Daimler Trucks North America is recalling more than 60,000 Freightliner trucks for a potential steering problem, although only 1% are estimated to have the defect.
On certain vehicles built on certain dates at Daimler’s Santiago Manufacturing facility in Mexico, the drag link taper joint at the steering arm may not have been tightened sufficiently and may come loose. This could result in a complete separation of the drag link from the steering arm. Drag link separation can cause a complete loss of steering control.
A loose joint may be detected by pre-trip inspections, loose steering, wandering, noises or vibration.
The recall affects the following trucks built in the Santiago Manufacturing Plant:
Freightliner 108SD manufactured 2019-2021
Freightliner 114SD manufactured 2019-2021
Freightliner 122SD manufactured 2019-2021
Freightliner Cascadia manufactured in 2020
Freightliner Columbia manufactured 2019-2021
Freightliner Coronado manufactured 2019-2021
Freightliner M2 manufactured 2019-2021
DTNA will inspect the drag link taper joint and repair it, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 21, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL967. This recall expands recall number 21V-689.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
