Recall 15V617 affects 14 2015-2016 Freightliner truck models with Eaton Fuller transmissions that can stay in reverse. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 14 2015-2016 114SD, Business Class M2, 108SD, Cascadia, and 4700 trucks with Eaton Fuller FR 10-speed manual transmissions because reverse gear can stay engaged after the shift lever moves to neutral or a forward gear. The truck can move backward unexpectedly or the transmission can lock, increasing crash risk; Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The manual transmission in these 2015-2016 Freightliner 114SD, Business Class M2, 108SD, Cascadia, and 4700 trucks is the gearbox that connects engine power to the drive wheels. The Eaton Fuller FR 10-speed unit lets the driver choose reverse, neutral, or a forward gear through the shift lever, and the transmission must fully release one gear before another gear engages.
On affected trucks, the problem starts when the shift lever is moved out of reverse. Reverse gear can stay engaged even though the lever has been moved to neutral. If the driver then moves the lever into a forward gear position, reverse and the forward gear are engaged at the same time, which can mechanically lock the transmission instead of letting the truck move normally.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is tied to the internal gear engagement, so the driver is not given a reliable sound, light, or feel before the transmission locks.
Who's affected?
Covers five truck models from the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the same manual transmission component.
| 2015 Freightliner 114SD | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| 2015 Freightliner Business Class M2 | manual transmission |
| 2016 Freightliner Business Class M2 | manual transmission |
| 2016 Freightliner 114SD | manual transmission |
| 2015 Freightliner 108SD | manual transmission |
| 2015 Freightliner Cascadia | manual transmission |
| 2015 Western Star 4700 | manual transmission |
| 2016 Freightliner 108SD | manual transmission |
| 2016 Freightliner Cascadia | manual transmission |
| 2016 Western Star 4700 | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 14 |
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?
After the driver shifts out of reverse and into neutral, the vehicle can still move backward unexpectedly. That backward movement increases crash risk, especially near traffic, loading areas, or pedestrians. Use extra care when shifting and parking until the repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Freightliner 114SD, Business Class M2, 108SD, Cascadia, or 4700 truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free manual-transmission inspection and repair for the reverse-gear engagement problem.
- Bring the recall notice if Freightliner mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V617 when you call.
- Avoid shifting directly from reverse into a forward gear until the dealer repair is complete, because the transmission can mechanically lock.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician inspects the affected Eaton Fuller FR 10 speed manual transmission for the reverse gear engagement problem. If the inspection finds the defect, the technician repairs the transmission at no charge. Parts and labor are covered under recall 15V617. The recall is already open, so an included VIN can be scheduled through a Freightliner dealer service desk.
Timeline
| October 1, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 24, 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 15V617?
Recall 15V617 covers 14 2015-2016 Freightliner 114SD, Business Class M2, 108SD, Cascadia, and 4700 trucks with Eaton Fuller FR 10-speed manual transmissions. The reverse gear can stay engaged after shifting out of reverse, and the dealer will inspect and repair the transmission for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Freightliner 114SD, Business Class M2, 108SD, Cascadia, or 4700 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V617. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the transmission inspection and repair. Reference recall number 15V617 or FL-693 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, and Freightliner dealers will inspect and repair the affected transmissions if necessary free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trucks included in recall 15V617.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected backward movement after the driver shifts out of reverse. If reverse gear stays engaged while the shift lever is in neutral, the truck can move backward and increase crash risk. The free dealer inspection and repair address the transmission condition.
What if I bought this truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included, then call a franchised Freightliner dealer and reference recall 15V617 or FL-693.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V617000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-745-8000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V617 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V617000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →