The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·15V616000·Announced 2015-10-01

Freightliner Trucks Recalled for Fifth Wheel Locking Mechanism Failure

Daimler Trucks North America is recalling 2011-2014 Freightliner trucks because the fifth wheel locking mechanism may fail, risking trailer detachment.

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 where the fifth wheel locking mechanism may fail, leading to trailer detachment and an increased risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects and significant injury risk.

Plain-English summary

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, Coronado, and Columbia Glider vehicles. The affected trucks were manufactured between April 5, 2010, and June 15, 2013, and are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors.

The recall addresses a defect where cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism may cause the mechanism to fail to operate or properly engage. If the mechanism fails, the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.

DTNA will notify owners, and authorized service facilities will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, BUSINESS CLASS M2, COLUMBIA GLIDER, CORONADO
Brand
FREIGHTLINER
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Category
Vehicle — Commercial Truck
Hazard
Affected units
5,801

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 (4)

  • CASCADIA
  • BUSINESS CLASS M2
  • COLUMBIA GLIDER
  • CORONADO

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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