Daimler Trucks Brake Light Recall

Sign up for our weekly email to stay on top of the latest news and insights!

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has announced a recall affecting several truck models due to a defect that may cause brake lights to fail during automatic braking events. This issue impacts over 16,000 vehicles and poses a significant safety risk by not signaling to other drivers when the vehicle is slowing down, increasing the potential for a crash.

Key Highlights:

• Affected Units: 16,889 vehicles
• Models Involved:
  • 2024-2025 Freightliner 108SD
  • 2022-2025 Freightliner 114SD
  • 2025 Freightliner eM2
  • 2022-2025 Freightliner Business Class M2
  • 2021-2025 Western Star 47X
  • 2020-2025 Western Star 49X
  • 2022-2025 Western Star 57X
• Issue: Brake lights may not illuminate when brakes are automatically applied during an Active Brake Assist (ABA) event.
• Risk: Increased chance of rear-end collisions due to following drivers being unaware of the vehicle slowing down.
• Remedy: Dealers will update the ABA software free of charge.
• Owner Notification: Letters expected to be mailed November 9, 2024.
• Contact Information:
  • DTNA Customer Service: 800-745-8000
  • DTNA Recall Number: F1009
  • NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V-668

Details of the Recall

Daimler Trucks North America is recalling certain truck models that may have been upfitted with a Body Lighting TEMs Interface Controller (BTIC) and replacement brake lights. In these vehicles, the brake lights may not activate during automatic braking prompted by the Active Brake Assist system. This malfunction is due to software in the expansion module controller that was incorrectly configured to rely solely on the service brake switch for brake light activation.

Safety Risk

The failure of brake lights to illuminate during an ABA event can prevent following drivers from recognizing that the vehicle is slowing down or stopping. This lack of warning significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions.

Remedy Program

DTNA will address the issue by updating the ABA software in the affected vehicles. The new software will ensure that brake lights illuminate during both manual and automatic braking events. Repairs will be performed free of charge at authorized DTNA service facilities.

Next Steps for Owners

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive notification letters starting November 9, 2024. They are advised to contact their local DTNA dealer or service center to schedule the software update. For additional assistance, owners can reach out to DTNA customer service at 800-745-8000 using recall number F1009.

Additional Resources

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit www.safercar.gov for more information.

Summary of Affected Vehicles

• Freightliner Models:
  • 108SD (2024-2025)
  • 114SD (2022-2025)
  • eM2 (2025)
  • Business Class M2 (2022-2025)
• Western Star Models:
  • 47X (2021-2025)
  • 49X (2020-2025)
  • 57X (2022-2025)

Cause of the Issue

The software for the expansion module controller was erroneously configured to activate brake lights only when the service brake switch is engaged. This means that during an ABA event, where the system automatically applies the brakes without the service brake switch being activated, the brake lights may not illuminate.

Manufacturer’s Action

DTNA has identified the defect and corrected the software configuration in production as of August 1, 2024. The company is proactively reaching out to owners to rectify the issue in existing vehicles.

Owners are encouraged to address this recall promptly to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.