Daimler expands recall of medium-duty trucks for possible stalling

Detroit DD8 engine exhibits same possible stalling condition as DD5 recall

Daimler Trucks North America is expanding a recall of medium-duty trucks because of engine harness chafing that can lead to a stall. (Photo: Daimler Trucks)

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is extending a recall of Freightliner M2 Business Class trucks to other medium-duty models built with Detroit DD8 engines. They could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

On certain 2018-2021 model year SD108, SD114 and M2 Business Class trucks, the engine harness may contact and chafe at various locations around the air compressor and the frame rail. If the wires are damaged and short, the engine may stall and not restart.

Neither DTNA nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report any crashes or injuries related to the condition. The recall includes 9,548 trucks in the U.S. and 979 in Canada. About 2% of the recalled trucks are expected to have the condition.

DTNA dealers will inspect for adequate clearance between harness and engine, and for any engine harness damage. Damaged harnesses will be replaced with a new harness that has a severe-duty wrap and additional hardware for routing. 

Daimler recalled 5,604 medium-duty trucks with the DD5 engine in August for the same defect.

Repairs will be performed for free. Customers and dealers will receive details about the recall on Oct. 30. The NHTSA recall number is 20V-527. Information filed with Transport Canada can be found here.

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Daimler recalling Freightliner M2 Business Class trucks

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Click for more FreightWaves articles by Alan Adler.

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Alan Adler

Alan Adler is an award-winning journalist who worked for The Associated Press and the Detroit Free Press. He also spent two decades in domestic and international media relations and executive communications with General Motors.