Recall Roundup: NHTSA issues commercial vehicle recalls affecting Freightliner, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and more
Key takeaways
- NHTSA recalls affect key truck and van models, addressing brakes, steering, airbags, and battery hazards to prevent crashes and fires.
- Fleet owners must monitor recall notices and complete repairs promptly to maintain safety and avoid operational disruptions.
- Defects span 2020‑2027 vehicles, highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance and compliance management for fleets.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued recall notices for commercial vehicles, including brands from Altec and Daimler.
Owners of the affected vehicles should be contacted via U.S. mail over the next two months, but fleet and independent owners of these vehicles can contact the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov for more details. More information on each recall can be found below.
Altec models’ chassis engine may start unexpectedly
Altec Industries is recalling certain 2021-2025 Digger Derrick and 2021-2025 AM Series Aerial Device vehicles. The chassis engine may start unintentionally due to a missing diode in the Altec power distribution module. An engine that starts unexpectedly increases the risk of injury to anyone near the engine compartment during maintenance operations.
This recall potentially affects 57 vehicles. Altec will provide instructions to inspect the power distribution module for a diode and provide a repair kit as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 3. Owners may contact Altec customer service at 877-462-5832. Altec's number for this recall is CSN-3281.
Freightliner models’ insufficient oil in steering gearbox may cause gears to bind
Fontaine Modification is recalling certain 2024-2025 Freightliner Business Class M2 vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been assembled with insufficient oil. A lack of lubrication may cause binding gears and difficulty steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 280 vehicles. Fontaine Modification will inspect and replace the steering gearbox as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 2. Owners may contact Fontaine Modification customer service at 800-366-8246.
Mercedes-Benz Metris models’ airbags may not deploy
Daimler Vans USA (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2020 and 2022-2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris right-hand-drive vehicles. Water may accumulate on the airbag control unit, which can cause the airbags not to deploy as intended. An airbag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
This recall potentially affects 52,356 vehicles. Dealers will install a cover on the airbag control unit. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed March 20. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in April 2026. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2KORSRS.
Oshkosh models’ brake pedal mounting pin and retaining clip not installed
Oshkosh is recalling certain 2025-2026 NGDV vehicles. The mounting pin and retaining clip that retain the brake actuator rod to the brake pedal may not have been installed. An unsecured brake pedal can separate from the actuator, causing a loss of braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 5,242 vehicles. Oshkosh Defense will inspect and install the mounting pin and retaining clip as necessary. Owner notification letters were expected to be mailed on February 16. Owners may contact Oshkosh Defense customer service at 833-304-8100. Oshkosh Defense's number for this recall is NGDV_TSB_059.
Volvo VNL models’ rollaway risk from inadequate parking brake force
Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain 2024-2027 VNL vehicles that do not include auxiliary parking brakes. If the vehicle is in weight bias mode, there may not be enough weight on the parking brake axle, which could result in inadequate parking brake force. Inadequate parking brake force can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 800 vehicles. Dealers will replace the brake chambers. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 10. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2601.
Western Star models’ improper battery connection may cause fire
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Western Star 49X and 2021-2027 Western Star 47X vehicles. A stud connecting the battery to the starter at the frame rail may have been incorrectly installed or may corrode, which can cause a short circuit. A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
This recall potentially affects 26,958 vehicles. The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 11. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1029. This recall replaces and expands NHTSA recall number 25V326. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
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Jenna Hume
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Digital Content Specialist Jenna Hume joined FleetOwner in November 2023 and previously worked as a writer in the gaming industry. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Truman State University and a master of Fine Arts degree in writing from Lindenwood University. She is currently based in Missouri.