
Risk of Fire Due to Fuel Leaks Prompt Recall of Freightliner and Western Star Trucks
Portland, OR — In a year riddled with recalls, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is rounding out 2021 with a recall affecting thousands of vehicles.
DTNA alerted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the issue earlier this month, according to documents submitted.
According to DTNA, the recall affects 17 vehicle models which include 2020-2022 Western Star 4700; 2019-2022 Freightliner 114SD; 2021-2022 Western Star 49X; Freightliner Cascadia P4; 2022 Western Star 47X; 2021 Western Star WF110; 2020 Western Star WJ121; and 2019-2021 FCCC XCP Chassis vehicles.
In affected vehicles, fuel tubes between the fuel rail and the injectors for cylinders four, five, and six may fatigue and crack, which can result in a high pressure fuel leak.
A high pressure fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
DTNA confirmed the manufacturer of the defective fuel tube is Cummins, Inc.
According to Cummins, fuel leaks may be detected during maintenance on affected units.
An operator may smell fuel or observe a must due to the fuel leak, the company stated.
Production dates for affected vehicles range from October 10, 2018 to November 24, 2021.
DTNA estimates approximately 2,843 of its units are affected.
DTNA was first alerted of the issue by Cummins, when it identified 29 warranty claims for fuel tube leaks (not all of which had cracked tubes) with a date range of March 6, 2020, through September 22, 2021.
In September 2021, Cummins investigated a fire on a vehicle equipped with an X12 engine.
Then, the following month, Cummins stated it identified a leak of the number five cylinder fuel tube as the cause of the fire.
Cummins notified DTNA of the issue on December 2.
DTNA stated it investigated the matter promptly and declared a recall days later.
As a remedy, dealers will replace the fuel tubes and install vibration isolators, free of charge.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on February 10, 2022.
Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1 (800) 547-0712.
DTNA’s number for this recall FL-915.
You can read more about the recall on the NHTSA’s website HERE.