Steering wheel / handle bar Freightliner recall

The problem

Vehicle description: heavy duty truck. Leaks through the firewall or steering shaft boots allows water to run down the steering shaft. The steering shaft slip spline corrodes causing it to seize.

The risk

Increased steering effort can result increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

The fix

Dealers will replace the steering shaft with a new design that is installed in an inverted orientation so no water can enter the splines.

Contacts

Owner notification: owner notification began july 30, 1997. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1-503-735-8682. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

What to do

1. 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.
2. Call a dealer. Any authorized Freightliner dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 97V112000.
3. Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
4. Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.