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Campaign 18V913 Posted December 19, 2018 501 units

2017-2019 Freightliner Trucks Recall 18V913: Tie Rod Bolts

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 25, 2026

Recall 18V913 covers 501 2017-2019 Freightliner trucks and chassis for loose steering and tie rod arm bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.

Freightliner is recalling 501 2017-2019 trucks and custom chassis, including Business Class M2, 108SD, Cascadia, and 114SD models, because steering and tie rod arm bolts on Detroit Axle axles can be loose. If a tie rod arm separates, the driver can lose vehicle control, which raises the risk of a crash; Freightliner dealers will complete the free repair.

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What's wrong?

The affected Freightliner 2017-2019 trucks and chassis use Detroit Axle front steering hardware. The tie rod arm connects the steering linkage to the front axle so movement at the steering wheel reaches the front wheels. Its bolts hold that arm tight against the axle under road shock, braking, and steering load.

On affected models, the steering and tie rod arm bolts do not have confirmed production torque data. That means Freightliner cannot verify that the bolts were tightened to the required clamping force when the axle was built. If a bolt is loose, the arm can move against the axle instead of holding its position, which leaves extra play in the steering linkage.

There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not wait for a light, chime, or clear steering symptom before having the bolts inspected.

Who's affected?

Spans the 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years across multiple truck lines, with front control arm, tie rod, and steering system scope items.

2017 Freightliner Business Class M2 control arm
2017 Freightliner Business Class M2 tie rod (steering linkage)
2017 Freightliner Business Class M2 steering system
2017 Freightliner 108SD control arm
2017 Freightliner 108SD tie rod (steering linkage)
Units affected501
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date.

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

Loose tie rod arm bolts can let the tie rod arm separate, causing loss of vehicle control and increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the inspection and repair soon. Drive cautiously until a dealer checks the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 Freightliner truck or custom chassis is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free steering-arm and tie-rod-arm bolt inspection and fastener repair that corrects loose steering and tie rod arm bolts.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Freightliner mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V913 when you call.
  4. Avoid unnecessary trips until the inspection and repair are complete, and stop in a safe place if the steering feels loose.
  5. Call Freightliner customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions before your dealer visit.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Freightliner technician inspects the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts to confirm proper tightness. The technician installs new fasteners where the inspection calls for them. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the dealer repair is free. Freightliner has a general reimbursement plan on file for owner-paid repairs tied to this condition. If you already paid for a related steering arm or tie rod arm bolt repair, ask the service desk how to submit documentation.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

December 19, 2018 NHTSA published the recall
February 9, 2019 Owner notification mailed
February 16, 2019 Dealer notification began
February 16, 2019 Dealer notification ended
February 16, 2019 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 18V913?

Recall 18V913 covers 501 2017-2019 Freightliner trucks and custom chassis equipped with Detroit Axle axles. Loose steering and tie rod arm bolts can let the tie rod arm separate, causing loss of vehicle control and increasing crash risk. Freightliner dealers inspect and tighten the bolts for free, installing new fasteners when needed.

What should I do if my 2017-2019 Freightliner truck is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck or chassis is included in recall 18V913. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the steering arm and tie rod arm bolt inspection. Reference recall number 18V913 or DTNA recall FL-802 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V913, the dealer inspects the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts, tightens them, and installs new fasteners when needed free of charge.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is loss of vehicle control. NHTSA campaign 18V913 says loose tie rod arm bolts can lead to separation of the tie rod arm, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair before continuing normal use.

When did the recall repair begin?

The recall repair began February 9, 2019. Freightliner had notified owners, and dealers were instructed to inspect the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts for proper tightening, with new fasteners installed when needed. You can call Daimler Trucks at 1-800-547-0712 for recall FL-802.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V913000
Freightliner customer service1-800-547-0712
NHTSA recall #18V913
NHTSA recall # (full)18V913000

Source documents

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 →