Unrelated Brake Issues Trigger Daimler Recalls

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) and Daimler Vans USA, LLC recently agreed to recall certain Thomas buses and Sprinter vans. The unrelated separate recalls cover 28 and 9,094 vehicles, respectively.

DTNA determined during a test on model year 2021 Thomas Built Bus Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley equipped with Electronic Control Unit (ECU) configured with Hill Start Assist that the parking brake, if engaged, could disengage if the serviced brake was pressed then released, according to the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Part 573 Safety Recall Report 20V-787.

The report further stated, “This disengagement of the park brakes may be unexpected with a low level of service brake engagement. An unexpected disengagement of the parking brake without continual application of the service brake may allow the vehicle to roll freely, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.”

Dealers and customers are expected to be notified Feb. 13^th. Dealers will rectify the issue with a software update to the ECU.

According to NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report 20V-802 in the second of the unrelated recalls,certain model year 2019/2020 Sprinter vans with Electric Parking Brakes (EPB) may, over time and if the EPB is used frequently, have a brake caliper on the rear axle which may leak brake fluid.

The problem, according to the NHTSA report, is that brake fluid could leak into the housing of the EPB, thus allowing air to enter the hydraulic brake and lead to extended brake pedal travel and a changed brake pedal feel. If the condition is not addressed, it could lead to a crash.

The Sprinter driver may observe the condition due to a gradually increased extended brake pedal travel and a soft brake pedal feeling.

Owners will be notified as soon as remedy is determined. Recall notices are scheduled to go to owners beginning Jan. 25^th; to dealers Jan. 18^th.