Recall 18V903 covers 6,795 2018-2019 heavy trucks with an Eaton clutch defect tied to unintended movement. Repair is free at franchised Freightliner dealers.
Freightliner is recalling 6,795 2018-2019 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Business Class M2, 4700, 4900, and 5700 trucks equipped with certain Eaton ECA heavy-duty clutches. An internal clutch component can fail and lead to unintended vehicle movement, increasing crash risk; Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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 Eaton Fuller ECA heavy-duty truck clutch in these 2018-2019 Freightliner trucks sits between the engine and transmission. Its job is to connect engine power to the drivetrain when the truck moves, then separate that power during starts, stops, and shifts. On 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Business Class M2, 4700, 4900, and 5700 trucks, the clutch assembly is part of the system that keeps the truck from moving unless the driver commands it.
In NHTSA campaign 18V903, an internal component inside the clutch assembly can fail. When that happens, the clutch does not control power transfer as designed. The result is unintended vehicle movement, which is the safety concern named in the recall.
The campaign says drivers receive prior warning, but it does not identify the exact warning sign. Treat any unusual clutch behavior, driveline warning, or truck movement that does not match pedal input as a reason to stop using the truck and contact a Freightliner dealer.
Who's affected?
Covers 8 truck models from the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to the same clutch assembly.
| 2019 Freightliner 114SD | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2019 Freightliner Cascadia | powertrain |
| 2018 Freightliner 122SD | powertrain |
| 2019 Freightliner 108SD | powertrain |
| 2018 Freightliner Business Class M2 | powertrain |
| 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 | powertrain |
| 2019 Freightliner 122SD | powertrain |
| 2018 Western Star 4900 | powertrain |
| 2018 Freightliner Cascadia | powertrain |
| 2018 Freightliner 114SD | powertrain |
| 2018 Western Star 5700 | powertrain |
| 2018 Western Star 4700 | powertrain |
| 2018 Freightliner 108SD | powertrain |
| 2019 Western Star 4700 | powertrain |
| 2019 Western Star 4900 | powertrain |
| 2019 Western Star 5700 | powertrain |
| Units affected | 6,795 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year, model, and truck line narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unintended vehicle movement raises the risk of a crash, especially when the driver expects the truck to stay stopped or respond normally. If you notice warning signs or unexpected movement, park safely, set the brake, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Freightliner 114SD, Cascadia, 122SD, 108SD, Business Class M2, 4900, 5700, or 4700 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free software update and clutch-component repair that addresses unintended vehicle movement from Eaton ECA clutch failure.
- Bring the recall notice if Freightliner mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V903 when you call.
- Use extra care when parking and securing the truck until the repair is complete.
- Call Freightliner customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about scheduling or recall number FL-803.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician updates the clutch software and repairs any physical clutch components that need attention. The work is free under the recall, including parts and labor. Because DTNA used its general reimbursement plan, owners who already paid for a related clutch or software repair can ask DTNA customer service or the service desk how to submit documentation for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 16, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| February 16, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 16, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 31, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V903?
Recall 18V903 covers 6,795 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Business Class M2, 4700, 4900, and 5700 trucks with certain Eaton ECA heavy-duty clutches. An internal clutch component can fail and cause unintended vehicle movement, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Freightliner truck is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V903. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the software update and any needed clutch component repair. Reference recall number 18V903 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 18V903, Freightliner dealers will update the software and repair any affected physical clutch components free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended vehicle movement. The recall filing says an internal clutch assembly component can fail, which can let the truck move when the driver does not intend it to move. That condition increases the risk of a crash.
What if I bought this Freightliner truck used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included, then contact a franchised Freightliner dealer and reference recall number 18V903.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V903000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V903 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V903000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →