Daimler to Issue 2 Major Heavy Truck Recalls

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Daimler Trucks is issuing two new major recalls affecting heavy trucks. One of these recalls affects more than 10,200 MY 2006-2010 heavy trucks equipped with EPA07 model MBE4000 engines built with plastic low-pressure fuel lines. 

The plastic lines may experience leaks because of fatigue cracks caused by stress and vibration combined with high internal pressure, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If a diesel fuel leak continues undetected, there runs the risk that fuel can ignite on a hot engine surface or fuel can spill on the road. This increases the chances of a crash. 

This recall affects the following trucks: 

• Freightliner Cascadia MY 2006-2010
• Freightliner Century MY 2006-2010
• Freightliner Columbia MY 2006-2010
• Freightliner FLD MY 2006-2010
• Sterling 8500 MY 2006-2010
• Sterling 9500 MY 2009-2010
• Western Star 4900 MY 2006-2010 

In addition, Daimler Trucks is recalling 2,699 MY 2009 heavy trucks equipped with DD15 engines and with Bosch high-pressure fuel pumps. The fasteners on these fuel pumps could be under-torqued, allowing the O ring between the pump housing and the barrel to protrude and leak. If a diesel fuel leak continues undetected, under certain conditions fuel can ignite on a hot engine surface or fuel can spill on the road. As a result, there is an increased risk of a collision. 

This recall affects the following trucks: 

• Freightliner Cascadia MY 2009
• Freightliner Century MY 2009
• Freightliner Columbia MY 2009
• Sterling 9500 MY 2009
• Western Star 4900 MY 2009 

Both Daimler Trucks recalls are expected to begin in early December so that the necessary repairs can be made. 

In addition, www.automotive-fleet.com and the Fleet Safety Weekly e-newsletter last week reported details about a Daimler Trucks recall of more than 25,300 MY 2004-2010 trucks equipped with Caterpillar C15 engines. That recall was spurred by the risk of an oil leak. The variable valve actuation oil line may rub against the P-clips retaining the oil line, leading to an oil leak. 

The trucks affected by that previously reported recall are the Freightliner Argosy, Freightliner Century Class, Freightliner Columbia, Freightliner Coronado, Freightliner FLD, Sterling A-Line, Sterling L-Line, Western Star 4900 and Western Star 6900. 

Daimler Trucks can be reached at (800) 547-0712.