The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·17V315000·Announced 2017-05-11

Daimler Recalls 2017 Freightliner and Western Star Trucks for Brittle Axle Shafts

Daimler Trucks North America is recalling 2017 Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star 5700 trucks because brittle axle output shafts may fracture, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (axle shaft fracture) that can render braking ineffective and cause debris on the road, creating a significant risk of 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 2017 Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star 5700 trucks equipped with NFD tandem rear axles. The recall addresses a defect in the axle assembly output shafts, which may have been made brittle during the hardening process. This condition could result in the output shaft fracturing while the vehicle is in use.

If the output shaft fractures while descending a grade, the compression braking system may become ineffective. Additionally, large debris from the fracture may land on the road. Both scenarios increase the risk of a crash. The source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities associated with this defect.

Owners will be notified by DTNA. Detroit Axle dealers will replace the output shaft free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
WESTERN STAR, FREIGHTLINER 5700, CASCADIA
Brand
WESTERN STAR
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Category
Vehicle — Commercial Truck
Hazard
Affected units
698

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 (2)

  • 5700
  • CASCADIA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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Same hazard · structural failure

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