Recall 18V646 affects 19,754 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, and Business Class M2 trucks for steering-shaft installation defects. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 19,754 2018-2019 108SD, 114SD, and Business Class M2 vehicles under recall 18V646 after finding steering shaft assemblies installed incorrectly. That installation error can break the connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, lead to loss of vehicle control, and Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering shaft assembly on 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, and Business Class M2 trucks links the steering wheel to the steering gear that turns the front wheels. When the driver turns the wheel, the shaft transfers that movement through bolted joints so the front axle wheels respond in the same direction. The connection has to stay tight for the truck to steer as commanded.
On affected trucks, that steering shaft assembly was not installed correctly. DTNA also found a reported truck outside the earlier recall with a pinch bolt at low torque, meaning the bolt was not tightened enough to hold the joint with the intended clamping force. If the joint slips or separates, the steering wheel loses its mechanical connection to the front wheels.
There is no warning sign before failure. A truck can steer normally until the connection is lost, so the problem is handled through dealer inspection and repair rather than waiting for a symptom.
Who's affected?
Covers the 108SD, 114SD, and Business Class M2 across the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to the steering system.
| 2018 Freightliner 108SD | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Freightliner 114SD | steering system |
| 2019 Freightliner 114SD | steering system |
| 2019 Freightliner 108SD | steering system |
| 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 | steering system |
| 2018 Freightliner Business Class M2 | steering system |
| Units affected | 19,754 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loss of connection between the steering wheel and front wheels means the driver can lose vehicle control, increasing crash risk. Until the steering shaft assembly is inspected and repaired, schedule dealer service promptly and keep any truck with steering that does not respond normally out of service. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, or Business Class M2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free steering-shaft inspection and repair that fixes the incorrect connection between the steering wheel and front wheels.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V646 when you call.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete, because the steering shaft defect can cause loss of vehicle control.
- Call Freightliner customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician inspects the steering shaft assembly to confirm how it was installed. If the inspection finds the steering shaft assembly was installed incorrectly, the technician repairs the assembly so the steering wheel connection to the front wheels is restored. The recall work is free, including parts and labor. This repair is handled through a franchised Freightliner dealer, so schedule the recall visit with the service department and give them recall 18V646 when you call.
Timeline
| September 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 16, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 16, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 16, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 16, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V646?
Recall 18V646 covers 19,754 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, and Business Class M2 vehicles with a steering shaft assembly that was installed incorrectly. The defect can break the connection between the steering wheel and front wheels. Freightliner dealers will inspect and repair the steering shaft assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, or Business Class M2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V646. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the steering shaft inspection and repair. Reference recall number 18V646000 or Freightliner recall FL-791 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. Freightliner dealers will inspect the steering shaft assembly and repair it as needed for free, with parts and labor covered under recall 18V646000.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V646?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. If the steering shaft assembly loses its connection, the steering wheel no longer controls the front wheels, which can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V646000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V646 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V646000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- 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 →