Western Star 5700 recalled over injury risk

Recall date

May 11, 2017

Source

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Official notice title

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC recalls 2017 Western Star 5700, Cascadia

Recall number

17V315000

Brand / firm

Western Star, Freightliner

Sold / distributed

Potentially affected: 698 units

Why it was recalled

If output shaft fractures while descending a grade, the compression braking will be ineffective. Additionally, large debris may land in the road. Both scenarios increase the risk of a crash.

What was recalled

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017 Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star 5700 trucks built with NFD tandem rear axles. During the hardening process, the axle assembly output shaft may have been made brittle, possibly resulting in the output shaft fracturing while the vehicle is in use.

What to do

DTNA will notify the owners, and 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. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-738.. Follow the official notice for full instructions.