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Daimler Trucks North America, LLC has initiated a safety recall affecting certain medium and heavy vehicles due to potential issues with brake caliper mounting bolts. This action addresses a concern where the bolts may not have been properly torqued during a rework process at the supplier’s facility.
Key Highlights
- Affected Vehicles: Includes 380 units from model years 2025-2026, such as Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, Western Star 47X, 49X, 57X, and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation models like MT55, MT45G, MT45, MT50E, XBS, XCM, XCP, and XCR.
- Defect Description: The brake caliper mounting bolts lack documentation confirming proper torque, stemming from a small group where two vehicles had improperly torqued bolts.
- Safety Risk: Loose bolts could lead to caliper detachment, increased braking distance, vehicle pull, or damage to wheels and tires, heightening crash risk.
- Warning Signs: Drivers may notice clunking or rattling noises at the wheel-end during brake applications.
- Remedy Status: Repairs are under development and will be provided free of charge at authorized service facilities.
- Consumer Advisories: Owners are advised to do not drive the vehicle and park outside until repaired.
Affected Vehicle Details
The recall targets specific chassis and trucks produced between various dates in 2024 and 2025. For instance, the Freightliner Cascadia models, available in compressed natural gas and compression ignition fuel variants, account for 99 potentially involved units each. Similarly, the Business Class M2 variants, also in both fuel types, involve 128 units apiece. Western Star models include the 47X with 46 units, 49X with 54 units, and 57X with 5 units. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation vehicles vary, with the MT55 affecting 11 units, MT45G 7 units, XCP 13 units, XCM 5 units, XBS 4 units, MT45 5 units, XCR 2 units, and the electric MT50E 1 unit. All fall under the buses, medium, and heavy vehicles category, primarily using compression ignition fuel, with some compressed natural gas and one electric battery power option.
Defect and Risk Explanation
The issue originates from axles processed at a supplier’s rework station in York, SC, where certain units were not scanned upon receipt. This oversight meant operators were not prompted to input final torque values before releasing the axles. As a result, affected vehicles may have bolts that loosen over time. If unchecked, this could cause the caliper to shift or fully detach, compromising braking performance. Potential outcomes include extended stopping distances, unintended vehicle pulls, or harm to adjacent components like tires and wheels, all of which elevate the risk of a crash. No Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards are cited as violated in this case.
Investigation Chronology
Daimler Trucks North America received an initial report of a vehicle with missing caliper bolts in late May. Communication with the axle supplier revealed a process flaw where axles routed to rework were not properly documented for torque. By mid-June, data analysis identified the suspect population, and the company’s own review uncovered an additional related failure. Further evaluation in July planned field investigations across fleets. After discussions with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on August 28, the issue was reassessed, leading to the recall decision on September 4. The company reports two warranty claims potentially linked to this defect but no known deaths or injuries.
Component and Supplier Information
The involved component is the Caliper Assembly – Front Disc Brake Bolt, described as a brake system part with number N210931 020001. The tier-one supplier is Cummins, located at 2135 West Maple Road, Troy, MI, in the United States.
Remedy and Notification Process
Daimler Trucks North America is developing the remedy program, with repairs to be performed at no cost through authorized dealers. Owners will receive details on reimbursement in their notification letters. The condition was addressed in production through multiple process improvements implemented by the axle supplier around late May. A general reimbursement plan is on file. Dealer notifications are planned for early October, with owner letters expected in mid-November. Vehicle Identification Numbers will become searchable around the same time.
This recall, identified as NHTSA number 25V601 and manufacturer code F1023, underscores the importance of prompt action to maintain vehicle safety. Owners of potentially affected models should monitor for warnings and contact Daimler Trucks North America at 1-800-547-0712 for assistance.
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