Daimler Trucks Recalls 217 Model Year 2013 Trucks and Buses for Spindle Defect
Daimler Trucks North America is recalling 217 model year 2013 trucks and buses because a machining error in the front axle knuckles may cause premature spindle failure and loss of vehicle control.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (front axle knuckle/spindle failure) that can lead to loss of vehicle control and a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects and significant injury risk.
Plain-English summary
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling 217 model year 2013 Freightliner, Western Star, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Thomas Built Buses manufactured between April 18, 2012, and May 11, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with Detroit Axle-brand front axle knuckles that may have a machining error in the wheel bearing area. This defect may lead to premature spindle failure.
If the spindle fails, the wheel may separate from the knuckle, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. The affected models include the Freightliner Coronado, Columbia, Business Class M2, Cascadia, and Custom Chassis XC; the Western Star 4900; and the Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2.
The safety recall began on August 10, 2012. DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the affected components free of charge. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks North America toll-free at 1-800-547-0712 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- FREIGHTLINER, WESTERN STAR, FCCC CORONADO, COLUMBIA, 4900, redundant CUSTOM CHASSIS XC
- Brand
- FREIGHTLINER
- Manufacturer
- DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
- Category
- Vehicle — Commercial Truck / Bus
- Affected units
- 217
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (7)
- CORONADO
- COLUMBIA
- 4900
- redundant CUSTOM CHASSIS XC
- BUSINESS CLASS M2
- CASCADIA
- SAF-T-LINER C2
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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