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Campaign 20V214 Posted April 14, 2020 63,175 units

2006-2021 Freightliner Truck Recall 20V214: Reflective Tape

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 23, 2026

Recall 20V214 covers 63,175 2006-2021 trucks with rear reflective tape blocked by mudflap brackets. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.

Freightliner is recalling 63,175 2006-2021 trucks, including Cascadia and Business Class M2, because the mudflap hanger bracket can cover part of the rear reflective tape. Reduced rearward visibility can make the truck harder for other drivers to see and increase crash risk; Freightliner dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The rear reflective tape on these 2006-2021 Freightliner trucks is the bright retroreflective strip across the back of the vehicle. Its job is simple: it catches other drivers' headlights and marks the truck's width and position at night or in poor weather. That visibility system depends on the tape staying open to view.

On the affected trucks, the mudflap hanger bracket sits too close to the rear tape or covers part of it. DTNA traced the problem to work instructions that did not specify the correct reflector bracket installation, so the bracket was assembled in a position that blocked the tape. The filing says more than 38 mm of the required 50 mm remained visible, but the covered section still left the vehicle short of the required rear visibility standard.

There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or inspector is likely to notice it only by looking at the rear mudflap bracket and reflective tape, or during a roadside or DOT inspection.

Who's affected?

Included trucks span multiple heavy-truck nameplates from 2006-2021, all tied to exterior lighting.

2013 Freightliner Columbia Exterior lighting
2014 Freightliner Columbia Exterior lighting
2015 Freightliner Columbia Exterior lighting
2016 Freightliner Columbia Exterior lighting
2008 Freightliner Classic Xl Exterior lighting
Units affected63,175
Field incidentsNHTSA 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?

Reduced rearward visibility makes the vehicle harder to see from behind and increases the risk of a crash. Use extra care around traffic until the reflective tape is inspected and repositioned. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2021 Freightliner truck is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free reflective-tape inspection and repositioning that keeps the rear tape fully visible.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Freightliner mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V214 when you call.
  4. Use caution around traffic behind the vehicle until the repair is complete.

What happens at the repair

At the authorized Freightliner service facility, a Freightliner technician inspects the rear reflective tape and checks whether the mudflap hanger bracket covers any part of it. If the tape is not completely visible, the technician repositions it so the rear reflective marking can be seen by other drivers. The inspection and any tape repositioning are free under the recall. The recall repair has been available since May 29, 2020.

Timeline

April 14, 2020 NHTSA published the recall
May 29, 2020 Owner notification mailed
June 12, 2020 Dealer notification began
June 12, 2020 Dealer notification ended
June 12, 2020 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 20V214?

Recall 20V214 covers 63,175 2006-2021 Freightliner Columbia, Classic Xl, 122SD, Fld, Century Class, Cascadia, AT9500, Coronado, Business Class M2, Argosy, 9500, and 5700 vehicles. Rear reflective tape can be partly covered by the mudflap hanger bracket, reducing rearward visibility and increasing crash risk.

What should I do if my 2006-2021 Freightliner truck is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V214. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule an inspection. The dealer will reposition the rear reflective tape as needed so it is completely visible. Reference recall number FL848 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Freightliner dealers will inspect and reposition the rear reflective tape free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.

What is the safety risk in recall 20V214?

The safety risk is reduced rearward visibility. If the mudflap hanger bracket covers part of the rear reflective tape, other drivers have less visual warning from the rear of the vehicle, which increases crash risk. The free dealer repair restores the required visibility.

What if I bought this Freightliner truck used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Freightliner dealer with recall number FL848. If you need help confirming details, Freightliner customer service is 1-800-547-0712.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V214000
Freightliner customer service1-800-547-0712
NHTSA recall #20V214
NHTSA recall # (full)20V214000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →