2009 Freightliner Columbia 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 2004-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Columbia, Classic, FL80, FLD 120SD, Business Class M2, Western Star 4700, 4900, 6900, Sterling Acterra, L7500, LT7500, L8500, LT8500, L9500, and LT9500 vehicles. The vehicles may have an insufficient service brake air reservoir capacity. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Risk

An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will add air reservoir capacity to the affected vehicles. Owner letters were mailed on November 29, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-815.

Recall number 19V370000 · 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 (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 freightliner columbia, fld, sterling 9500 and western star 4900 emergency vehicles. The engine may shut down unexpectedly when a diesel particulate filter over temperature condition is detected.

Risk

Unexpected emergency vehicle engine shutdown under certain conditions could hamper rescue operations and place the public at risk.

Remedy

The engine control logic will be reprogrammed to illuminate a malfunction indicator light without requesting engine shutdown. Repairs will be performed by detroit diesel. Please see daimler trucks defect report 10e-005. The safety recall began on may 17, 2010. Owners may contact detroit diesel at 1‑313‑592‑5800 or daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 10V112000 · 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 model year 2004-2010 trucks equipped with caterpillar c15 engine. The variable valve actuation oil line may rub against the p-clips retaining the oil line, causing an oil leak.

Risk

An oil leak may result in a fire.

Remedy

Daimler trucks is working with caterpillar to remedy these vehicles. Please see caterpillar's defect report 09e-020. Caterpillar will inspect and repair the necessary components free of charge. The recall began on may 5, 2009. Owners may contact caterpillar toll-free at 1‑800‑447‑4986 or daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V366000 · 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 2 my 2008-2009 freightliner columbia and sterling l-line trucks equipped with caterpillar c7, c9, c13 and c15 diesel engines. Inadequate stiffness of the diesel particulate filter (dpf) bracket could result in separation of the dpf from the chassis.

Risk

A vehicle crash could occur if another vehicle strikes the dpf on the roadway.

Remedy

Daimler trucks is working with caterpillar (please see 08e041). Owners may contact caterpillar at-1‑800‑447‑4986 or daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V086000 · Recall details

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

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