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
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 (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
- 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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