Daimler Trucks North America is recalling nearly 700 trucks with NFD tandem rear axles.
According to the NHTSA recall report, the axle output shaft in various models may have become brittle during the hardening process, resulting in an increased possibility of the output shaft fracturing while the vehicle is in use.
All 2017 Freightliner Cascadia and 2017 Western Star 5700 trucks built with a NFD tandem rear axle, between the dates May 17, 2016 to April 25, 2017, are affected by the recall.
“A sudden fracture of the through shaft at highway speed while descending a grade will render the compression brake ineffective and may lead to large debris on the road. These factors combined with the expected high failure rate increase the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA Safety Recall Report states.
The recall is scheduled to begin on July 9th, 2017.
Daimler says it will notify the owners of these trucks and that Detroit Axle will replace the output shaft for free.
Owners can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA’s number for this recall is FL-738.
Owners can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or go to www.safercar.gov.