Daimler Truck North America has initiated a recall for thousands of its Freightliner and Western Star models due to a problem with brake lights failing to activate when the automatic emergency braking system engages.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released documents indicating that nearly 17,000 Freightliner and Western Star trucks are impacted by this issue, which involves a body lighting interface controller and replacement brake lights.
The main concern is that the brake lights may not turn on when the brakes are applied automatically during an active brake-assist event. This malfunction can lead to other drivers not being adequately warned that the truck is slowing down, thereby raising the potential for collisions.
Affected Daimler Truck Models:
- Freightliner 108SD (2024-25)
- Freightliner 114SD (2022-25)
- Freightliner Business Class M2 (2022-25)
- Freightliner EM2 (2025)
- Western Star 47X (2021-25)
- Western Star 49X (2020-25)
- Western Star 57X (2022-25)
To resolve this problem, Daimler Truck will provide a free update to the active brake assist software. Owners of the affected vehicles can expect to receive notification letters by November 9th.
For any inquiries, customers can reach out to Daimler Truck’s customer service at 800-745-8000, referencing recall number F1009. Alternatively, they can check the NHTSA’s recall number 24V-668 for more details.
This recall follows an earlier one in July that targeted a similar issue found in a limited number of Freightliner Custom Chassis vehicles. During that investigation, Daimler Truck assessed whether factory-installed brake lights on other models were subject to the same defect. Although they were not, it was determined that certain “truck equipment manufacturers,” who handled brake lighting installation later in the production process, used an alternative wiring method that might not receive the automatic emergency braking input signal.
In the documentation submitted to NHTSA, Daimler Truck clarified that it remains uncertain which trucks contain the factory-installed brake lights versus those with truck equipment manufacturer lighting. To err on the side of caution, the company decided to initiate a recall. Fortunately, there have been no warranty claims, field service reports, or any incidents involving deaths, injuries, or property damage associated with this issue.
Source: Land Line
