casting, which may fracture ram ball stud. will replace right hand front spring hanger. *pe02/28/2012
STEERING - LINKAGES - ARM - IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
SF-447A12/01/201110043170Daimler truck (freightliner): on right hand steering assist ram, when suspension is extended, fully, it may contact front spring hanger casting, which may fracture ram ball stud. will replace right hand front spring hanger. *pe02/28/2012
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
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.
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.