Daimler Truck North America is recalling nearly 30,000 medium- and heavy-duty trucks because of steer axle wheel flanges that may crack and damage the tires.
The affected vehicles were manufactured at DTNA’s Mexico production facilities and equipped with Alcoa ULA18x aluminum steer axle wheels produced in Alcoa’s Mexico facility. Vehicles produced outside of DTNA’s Mexico facility do not use wheels produced by the supplier’s Mexico facility and are not included in the recall population. Approximately 1% of the 29,092 recalled are estimated to have the defect.
Trucks Affected by This Recall:
Why Are These Trucks Being Recalled?
On the affected vehicles, the inboard/inner bead seat flange of the steer axle wheels may crack. With continued operation of the vehicle, the crack may progress to the point where wheel flange sections may fail and eventually separate from the wheel/rim.
If the cracks are not addressed and progress to the point of flange failure and separation, this may damage the tire. Depending on the extent of steer tire damage, this could result in loss of vehicle control, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
If cracks, flange separation and/or low tire pressure are present, they may be visually observed during a pre-trip or post-trip vehicle inspection or indicated via a TPMS warning. If one or more sections of the wheel flange begin to separate, vibrations are often induced into the steering wheel.
More Details About Recalled Wheels
Recalled vehicles will have Alcoa wheels having a ‘MADE IN MEXICO’ manufacturing stamp and a 6-digit date code of 090122 through 072023.
Production processes were adjusted at the supplier’s Mexico facility in mid-July 2023. DTNA has included an additional two to three week period in the recall to account for wheel shipping and assembly time.
The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 2, 2024. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL999.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
