Recall 11V249 affects 1,591 2011 Freightliner M2, Columbia Glider, 4900, Coronado, and Cascadia heavy trucks for slack-adjuster housings. Freightliner dealers replace them free.
Freightliner is recalling 1,591 2011 M2, Columbia Glider, Coronado, Cascadia, and 4900 heavy trucks under recall 11V249 because Gunite automatic slack adjuster housings were cast with inadequate structural integrity and can break under normal loads. A broken housing can disable that wheel brake, reduce braking capacity, and pull the truck to one side if it is on the steer axle; the Freightliner dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The automatic slack adjuster is part of the air brake system on the 2011 Freightliner M2, Columbia Glider, 4900, Coronado, and Cascadia heavy trucks. It keeps the brake shoes the right distance from the brake drum as the lining wears, so the brake chamber does not have to travel too far before the brakes apply. That adjustment matters every time the driver presses the brake pedal.
On the recalled trucks, the Gunite automatic slack adjuster housing was cast with incomplete knitting of the iron. In plain terms, the metal did not fully bond inside the housing during casting. That leaves the housing with inadequate structural integrity, and the handle area can break under normal operating loads.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or technician can see broken or damaged slack adjuster parts during inspection, but the recall does not identify a normal in-cab symptom before the housing breaks.
Who's affected?
Covers five 2011 truck models, all tied to the same automatic slack adjuster issue in the air brake system.
| 2011 Freightliner M2 | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Freightliner Columbia Glider | brake system |
| 2011 Western Star 4900 | brake system |
| 2011 Freightliner Coronado | brake system |
| 2011 Freightliner Cascadia | brake system |
| Units affected | 1,591 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A broken slack adjuster housing can leave its wheel brake unable to function, reducing braking capacity. If the failed adjuster is on the steer axle, the vehicle can pull to one side and increase crash risk. Schedule the repair soon and drive cautiously until the dealer completes it. Repair will be free at any franchised Freightliner dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Freightliner M2, Columbia Glider, 4900, Coronado, or Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Freightliner owner notice mailed July 5, 2011, or have your VIN ready when you call customer service.
- Call Freightliner customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions and reference recall number 11V249.
- Ask a franchised Freightliner dealer about the free slack-adjuster replacement that restores the affected wheel brake function.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and stop using the truck if braking feels uneven.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician checks the truck for the Gunite automatic slack adjusters covered by recall 11V249 and replaces any affected slack adjusters. The source remedy says the safety recall began on July 5, 2011, and the replacement is free of charge. The repair focuses on the slack adjuster housing, the brake part that can break at the handle under normal operating loads when the casting lacks enough structural integrity.
Timeline
| April 20, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 5, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V249?
Recall 11V249 covers 1,591 2011 Freightliner and Western Star heavy trucks with Gunite automatic slack adjusters that have weak housing castings. If the housing breaks, that wheel brake stops working, reducing braking capacity. Dealers will replace affected slack adjusters for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Freightliner M2, Columbia Glider, Coronado, Cascadia, or Western Star 4900 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 11V249. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule slack adjuster replacement. Reference recall number 11V249 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 11V249, dealers replace affected automatic slack adjusters free of charge. Have the VIN and recall number ready when you contact the service desk.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking capacity. If the slack adjuster housing breaks, the wheel brake connected to that adjuster stops working. If the failed part is on the steer axle, the truck can pull to one side, increasing crash risk.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began on July 5, 2011. That means affected owners can contact a franchised Freightliner dealer now to arrange replacement of any affected slack adjusters. DTNA also listed 1-800-547-0712 for owner questions about this recall.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V249000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V249 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V249000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →