Recall 15V616 affects 5,801 2011-2014 Freightliner trucks across 4 models for fifth-wheel lock failure. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 5,801 2011-2014 Cascadia, Business Class M2, Columbia Glider, and Coronado trucks because Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel connectors can suffer cumulative damage that keeps the locking mechanism from operating or engaging correctly. If the lock fails, the trailer can detach from the tractor and increase crash risk; Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The fifth wheel assembly on affected 2011-2014 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, Columbia Glider, and Coronado trucks is the coupling plate behind the cab that connects the tractor to a semitrailer. The Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel uses a locking mechanism to grab and hold the trailer kingpin after the driver backs under the trailer. When it works correctly, the lock keeps the trailer coupled during normal driving.
On these trucks, cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and lock can keep the locking mechanism from operating or fully engaging. The recall ties that damage to coupling and maintenance procedures that are not done correctly. Once the lock is damaged, the driver can complete a coupling attempt that looks finished while the mechanism has not secured the kingpin as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. Before moving the truck, the practical check is a proper coupling inspection and a dealer repair for trucks included in recall 15V616.
Who's affected?
Spans 4 Freightliner truck models from 2011-2014, all tied to the fifth wheel assembly.
| 2011 Freightliner Cascadia | Fifth wheel assembly |
|---|---|
| 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2012 Freightliner Cascadia | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2013 Freightliner Columbia Glider | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2014 Freightliner Columbia Glider | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2014 Freightliner Business Class M2 | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2011 Freightliner Columbia Glider | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2014 Freightliner Cascadia | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2013 Freightliner Cascadia | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2012 Freightliner Columbia Glider | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2011 Freightliner Business Class M2 | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2014 Freightliner Coronado | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2013 Freightliner Business Class M2 | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2011 Freightliner Coronado | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2012 Freightliner Coronado | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2013 Freightliner Coronado | Fifth wheel assembly |
| Units affected | 5,801 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged fifth wheel or locking mechanism can keep the lock from working as intended. If that happens, the trailer can detach from the tractor and increase crash risk. Schedule the recall repair soon, especially before hauling a trailer. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2014 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, Columbia Glider, or Coronado is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free Ultra NT fifth wheel replacement that fixes the damaged locking mechanism and helps keep the trailer coupled to the tractor.
- Bring the recall notice if Freightliner mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V616 when you call.
- Avoid towing a trailer with a fifth wheel that does not lock cleanly or shows damage until the dealer has completed the replacement.
- Call Freightliner customer service at 1-800-745-8000 with questions about recall FL-692.
What happens at the repair
At a Freightliner authorized service facility, a Freightliner technician replaces the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. The work addresses damage to the fifth wheel and locking mechanism that can keep the connector from operating or engaging correctly. Tell the service desk this is Freightliner recall 15V616 so they can match the repair to the correct campaign.
Timeline
| October 1, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 20, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 28, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| November 28, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 28, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V616?
Recall 15V616 covers 5,801 2011-2014 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, Columbia Glider, and Coronado trucks with Fontaine Ultra LT fifth-wheel connectors. Damage to the fifth wheel and locking mechanism can stop the lock from operating or engaging correctly. Freightliner authorized service facilities will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2014 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, Columbia Glider, or Coronado is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V616. If it is, contact a Freightliner authorized service facility and ask for the free fifth-wheel replacement. Reference recall number 15V616 or Freightliner recall FL-692 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 15V616 is a free fifth-wheel replacement. Freightliner authorized service facilities replace the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation. If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are damaged enough, the lock can fail to operate as intended, and the trailer can detach from the tractor. That increases crash risk. Check your VIN before putting the truck back into regular service.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair became available after owner notification began on November 20, 2015. For an included truck, the repair path is still the same: contact a Freightliner authorized service facility, provide the VIN, and ask for the free fifth-wheel replacement under recall 15V616.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V616000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-745-8000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V616 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V616000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →