DTNA Recalls Vocational Trucks for Axle Clamp Fastener Problem
Nearly 19,000 vocational trucks made by Daimler Truck North America are being recalled for the possibility that axle clamp fasteners may be loose, which can result in loss of control.
The recall affects DTNA vocational trucks with a TufTrac Gen 2 suspension.
HDT Graphic
Nearly 19,000 vocational trucks made by Daimler Truck North America are being recalled for the possibility that axle clamp fasteners may be loose, which can result in loss of control.
Affected by the recall are 18,783 trucks, but only 2% of those are estimated to have the defect:
2020-2026 Western Star 49X
2020-2026 Freightliner Business Class M2
2020-2026 Freightliner 114SD
2020-2026 Freightliner 108SD
2021-2026 Western Star 47X
2021-2023 Freightliner 122SD
2022 Western Star 48X
2023 Western Star 4700.
How Did The Axle Fastener Issue Become a Recall?
In February 2025, following two field reports from in-use vehicles of loose suspension fasteners on vehicles with a TufTrac Gen 2 suspension, DTNA initiated an investigation.
This specific suspension option is used exclusively on specialized heavy-duty vocational vehicles, not used in high-mileage operation (e.g., refuse trucks, concrete mixers, or dump bodies).
DTNA reviewed the issue and initial findings with NHTSA in March and April, but at that time DTNA did not have an indication of a systemic issue, given the heavy-duty application and low number of claims. DTNA reasonably believed that if a suspension fastener came loose, the issue would likely be caught and addressed in suspension checks within pre-trip inspections and frequent maintenance.
DTNA decided to continue monitoring the issue and implemented various improvements to the manufacturing process.
Number of Loose Axle Fastener Reports Increases
From late April through mid-July 2025, as increasing numbers of vehicles with this optional suspension began accumulating miles, DTNA received an increasing number of reports relating to loose, broken, and missing casting bolts.
Four reports alleged an axle shift or impact to steerability.
DTNA decided to reopen the investigation in August, and based on new information related to the potential severity of failure outcomes, on October 29, DTNA decided to conduct a safety recall to address this issue.
DTNA is aware of 274 warranty claims occurring between June 29, 2020, and September 29, 2025, 21 of field reports occurring between January 31, 2022, and October 15, 2025, and 10 of incident reports occurring between April 24, 2025, and August 11, 2025, potentially related to this issue.
There have been no reports of deaths or injuries reported on this issue.
The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 3, 2026. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1027.
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