Recall 20V294 affects 5 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite garbage trucks for incorrect EBS ECU software. Repair is free at any franchised Dennis Eagle dealer.
Dennis Eagle is recalling 5 2017-2018 Elite garbage trucks because the Electronic Braking System control unit was programmed with incorrect datasets, causing the anti-lock braking system to activate on the opposite side of the vehicle. That ABS malfunction can add stopping distance and increase crash risk; Dennis Eagle dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Electronic Braking System control unit on the 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite is the computer that manages the truck's air-brake and anti-lock brake functions. When a wheel starts to lock during braking, the system is supposed to reduce brake force at that wheel so the tire keeps rolling and the driver keeps steadier control.
On affected trucks, the control unit was loaded with the wrong datasets. Those software settings mix up left and right drive-axle brake references, including the automatic traction control logic. If the system detects a lock-up on one side, it activates the anti-lock function on the opposite side instead of the side that needs correction.
That means the braking system responds to the wrong wheel during a lock-up event. The problem is in the control unit programming, not a part an owner can inspect from outside the truck. There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or operator should not expect a dashboard message or a change in normal pedal feel before the system reacts incorrectly.
Who's affected?
The scope spans the 2017 and 2018 Elite with electrical-system software and ABS components listed separately.
| 2017 Dennis Eagle Elite | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2017 Dennis Eagle Elite | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2017 Dennis Eagle Elite | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2018 Dennis Eagle Elite | electrical system software |
| 2018 Dennis Eagle Elite | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2018 Dennis Eagle Elite | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| Units affected | 5 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA 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 truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the ABS system malfunctions, the vehicle can require additional stopping distance, which increases crash risk. There is no warning sign before this change, so leave more room, watch braking behavior, and schedule the software repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Dennis Eagle dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Dennis Eagle dealer to schedule the free EBS ECU software update that corrects the ABS programming issue.
- Bring the recall notice if Dennis Eagle mailed one. Reference recall number 20V294 and Dennis Eagle recall FSI 1369 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra stopping distance and avoid hard braking when you can.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dennis Eagle technician reprograms the Electronic Braking System ECU with updated software so the braking control unit uses the correct datasets. The software update and labor are free under the recall. If you paid out of pocket for a related EBS ECU software repair before the recall work was completed, Dennis Eagle's general reimbursement plan on file covers documented expenses. Bring the repair invoice, proof of payment, and any dealer paperwork to the service desk, or contact Dennis Eagle customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 21, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 28, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| June 1, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 4, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V294?
Recall 20V294 covers 5 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite garbage trucks with incorrect Electronic Braking System control unit datasets. The error can make the anti-lock braking system activate on the opposite side from the detected lock-up, increasing stopping distance and crash risk.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V294. If it is, contact Dennis Eagle customer service at 1-813-440-8136 or a Dennis Eagle service location to arrange the EBS ECU software reprogramming. Reference FSI 1369 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Dennis Eagle will reprogram the EBS ECU with new software free of charge. The recall repair has been available since June 1, 2020.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is longer stopping distance if the ABS system malfunctions. On these trucks, the incorrect EBS ECU programming can activate anti-lock braking on the opposite side of the vehicle from the wheel lock-up, increasing crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V294000 |
|---|---|
| Dennis Eagle customer service | 1-813-440-8136 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V294 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V294000 |
Source documents
-
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →