CarRecallWatch
Home / Latest recalls / 15V616

Freightliner Cascadia Recall 15V616: Trailer May Detach From Truck, Raising Crash Risk

NHTSA campaign 15V616, reported October 1, 2015, 5,801 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain heavy trucks with Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel connectors may have a locking mechanism that fails to operate or properly engage. Cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism can cause the trailer to unexpectedly detach from the tractor.

If the trailer detaches, the risk of a crash increases. Owners should take this recall seriously and avoid putting the affected truck into service until the fifth wheel has been checked or replaced.

The remedy is free. Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) authorized service facilities will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel at no charge. Contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000 (recall number FL-692). Check your VIN for open recalls to confirm whether your vehicle is affected.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 15V616Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Component
TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY
Problem
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Cascadia, Business Class M2, Coronado, and Columbia Glider vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to June 15, 2013. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.
Risk
If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and DTNA authorized service facilities will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-692.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Freightliner Business Class M22011201220132014
Freightliner Cascadia2011201220132014
Freightliner Columbia Glider2011201220132014
Freightliner Coronado2011201220132014