Why These Trucks Are Being Recalled

The issue involves a stud connecting the battery to the starter at the frame rail. If installed incorrectly or corroded, the stud can short circuit, potentially causing a “thermal event,” such as a fire. DTNA estimates only about 1% of the affected trucks actually have the defect, but the risk is serious enough to warrant a full recall.

Signs your truck may have this problem include a slow or no crank when starting or visible corrosion around the battery stud or cable lug.

Trucks Covered in the Recall

The recall covers:

• Certain 2021–2027 Western Star 47X trucks and 2020–2027 Western Star 49X trucks built from the start of production through February 3, 2026.
• 2026–2027 47X and 49X vehicles produced between May 14, 2025, and February 3, 2026, which were manufactured with a revised inspection process meant to fix the problem.

All affected trucks share a particular positive junction point stud that connects the battery or auxiliary power distribution to the starter at the frame rail.

Reports of Melted Frame Rails and Corrosion

DTNA first identified this defect in May 2025. Their initial remedy included adjusting stud torque, applying dielectric paint, and checking cable lug orientation. More than 17,000 trucks were repaired by January 2026.

However, early in 2026, reports surfaced of thermal events and smoke on trucks that had already received the recall fix. One New York truck had corrosion that caused an arced cable, melting the frame rail. Other vehicles showed corrosion at the junction stud even without a thermal event.

Winter Weather Makes Corrosion Worse

The failures were concentrated in “salt belt” states and parts of Canada, where winter road salts accelerate corrosion. DTNA found that even trucks manufactured after the previous fix could still experience corrosion, though no fires were reported.

This led DTNA to expand the recall on February 4, 2026, covering all vehicles affected by the prior recall and those made with the earlier revised process.

What Truck Drivers Should Know

DTNA is developing a new remedy. Owner notification letters will be mailed on April 11, 2026. Drivers should contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 for questions. The recall number is F1029.

Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need the updated fix. There have been approximately 52 warranty claims and 18 field reports related to this issue from March 2023 through January 2026. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.

Source: Heavy Duty Trucking

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What Daimler Owners Need to Know

Daimler Trucks North America has issued a recall covering several Western Star and Freightliner models, including the Western Star 49X, 47X, 48X, 4700, and a range of Freightliner vocational trucks such as the Business Class M2, 114SD, 108SD, and 122SD.

The concern centers around axle clamp fasteners that may come loose. If that happens, the truck can become difficult to control, especially under load or at highway speeds. In total, 18,783 trucks fall under this recall.

Daimler is still finalizing the repair plan, and drivers can expect official notification letters to start going out on January 3, 2026. Anyone needing more information can reach DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 using recall number F1027.

Wabash Stepdeck Trailers Also Affected

Wabash National has issued its own recall that affects its 2025–2026 stepdeck trailers. In some units, the rear impact guard installed on the trailer isn’t the correct one and doesn’t meet the federal safety standards for Rear Impact Guards (FMVSS 223) and Rear Impact Protection (FMVSS 224).

The first recall impacts 295 trailers, and Wabash will swap out the rear impact guard at no cost to the owner. Notifications for this round are scheduled to begin on December 4.

A second recall covers 158 additional stepdeck trailers with the same guard issue, and repair notices for that group will start going out January 5, 2026. For either recall, owners can contact Wabash customer service at 1-765-771-5404.

What Drivers Should Do Now

If you’re hauling with any of the listed trucks or stepdecks, keep an eye on your mail for the official notices. If you check your VIN and find your equipment listed, get in touch with the manufacturer as soon as possible. Loose axle fasteners or improper rear impact guards can turn into dangerous problems fast, especially for long-haul and heavy-haul work.

Staying ahead of recalls keeps you safe, keeps your equipment compliant, and helps prevent breakdowns that cost time and money on the road.

Source: The Trucker

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According to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue arises from a potential short circuit involving the battery-to-starter connection. The problem specifically affects 49X models built between 2020 and 2026, and 47X models from 2021 to 2026. A is installed stud on the frame rail, which links the battery to the starter, could result in a short — increasing the chances of an electrical fire.

Of the more than 21,500 vehicles under the recall, the breakdown includes approximately 9,500 units of the 49X and nearly 12,000 of the 47X. Despite the size of the recall population, Western Star believes the actual defect affects about 1% of those trucks.

Drivers may spot early warning signs of the problem. This could include difficulty starting the vehicle — either a slow crank or no crank at all — along with visible corrosion around the battery cable lug or stud.

As of May 29, 2025, Western Star had not yet issued a fix for the defect, and no formal notification schedule for owners has been released.

Investigation into the issue ramped up after a series of incidents. Between March 2023 and March 2024, the manufacturer received five complaints about battery corrosion. One report of a fire was submitted in December 2023, followed by a melted cable incident in February 2024. Two more similar reports came in March 2024.

Back in August 2024, Western Star assessed the situation and concluded that “a field action was not warranted at that time due to a low rate of frequency in conjunction with sufficient detectability of the condition, including during a pre- or post-trip inspection.” However, after receiving more complaints involving melted studs and fires earlier in 2025, Daimler Truck North America reopened the investigation.

From March 2023 to March 2025, Western Star recorded 36 warranty claims and 15 field reports that may be linked to this battery defect. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

If you own one of the affected trucks and need more information, contact Daimler Truck North America customer service at 800-547-0712 and reference recall number F1020. For those checking through NHTSA, this recall is listed under case number 25V326.

Source: Land Line
Image Source: Truck Driver News

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The Recall Details

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling select trucks due to a reduced brake performance safety concern. Approximately 68 vehicles are impacted by this recall.

According to the NHTSA, the recall includes specific 2025 models of the following trucks:

• Freightliner 114SD
• Freightliner Business Class M2
• Freightliner Cascadia
• Western Star 49X

The issue arises from insufficient air tank capacity, which affects the vehicle’s braking power. This discrepancy means the trucks do not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121, which governs “Air Brake Systems.”

Resolution Plan

DTNA is currently working on a fix for this problem. Interim notification letters will be mailed to vehicle owners on July 6, explaining the potential safety risks associated with this issue. A follow-up notification will be sent once a proven remedy is available.

What Should Owners Do?

If you own one of the recalled vehicles, you can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 for more information about the recall (reference recall number F1019). You can also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or visit their website at nhtsa.gov.

Stay informed and take action to ensure safety on the road!

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: Freightliner

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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

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