2015 Western Star 4900 problems

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2021 Freightliner SD 108, Freightliner SD 114, 2016-2020 Freightliner Coronado, 2013 Western Star 6900, 2013-2022 Western Star 4700, Western Star 4900, and 2022 49X vehicles. The tires and rims are not approved and rated for these vehicles from the Tire and Rim Association or tire manufacturer. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."

Risk

Unapproved tires that are not rated for the vehicle can cause tire performance issues, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealer will inspect and replace, as necessary, tires and rims, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 22, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall FL-908.

Recall number 21V896000 · 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 2012-2015 Freightliner Cascadia, Coronado, Business Class M2, 114SD, and Western Star 4900 trucks. In certain front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations, braking may cause high vibrations, resulting in early failure of the tie-rod tube.

Risk

A tie-rod failure would cause a disconnect between the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering ability, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake linings, brake spider, and tie-rod, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL782.

Recall number 18V503000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2019 Western Star 4900 trucks built with Lowmax hoods and disc brakes. There may be insufficient clearance between the front brake hose and the hood resulting in the brake hose being chafed.

Risk

Front brake hose chafing may causing air loss, possibly reducing braking effectiveness and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle brake hose, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on July 27, 2018. The recall began November 27, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-773.

Recall number 18V351000 · 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 2015-2018 Western Star 4900 trucks. The aluminum air tanks on these vehicles may have improper welds possibly resulting in a rapid loss of air pressure.

Risk

A rapid loss of air pressure without warning may cause a sudden application of the park brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the aluminum air tanks with steel, triple compartment, air tanks, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-732.

Recall number 17V124000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Western Star 4900 and 5700 trucks manufactured March 22, 2013, to September 23, 2016 and equipped with a Stratosphere sleeper cab. The seat belt mounting plate may have a drill hole that is too large.

Risk

If the plate has a hole that is too big, the plate may fail when it stressed such as in the event of a crash, preventing the seat belt from adequately restraining the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the seat belt mounting plate, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners on December 7 2016. The final remedy is now available. A second notice was mailed to owners on February 24, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-725.

Recall number 16V711000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America, Inc. (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, Business Class M2, and Western Star 4900 vehicles manufactured September 26, 2014, to November 6, 2015, and equipped with certain drive axles manufactured by Marmon-Herrington. The affected axles have hex nuts on the flange yoke that may not have been properly tightened.

Risk

If the hex nuts are not tightened to specification, the driveshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, resulting in a loss of propulsion and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the hex nuts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑745‑8000, or Marmon-Herrington customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-699.

Recall number 15V859000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015 Western Star 4700, 4800 and 4900 trucks manufactured November 15, 2014, to January 30, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the speedometer may not operate properly, possibly not displaying the vehicle's speed.

Risk

If the speedometer does not show the vehicle speed, the driver may unknowingly exceed the posted speed limit, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a new speedometer, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑745‑8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-683.

Recall number 15V383000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Coronado, Western Star 4700, and Western Star 4900 trucks manufactured October 6, 2014, to February 16, 2015, and equipped with Haldex Life Seal brake chambers. The affected vehicles may experience brake drag due to an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber.

Risk

While traveling at highway speeds, brake drag may cause loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake chambers, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices at the end of May 2015. The recall began on September 25, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑745‑8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL676.

Recall number 15V185000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, and 6900 trucks manufactured from July 23, 2013, through December 4, 2014, and equipped with certain Kidde disposable handheld fire extinguishers. These fire extinguishers may not fully discharge as designed when the lever is repeatedly pressed and released.

Risk

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not work correctly, there is an increased risk of injury to the truck occupants.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and Kidde will provide a replacement extinguisher when contacted directly or affected owners may go to an authorized DTNA repair facility to order a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Affected owners may contact Kidde directly toll free at (855) 283-7991 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑745‑8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL680.

Recall number 15V182000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015 Freightliner Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Coronado, Columbia Glider, Argosy Glider, Western Star 4700, and Western Star 4900 trucks manufactured September 17, 2014, to November 10, 2014 equipped with Haldex Life Seal brake chambers. The affected vehicles may experience brake drag due to an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber.

Risk

While traveling at highway speeds, brake drag may cause loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the diaphragm if necessary, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notice on January 27, 2015. The recall began on September 25, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑745‑8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-676.

Recall number 14V758000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Western Star 4900 trucks manufactured June 24, 2013, to April 30, 2014. The affected vehicles were manufactured without Anti-lock Brake Systems. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Risk

When not equipped with ABS, the affected vehicles have a greater chance of wheel lock up when braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install an Anti-lock Brake System, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2014. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑745‑8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-665.

Recall number 14V527000 · 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