The problem
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Western Star 4700 and 2023 Western Star 4900, 49X, 6900, and Freightliner 114SD vehicles. The tie rod clamps may have been improperly heat-treated, causing them to crack and allowing the tie rods to separate.
The risk
Tie rod separation can result in a sudden loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the tie rod clamps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed Marc 15, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL955.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Freightliner, Western Star dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 22V722000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.