Recall 20V525 affects 1,074 2016-2020 Freightliner 114SD autohaulers because cab movement can damage a battery cable. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Recall 20V525 covers 1,074 2016-2020 Freightliner 114SD autohaulers because cab movement can let the battery cable contact the bottom of the cab and damage the cable. A damaged cable can short electrically and increase the risk of a fire, and Freightliner dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The battery cable on 2016-2020 Freightliner 114SD autohaulers carries power from the battery to the truck's electrical system. It is routed under the cab and held away from metal structure by standoff brackets. Those brackets keep the cable from rubbing as the cab moves during normal operation.
On affected trucks, the original battery cable standoff brackets were repositioned during the auto-hauler conversion, but some were not placed to Fontaine's specifications. That leaves too little clearance between the positive battery cable and the bottom of the cab. As the cab moves, the cable rubs against the cab support and the insulation wears down.
An owner or fleet technician can notice contact marks, worn insulation, or chafing on the battery cable under the cab. The warning sign is physical rubbing damage rather than a dashboard message, so the cable routing and bracket position need a close inspection.
Who's affected?
The 2016-2020 114SD group centers on 2 areas: battery cables and body or structural components.
| 2017 Freightliner 114SD | battery |
|---|---|
| 2019 Freightliner 114SD | body or structural component |
| 2018 Freightliner 114SD | body or structural component |
| 2018 Freightliner 114SD | battery |
| 2017 Freightliner 114SD | body or structural component |
| 2019 Freightliner 114SD | battery |
| 2016 Freightliner 114SD | body or structural component |
| 2016 Freightliner 114SD | battery |
| 2020 Freightliner 114SD | body or structural component |
| 2020 Freightliner 114SD | battery |
| Units affected | 1,074 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged battery cable can create an electrical short and increase the risk of a fire. Cab movement can let the cable rub against the bottom of the cab over time, so have the cable routing checked and repaired promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2020 Freightliner 114SD is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free battery-cable protection repair that keeps cab movement from damaging the cable.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V525 when you call.
- Park away from buildings if you smell burning, see cable damage, or notice electrical smoke before the repair.
- Call 1-800-366-8246 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician checks the battery cable routing under the cab and verifies that the standoff brackets are in the correct position. If the cable can be damaged by cab movement, the dealer repositions the brackets or installs a replacement bracket kit so the cable is protected. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. Fontaine's reimbursement plan covers up to 30 minutes of labor to check the standoff bracket position if that work was already paid out of pocket. Bring the repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how Fontaine handles the claim.
| Estimated time at dealer | 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
Timeline
| August 31, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 19, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 19, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 4, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 9, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V525?
Recall 20V525 covers 1,074 2016-2020 Freightliner 114SD autohaulers with a battery cable that can contact the bottom of the cab during operation. Cable damage can cause an electrical short and raise fire risk. The dealer repair is free.
What should I do if my 2016-2020 Freightliner 114SD is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V525. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the cable protection repair. Reference recall 20V525 when you call, and contact Fontaine customer service at 1-800-366-8246 if scheduling help is needed.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 20V525, dealers will ensure the battery cable cannot be damaged, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Cab movement during operation can let the battery cable contact the bottom of the cab, which can damage the cable and create an electrical short. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Freightliner 114SD used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor recalls regardless of ownership history. If you never received a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your truck is included in recall 20V525, then call a franchised Freightliner dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V525000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-366-8246 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V525 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V525000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →