Recall 17V315 covers 698 2017 Western Star 5700 and Cascadia trucks for a brittle axle output shaft. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star is recalling 698 2017 5700 and Cascadia trucks built with NFD tandem rear axles because the axle assembly output shaft can fracture while the truck is in use. A fracture on a downgrade can disable compression braking and leave large debris in the road. Both increase the risk of a crash, and Western Star dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle assembly on the 2017 Western Star 5700 and Cascadia trucks transfers engine power through the driveline to the tandem rear axles. Inside that assembly, the output shaft, also called a through shaft, helps pass torque through the axle set so the rear wheels keep receiving power under load.
The recall concerns trucks built with NFD tandem rear axles. During induction hardening, the output shaft was hardened too deeply near the bolt hole for the yoke. That left the area brittle instead of tough. When the truck is in use, stress at that bolt hole can cause the shaft to fracture.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver is not expected to hear, feel, or see a clear symptom before the output shaft breaks.
Who's affected?
Covers the 5700 and Cascadia truck models in the 2017 model year, with the same drive axle component listed for each.
| 2017 Western Star 5700 | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2017 Freightliner Cascadia | drive axle |
| Units affected | 698 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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 fractured output shaft can leave compression braking ineffective while descending a grade. Large debris from the failure can also land in the road, which adds another crash risk. Use extra caution on grades and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Western Star 5700 or Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the free axle output-shaft replacement.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 17V315 when you call.
- Avoid steep grades and heavy loads until the repair is complete, since a fractured output shaft can disable compression braking and leave debris in the road.
- Call Western Star customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Western Star technician replaces the axle assembly output shaft covered by recall 17V315. The source remedy identifies Detroit Axle dealers as the repair network, and the replacement is free of charge. Because the recall repair is available, owners with an included VIN can schedule the output shaft replacement through a Western Star service desk and reference recall FL-738. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| May 11, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 7, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 9, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| July 9, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 9, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V315?
Recall 17V315 covers 698 2017 Western Star 5700 and Cascadia trucks built with NFD tandem rear axles. The axle assembly output shaft can fracture while the truck is in use. Western Star's remedy is to replace the output shaft for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Western Star 5700 or Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V315. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer or DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 and reference recall FL-738. The output shaft replacement is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Western Star's remedy states that dealers will replace the output shaft free of charge. Ask the service desk to reference recall 17V315 or FL-738 when scheduling.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of compression braking if the output shaft fractures while descending a grade. The fractured shaft can also leave large debris in the road. Both conditions increase crash risk, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free output shaft replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V315000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V315 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V315000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation 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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →