2009 Freightliner Cascadia problems

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2006-2020 Freightliner Columbia, 2006-2021 Freightliner Business Class M2, 2007-2020 Freightliner Coronado, 2014-2021 Freightliner 122 SD, 2007 Sterling A 9500, 2006 Freightliner Argosy, 2006-2007 Sterling AT9500, 2008-2021 Freightliner Cascadia, 2006-2008 Freightliner Classic, 2006-2011 Freightliner Century Class, 2006-2010 Freightliner FLD, and 2017 Western Star 5700 vehicles. The rear reflective tape may be partially covered by the mudflap hanger bracket, which may reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers on the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk

The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reposition the reflective tape to ensure that it is completely visible, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 29, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL848.

Recall number 20V214000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2017 Freightliner Cascadia, Century Class, Columbia and Coronado trucks and Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, 5900 and 6900 trucks. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit:

Risk

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712, or contact Kidde customer service toll-free at 1‑855‑262‑3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-759.

Recall number 17V810000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2008-2018 Freightliner Cascadia, Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, and 6900 trucks. After hard brake applications, the brake light pressure switch may not activate the brake lights with a light application of the brake pedal.

Risk

If the brake lights fail to illuminate, there would not be a signal to other motorists that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. Daimler issued interim notifications to owners on January 22, 2018. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-756.

Recall number 17V761000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured March 26, 2007, to August 31, 2010. Water may leak into the Signal-detection and Activation Module (SAM) Chassis causing corrosion which may result in electrical shorts or possible intermittent operation of trailer lights.

Risk

Intermittent operation of the trailer lights may prevent other drivers from knowing that the truck is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, an electrical short in the SAM chassis may result in a a fire.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the SAM chassis for corrosion, replacing it as necessary. Any vehicle that does not have a drip shield mounted in the cab over the SAM chassis will receive one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim letter was sent to owners on May 4, 2015. The recall began on October 8, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑745‑8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-679.

Recall number 15V127000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2015 Freightliner 114SD, Cascadia, M2 Business Class, Sterling LT8500, and Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX vehicles manufactured February 19, 2008, through February 11, 2014, and equipped with Cummins Westport Model ISL G and Cummins Westport Model ISX12 G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.

Risk

The sensor malfunction could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.

Remedy

Cummins and Cummins Westport will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Customers may contact Daimler at 1‑800‑385‑4357 or Cummins Inc. at 1‑800‑343‑7357. Daimler's number for this recall is FL-660.

Recall number 14V080000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Freightliner, Sterling, and Western Star vehicles manufactured from July 7, 2008, through December 15, 2011, and equipped with perpendicular air tank mounting brackets. The air tank mounting brackets may develop cracks which can lead to the air tank brackets separating from the frame rail. The air tanks may also separate from the vehicle.

Risk

Air tanks that become separated from a moving vehicle may create a road debris hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2012. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks North America toll free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 12V405000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006-2013 freightliner, sterling, and western star vehicles, equipped with detroit diesel epa07 and epa10, dd13 and dd15/16 engines, manufactured from january 20, 2006, through february 20, 2012. The pump to rail high pressure fuel line support system used on these engines is sensitive to assembly torque and may be damaged during service work. As a result of other repairs, the line supports may loosen, potentially leading to fuel line cracking and a fuel leak.

Risk

A fuel leak could create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Also a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Remedy

Dtna will notify owners, and where necessary, the high pressure fuel line support system will be replaced by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 27, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 12V074000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler 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.

Risk

The steering could unexpectedly turn left or right, making the vehicle more difficult to control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Daimler 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 bellows will be replaced with sealant added between the bellows and the rack housing. An interim letter was mailed in december 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V514000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 freightliner business class m2, cascadia, century, columbia, coronado and sterling a-line vehicles built with meritor wabco electronic stability control (ESC) system manufactured from september 15, 2005 through september 1, 2011. Under certain road and driving conditions, vehicle body roll and road inclination characteristics may adversely affect the slip angle calculation of the electronic stability control (ESC) system. This might cause the ESC to perceive an over steering situation and therefore apply the outer wheel brake on the front axle until the vehicle is perceived to be stable.

Risk

If the driver is slow to react during this ESC intervention, the vehicle may deviate from the intended line of travel increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ESC module with the appropriate software version as necessary, free of charge. An interim owner notification will be mailed on or about november 21, 2011. The date for availability of the final remedy is subject to validation testing and parts availability. The safety recall began on march 28, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V465000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Dtna is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 freightliner; cascadia, century class, columbia, and coronado, certain model year 2008-2009 sterling; a-line and l-line and certain model year 2009-2012 western star constellation vehicles, manufactured from january 14, 2008, through june 15, 2011, built with detroit diesel 15 or 16 engines. The bolt attaching a rubber isolator to a support bracket may become loose and back out, potentially contacting an un-fused starter cable and creating a short circuit.

Risk

A short circuit between an un-fused battery cable and chassis ground could result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Dealers will install a new bolt and isolator and repair the recreational vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on december 21, 2011. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V330000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2009 through 2011 freightliner cascadia, century, columbia, coronado, m2, and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from february 19, 2009, through july 9, 2010, equipped with specific dd13 and dd15 engines assembled with a bosch high pressure fuel pump element which may develop a crack due to hydrogen induced stress corrosion. The crack may result in a diesel fuel leak.

Risk

If a diesel fuel leak continues undetected, fuel may spill onto the roadway increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of a previous recall (see recall campaign 10v‑339). The safety recall began on may 18, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V287000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 freightliner, cascadia, century, columbia fld, and m2, sterling 9500, and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from march 20, 2006, through june 30, 2010, equipped with specific mbe4000 epa07 model engines. The intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail due to excessive internal temperatures.

Risk

A short circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Dtna will notify owners of the recall during march 2011. Another notification will be issued once the remedy is released. Dtna expects the remedy to be available by december 1, 2011. Repairs will be performed by dtna dealers free of charge. Owners may contact dtna toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712. This recall is asscociated with a previous recall, campaign number 10v‑341.

Recall number 11V146000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2009 through 2011 freightliner cascadia, century, columbia, coronado, m2, and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from february 19, 2009 through july 9, 2010, equipped with specific dd13 and dd15 engines assembled with a bosch high pressure fuel pump element which may develop a crack due to hydrogen induced stress corrosion. Over time the barrel of the bosch high pressure fuel pump element used on specific dd13/dd15 engines may develop a crack due to hydrogen induced stress corrosion resulting in a diesel fuel leak.

Risk

If a diesel fuel leak continues undetected, fuel may spill onto the roadway potentially resulting in a crash.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about march 28, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 10V339000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 freightliner, fccc, sterling, and western star heavy trucks manufactured from september 5, 2006, through june 30, 2010, equipped with specific mbe900 epa04 and epa07 model engines. The intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail due to excessive internal temperatures.

Risk

A short circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. Repairs will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 29, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 10V341000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 freightliner columbia, cascadia, coronado, century, m2, sterling 9500, and western star 4900 vehicles equipped with dd 13 and dd15/dd16 engines and manufactured from january 1, 2007 through april 5, 2010. Should the fuel filter become restricted, the low pressure fuel flange may develop a crack resulting in a fuel leak.

Risk

Fuel leaking onto the roadway may result in vehicle crash.

Remedy

The low pressure fuel flange will be replaced with a more robust component. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on september 17, 2010. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 10V189000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks has notified the federal safety agency of a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2010 cascadia equipped with lifeguard rolltek advanced occupant protection system. The lifeguard rolltek is designed to provide additional protection to vehicle occupants in the event of a rollover accident and it may not have been properly installed.

Risk

Reduced effectiveness of the advanced occupant protection system may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and install an additional retainers to ensure the system remains fully functional. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on august 4, 2010. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 10V102000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling model year 2009-2010 freightliner, and sterling vehicles equipped detroit diesel dd13 epa07 engines which were manufactured with grid heaters. Increased internal grid heater resistance caused by improperly tightened screws may melt the solder on the grid heater circuit board leading to a short circuit.

Risk

A short circuit could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Detroit diesel will repair vehicles free of charge. The engine control logic will be reprogrammed to provide cold weather starting without the need of a grid heater. Wiring to the grid heater will be removed. The safety recallbegan on december 18, 2009. Owners may contact detroit diesel at 1‑313‑592‑5800 or daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V428000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling model year 2007-2010 freightliner, sterling and western star vehicles equipped with detroit diesel dd15 epa07 engines which were manufactured with grid heaters. Increased internal grid heater resistance caused by improperly tightened screws may melt the solder on the grid heater circuit board leading to a short circuit.

Risk

A short-circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

The engine control logic will be reprogrammed free of charge by detroit diesel authorized repair facilities and direct warranty customers to provide cold weather starting without the need of a grid heater. The safety recall began on november 4, 2009. Owners may contact detroit diesel at 1‑313‑592‑5800 and daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V400000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2009 heavy trucks manufactured between may 5, 2008 and january 7, 2009, equipped dd15 engines and with bosch high pressure fuel pumps. The fasteners on these fuel pumps could be under-torqued allowing the "o" ring between the pump housing and the barrel to protrude and leak.

Risk

If a diesel fuel leak continues undetected under certain conditions fuel may ignite on a hot engine surface and/or fuel may spill on the road increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will notify owners and the remedy will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities and direct warranty customers. The safety recall began on december 22, 2009. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V390000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 heavy trucks manufactured between january 17, 2006 and march 31, 2009, equipped with epa07 model mbe4000 engines built with plastic low pressure fuel lines. The plastic lines may experience leaks due to fatigue cracks caused by stress and vibration combined with high internal pressure.

Risk

If a diesel fuel leak continues undetected under certain conditions fuel may ignite on a hot engine surface and/or fuel may spill on the road increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will notify owners and the remedy will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities and direct warranty customers. The safety recall began on may 7, 2010. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V391000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2009 trucks equipped with indiana mills and manufacturing rolltek side-roll protection systems. The sensor designed to detect vehicle roll can malfunction and cause the side airbags to inadvertently deploy.

Risk

Inadvertent deployment of the side airbags could result in a vehicle crash or injury to an out of position occupant.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will inspect to determine if a vehicle contains an affected system and, if so, that system will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before november 20, 2009. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V376000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler 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.

Risk

A separated tie rod assembly can result in loss of vehicle control at higher speeds and a crash could occur.

Remedy

Daimler 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.

Recall number 09V357000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling 1,460 model year 2009 and 2010 heavy duty trucks and fccc chassis (used on thomas built school buses) manufactured from june 11 through december 16, 2008, equipped with certain haldex quick release valves (qrv). The rubber diaphragm inside the qrv may experience delamination resulting in significant levels of air pressure leakage past and/or through the diaphragm, or the development of a bubble in the diaphragm which may trap air pressure in the valve and not allow the service brakes to release.

Risk

Malfunction of the air brake system could result in a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. Repairs will be performed by daimler trucks north america. The safety recall began on august 12, 2009. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V220000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling 14181 my 2007-2009 freightliner cascadia trucks equipped with cab signal-detect and activation modules (sams). Potential corrosion damage due to water intrusion into the sams may cause electrical shorts or intermittent operation of tail lamps, stop lamps, side marker lamps and trailer lighting. In some cases starter motors have activated without a key on.

Risk

An electrical short in the cab sam or chassis sam may cause melting in the sam or other electrical components which may cause a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect for indication of water intrusion or damage to the sams. Sams will be replaced as required and modifications will be completed to control possible sources of water intrusion. The recall is expected to begin on or before february 13, 2009. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V024000 · Recall details

On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a recall query, RQ20001, to investigate the allegations of water intrusion into the truck cab signal-detect and activation module (SAM cab).The investigation further evaluated the effectiveness of the original recall remedy, and the installation of an updated drip shield as it relates to continual water intrusion resulting in the loss of electrical functions and potential fire.The potential hazard was the increased risk of a crash and injury in certain model year (MY) 2007-2021 Freightliner Cascadia P3 vehicles manufactured by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). ODI sent DTNA an information request (IR) letter on September 29, 2020.DTNA's November 20, 2020, IR response detailed how the company had implemented various improvements through recall 09V024 and multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) to mitigate water intrusion.The effectiveness of new windshield seals and revisions to the drip shield is evident by the downward trend in claims rate from an average high of 7.64% in the beginning product life of Cascadia P3 (MYs 2007-2009), to 1.79% average for MYs 2011-2018, and down to 0.49% towards the end of the Cascadia P3 production.Moreover, the data shows that most failures occurred within the first three years of service with a significant downward trend thereafter. In view of the current overall low failure rate, the nature of early-life failure, and failure rate trending downward since model year 2017, this Recall Query (RQ) is closed. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

RQ20001

On April 23, 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“the federal safety agency”) opened Audit Query (AQ18002) to assess the timeliness and scope of four recalls filed by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (“DTNA”). the federal safety agency subsequently expanded AQ18002 to examine the timeliness and scope of three additional DTNA recalls and compliance with early warning reporting and manufacturer communications reporting requirements. the federal safety agency and DTNA entered into a Consent Order on December 29, 2020, to resolve the federal safety agency’s assertions that certain recalls within the scope of AQ18002 were untimely, DTNA failed to timely submit certain manufacturer communications to the federal safety agency, and DTNA failed to submit field reports to the federal safety agency as required. As part of the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to a total civil penalty of thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), of which ten million dollars ($10,000,000) was paid on January 12, 2021. Also, of that total civil penalty, DTNA agreed to spend five million dollars ($5,000,000) on the specific performance obligations to develop advanced data analytics capabilities to enhance its ability to detect and study emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles (“Safety Data Analytics infrastructure”) and an advanced data analytics and reporting platform that integrates data on emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles and recall lessons learned (“Safety Communications Platform”). The Consent Order also held fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) of the civil penalty in abeyance pending DTNA’s satisfactory completion of the requirements of the Consent Order, and its compliance with the Safety Act, and regulations thereunder. the federal safety agency and DTNA agreed to a two-year term for the Consent Order—with an option for the federal safety agency to extend the Consent Order for an additional year, if warranted. In the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to numerous performance obligations, including monthly meetings with the federal safety agency to discuss potential safety issues, recent manufacturer communications, and recall decision-making, among other things; quarterly meetings with the federal safety agency to discuss DTNA’s progress on the performance obligations under the Consent Order, including the Safety Data Analytics infrastructure and Safety Communications Platform, and any issues related to compliance with the Consent Order, Safety Act, or regulations; development of written procedures and employee training materials to help DTNA comply with its legal obligations to timely identify and report safety defects and noncompliances, submit complete and accurate recall filings, and timely submit manufacturer communications and field reports to the federal safety agency; and identifying and reporting previously unreported manufacturer communications and field reports. Also, via the Consent Order, DTNA acknowledged that the failure or inability to identify a specific root cause, develop an adequate remedy or repair, or confirm the affected population of vehicles are not bases for delaying filing a recall with the federal safety agency. On December 22, 2022, the federal safety agency extended the Consent Order for a term of one year due to concerns about DTNA’s compliance with its recall-related obligations. Specifically, the federal safety agency expressed concerns about the completeness of DTNA’s recall reports and issues identified with owner notification letters during the term of the Consent Order, as well as the length of time that DTNA took to consider a straightforward noncompliance issue before filing a recall and DTNA’s interactions with the federal safety agency during the term of the Consent Order. the federal safety agency addressed these concerns with DTNA during the third year of the Consent Order. The extended term of the Consent Order expired on December 28, 2023. Based on the Consent Order, this investigation, AQ18002, is closed. Closure of this AQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order or DTNA’s ongoing legal obligations, and it does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency as to DTNA’s performance under the Consent Order.

AQ18002

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles had allegedly experienced a fracture of one or more support brackets resulting in an unsecured air brake reservoir.This could result in a loss of air pressure necessary for proper service brake application and a potential road hazard if the reservoir separates from the vehicle in operation.By letter dated August 15, 2012, Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) has notified ODI that it has initiated a safety recall (identified by NTHSA Recall No. 12V‑405 and DTNA Recall No. FL-631) to address a safety defect in approximately 1,663 model year (MY) 2009 through 2012 Freightliner 114SD, Business Class M2, Cascadia, Coronado, Sterling 9500 and Western Star 4700 trucks manufactured from July 7, 2008 through December 15, 2011, originally equipped with a specific perpendicular oriented air brake reservoir support bracket (P/N 12-22981-000).To date ODI is unaware of any bracket failures that resulted in a complete separation of the reservoir from the vehicle.Affected owners will be notified by DTNA beginning October 15, 2012 and affected vehicles will have the subject air brake reservoir support brackets replaced with a more robust bracket.Repairs will be performed by DTNA authorized service facilities.Copies of DTNA's reimbursement plan for pre-notification remedies will be submitted to ODI as a supplemental report when available.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

PE12018

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.

PE09040