DTNA Looks at Potential 218,000 Trucks in Recall

Some Cascadia models may be part of the recall. (Freightliner)

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Daimler Truck North America announced a recall of potentially 218,147 units including certain new Cascadia (the overwhelming majority), Western Star and Business Class M2 models equipped with painted modulator valves and adaptive cruise control technology and related anomalies with braking.

DTNA reported the painted brake modulator valves described in this recall (FL-958) were manufactured by ZF CV Systems North America and installed on model year 2017-2023 Freightliner new Cascadia vehicles, model year 2020-2022 Freightliner Business Class M2s, model year 2020-2023 Western Star 49X, model year 2021-2022 Western Star 47X, and model year 2021-2022 Western Star 57X, manufactured by DTNA between March 8, 2016, and June 18, 2022.

A complication is DTNA said it currently has limited stock and is working with its supplier to quickly ramp up production of additional supply. Repairs will be released in phases based on age and operating locations of the vehicle.

DTNA found chemical corrosion could affect the functionality of the brake modulator valve, which during an ACC braking event may result in full system pressure applied to one wheel end — resulting in a sudden change in vehicle direction due to uneven braking on the front axle and increasing the risk of a motor vehicle crash, DTNA reported.

Regular service brakes are unaffected, it noted.

Dealers will replace the front brake modulator valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Dec. 30.

DTNA said owners may contact its customer service at 1-800-547-0712.

This recall expands and replaces previous recall 20V-390. All vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-390 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Meanwhile, in 2020, DTNA had recalled unpainted brake modulator valves due to possible corrosion and implemented a remedy of painted valves (described in FL-855).

Following two reports of vehicle pull during ACC operation from a customer with the painted valves in September 2022, DTNA worked with this and other customers to randomly select additional painted valves to inspect. Testing results revealed varying degrees of corrosion buildup on the valves installed on trucks and was most present on vehicles primarily operating in aggressive salt belt regions. Thus, DTNA initiated this new recall (FL-958) to replace painted brake modulator valve with anodized valves on the vehicles equipped with ACC.

This recall also expands and replaces a previous recall, 20V-390. All vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-390 will need to have the new remedy performed.