2009 Western Star 4900 problems

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 2009-2014 Western Star 4900 vehicles manufactured May 27, 2008, through March 22, 2013. A potential misalignment of a clearance hole in the B-pillar reinforcement may affect the performance of the seatbelt D-ring anchorage point.

Risk

In the event of a crash, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the D-ring anchor points, free of charge. The recall began during january November 2014. Owners may contact DTNA at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's recall number is FL-645.

Recall number 13V401000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks north america (dtna) is recalling 12 my 2009 western star 4900 trucks built with dd15 engines. A new forward cab crossmember design reduced clearance for cab mounted battery disconnect switch power cables on standard cab height vehicles. During cab articulation, the new crossmember may pinch power cables against the cab.

Risk

Cables that become pinched between the cab and forward cab crossmember could short to ground and potentially overheat resulting in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Dtna will notify owners, and dealers will remove the cables and reinstall them in a new safe location. Damaged cables will be replaced. Both will be done free of charge. The recall began on june 13, 2012. This recall is an expansion of recall 09v‑226. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 12V235000 · 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 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 is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 western star 4900 trucks equipped with caterpillar c15 engines and manufactured from february 9, 2007, through february 20, 2009. Degradation of a combustion tube weld can cause radial heat impingement on the body which may burn through certain bodies used on c15 engines.

Risk

This could result in a fire.

Remedy

Caterpillar is handling the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Please see caterpillar's defect report 11e-006. Caterpillar will replace the single piece combustion tube with a thick wall combustion tube which won't allow the heat to break through. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began in august 2011. Owners may contact caterpillar toll-free at 1‑800‑447‑4986.

Recall number 11V207000 · 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 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 53 my 2009-2010 western star 4900 trucks built with dd15 engines. A new forward cab crossmember design reduced clearance for cab mounted battery disconnect switch power cables on standard cab height vehicles. During cab articulation the new crossmember may pinch power cables against the cab.

Risk

Cables that become pinched between the cab and forward cab crossmember could short to ground and potentially overheat resulting in a possible vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Dealers will remove the cables and reinstall them in a new safe location. Damaged cables will be replaced. Both will be done free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before august 7, 2009. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V226000 · 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