2011 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 (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 (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 freightliner business class m2 and western star 4900 emergency vehicles manufactured from july 2, 2010, through december 13, 2011, equipped with a dd13 epa10 detroit diesel engine. The engine shutdown software normally provided to protect the engine and vehicle may not have been disabled on engines intended for emergency vehicle applications.

Risk

If the vehicle operator receives and ignores multiple warnings indicating the need for operator intervention, the engine may shut down unexpectedly. Unexpected emergency vehicle engine shutdown under certain conditions could hamper rescue operations and place the public at risk.

Remedy

Dtna will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine shutdown software free of charge. The safety recall began on march 13, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V605000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2011 western star 4900 trucks, manufactured from december 14, 2010, through january 26, 2011, equipped with meritor axle assemblies. The weld that attaches a tower bracket to the housing in suspect assemblies may crack as a result of improper welding procedures.

Risk

Detachment of the bracket may lead to a loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Daimler trucks dealers will inspect the axles for cracks and the welds will be repaired as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on december 30, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V558000 · 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

Dtna is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 western star 4900 vehicles manufactured from april 1, 2010, through may 13, 2011, with standard cab height and a dd13 engine. The supply and delivery airlines for the foot valve may contact the air intake on the engine. Relative motion between the cab and the engine may allow the delivery airlines to chafe on the air intake.

Risk

A hole in the delivery air line may develop, eventually leading to reduced braking capacity to the front or rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the air lines and reroute if necessary to provide additional clearance to the engine air intake. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 21, 2011. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V283000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Dtna is recalling certain model year 2011 freightliner cascadia, columbia glider kit, coronado, m2, and western star4900 heavy trucks manufactured from october 16, 2010, through march 9, 2011, equipped with gunite automatic slack adjusters manufactured from october 15, 2010, through january 31, 2011. Due to an incomplete "knitting" of the iron at the time of casting, inadequate structural integrity of the slack adjuster housing can occur, which could cause the housing to break at the handle under normal operating loads.

Risk

If the slack adjuster housing were to break, the wheel brake to which the slack adjuster is attached would no longer function, causing the vehicle to have reduced braking capacity and, if mounted on the steer axle, the vehicle could pull to one side, possibly resulting in a crash.

Remedy

Dtna will notify owners and dealers will replace any affected slack adjusters free of charge. The safety recall began on july 5, 2011. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V249000 · 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 2011 freightliner cascadia and conorado and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from april 22, 2010, through january 28, 2011, equipped with an epa10 isx engine. The routing and securing of the alternator cables may allow the cable to contact or nearly contact an engine heat shield potentially damaging the cable insulation.

Risk

A positive alternator cable, with damaged insulation, that may contact a grounded component can cause a short circuit that can result in a fire.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will notify owners and dealers will inspect the alternator cables for damage to the insulation. Cables with damage to the insulation will be replaced. The cable routing and securing will be modified to ensure sufficient clearence to the heat shield. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about may 27, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V110000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2011 freightliner coronado, columbia, fld military, business class m2, cascadia, century, and western star 4900 trucks manufactured from august 9, 2010, through october 27, 2010 for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." these vehicles were equipped with labels missing recommended cold tire inflation pressures.

Risk

Failure to follow proper tire inflation recommendations can result in tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Labels with missing information will be replaced with corrected labels. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 15, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 10V551000 · 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

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