Recall 19V443 affects 809 2019-2020 Freightliner Business Class M2 and 108SD trucks for under-lubricated front axles. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 809 2019-2020 Business Class M2 and 108SD trucks equipped with Meritor MX 120 EVO Front Drive Steer axles because insufficient axle lubrication can damage wheel end bearings. Bearing damage can let a wheel separate from the truck and cause sudden loss of vehicle control; Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front drive steer axle on the 2019-2020 Freightliner Business Class M2 and 108SD sends engine power to the front wheels while also allowing them to steer. Inside that axle, the wheel end bearings support the wheel ends and let them rotate under heavy load. Those bearings need oil to carry heat away and keep metal parts from grinding against each other.
On the recalled trucks, certain Meritor MX 120 EVO front drive steer axles were assembled without enough oil in the wheel end system. Without lubrication, the bearings run dry. Heat and friction build up, and the bearing surfaces get damaged instead of rolling smoothly. Once that damage starts, the wheel end no longer has the support it was designed to provide.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the axle runs without enough oil, bearing damage can develop without a clear noise, light, or change in steering feel for the driver.
Who's affected?
Covers Business Class M2 and 108SD trucks across the 2019 and 2020 model years, all involving the same drive axle component.
| 2020 Freightliner Business Class M2 | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 | drive axle |
| 2020 Freightliner 108SD | drive axle |
| Units affected | 809 |
| 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?
Damaged bearings can allow a wheel to separate, causing sudden loss of vehicle control and increasing crash risk. Schedule the inspection and repair soon, and limit operation until a Freightliner dealer checks the wheel end components. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Freightliner Business Class M2 or 108SD is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free axle and wheel-end inspection that addresses insufficient lubrication and bearing damage.
- Bring the recall notice if Freightliner has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V443 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary trips until the inspection is complete, because bearing damage can lead to wheel separation and sudden loss of control.
- Call Freightliner customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about the recall.
What happens at the repair
At a Freightliner authorized service facility, a Freightliner technician inspects the front drive steer hubs for oil and checks the wheel end components tied to the Meritor MX 120 EVO front drive steer axle. If the inspection shows oil or related wheel end damage, the technician replaces the affected wheel end components. The recall repair is available now, and the inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall.
Timeline
| June 11, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 9, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| August 9, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 9, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 10, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V443?
Recall 19V443 covers 809 2019-2020 Freightliner Business Class M2 and 108SD vehicles with Meritor MX 120 EVO front drive steer axles. The axle lubrication problem can damage wheel end bearings. Freightliner dealers will inspect and replace wheel end components as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Freightliner Business Class M2 or 108SD is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V443. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the axle and wheel end inspection. Reference recall number 19V443 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall repair at no cost. A franchised Freightliner dealer will inspect the affected axle and replace the wheel end components as needed, with parts and labor covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is wheel separation after bearing damage. If the wheel separates, the driver can lose vehicle control and crash risk increases. Until the dealer completes the inspection, use the VIN result and dealer guidance to decide how to handle the vehicle.
When were owners notified about recall 19V443?
Freightliner issued an interim owner notice on August 7, 2019, and the recall began September 10, 2019. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall number 19V443 when calling the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V443000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V443 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V443000 |
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 →