Portland, OR — Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling over 25,000 chassis for a third time for an electrical issue that can decrease vehicle visibility to fellow motorists.

DTNA alerted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the issue in December 2021, according to documents submitted.

The issue involves several related and overlapping recall campaigns, DTNA confirmed.

According to DTNA, the recall affects 43 models which include 2018 Freightliner Custom Chassis XBP, 2017-2020 XBR, 2017-2022 XBS, 2016-2019 XCL, 2016-2023 XCM, 2017-2021 XCP, 2016-2023 XCR, and 2017-2023 XCS recreational vehicle chassis.

In affected chassis, the rear mounted Power Distribution Module (PDM) may have internal damage, which could result in the rear marker lights, brake lights, or turn signals not functioning.

The non-functioning brake lights, rear markers and/or turn signals in affected models can reduce vehicle visibility while on the road to other drivers, thus increasing the risk of a crash, DTNA stated.

DTNA confirmed the manufacturer of the defective part is Eaton Corporation.

DTNA stated it was first alerted of the issue in 2018, and a recall was issued at that time.

However, in summer 2020, DTNA received new information that prompted the company to open a second recall for same issue.

Click HERE to read more about the second recall

A year later, in July 2021, DTNA stated a dealer notified the company of a potential failed PDM in a vehicle built after DTNA “reasonably believed” the unknown production problem had been resolved.

At the time, DTNA said it did not “reasonably believe a safety-related issue was presented.”

However, in September 2021, a second dealer reported an alleged PDM failure in a vehicle that had received the remedy involved in the second recall.

Now presented with a alleged second incident, DTNA stated it “proactively began to investigate the matter afresh, including to determine if the incidents were from the same problem recurring, a different problem, or a mix, as well as ensuring the adequacy of the [previous] remedy.”

Production dates for affected chassis range from November 23, 2015, through December 7, 2021.

DTNA estimates approximately 25,735 units are affected.

To date, the root cause of the issue has not been identified, DTNA confirmed.

As such, an effective remedy for the issue does not exist and it remains under development.

A remedy is expected in mid-to-late January 2022, the company stated.

Repairs are expected to be performed by DTNA authorized service facilities.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on February 20, 2022.

Details of the reimbursement plan will be included in the owner’s notification letter.

Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1 (800) 547-0712.

DTNA’s number for this recall FL-917.

Vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recalls will need to receive the new remedy repair once it is available.

You can read more about the most recent recall on the NHTSA’s website HERE.

OTHER RECENT RECALLS 

Risk of Fire Due to Fuel Leaks Prompt Recall of Freightliner and Western Star Trucks

Thousands of Great Dane Trailers Recalled Over Risk of ‘Catastrophic Failure’

Thousands of Western Star Trucks Recalled For Second Time Due to Fire Risk

‘Software Issue’ Causing Some Volvo VNLs to ‘Shift Into Neutral Unexpectedly’