Recall 20V539 covers 103 2020-2021 Western Star 4700, 122SD, 4900, and 114SD trucks for short pivot screws. Free repair at a franchised dealer.
Western Star issued recall 20V539 for 103 2020-2021 Western Star 4700 and 4900, plus Freightliner 114SD and 122SD, vehicles equipped with certain SL2065 steerable lift axles because lower rear pivot cap screws are too short to lock into the matching nuts. If that hardware separates from the suspension, it can become a road hazard and raise crash or injury risk; the dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The SL2065 steerable lift axle is an added axle in the suspension on certain 2020-2021 4700, 122SD, 4900, and 114SD trucks. It helps carry weight and steer with the truck, so the suspension stays controlled when the axle is in use. The lower rear pivot cap screws fasten part of that axle assembly at a pivot point, where the hardware needs firm thread engagement to stay locked.
On these trucks, the lower rear pivot cap screws are not long enough to fully engage the locking feature of the matching nuts. That leaves the joint with less holding force than designed. Over time, vibration and suspension movement can compromise operation of the lift axle suspension.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or fleet operator should not rely on noise, handling feel, or a dashboard message to identify this hardware problem before inspection.
Who's affected?
Covers Western Star 4700 and 4900 trucks plus Freightliner 114SD and 122SD trucks from the 2020 and 2021 model years, all tied to the same suspension component.
| 2021 Western Star 4700 | suspension component |
|---|---|
| 2021 Freightliner 122SD | suspension component |
| 2021 Western Star 4900 | suspension component |
| 2020 Freightliner 122SD | suspension component |
| 2020 Freightliner 114SD | suspension component |
| 2020 Western Star 4700 | suspension component |
| 2020 Western Star 4900 | suspension component |
| 2021 Freightliner 114SD | suspension component |
| Units affected | 103 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year, make, 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?
Short lower rear pivot cap screws can fail to engage the nuts, letting suspension hardware separate from the vehicle. Loose hardware in the road creates a crash and injury risk for the driver and nearby traffic. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Western Star or Freightliner 4700, 122SD, 4900, or 114SD is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the free lower rear pivot cap screw inspection and hardware correction that keeps the suspension hardware secured.
- Reference recall number 20V539 and DTNA recall FL-862 when you call the dealer.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it, and ask the dealer to confirm that the SL2065 steerable lift axle hardware is inspected before the truck returns to service.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and avoid hauling or routes that add stress to the suspension hardware.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Western Star technician inspects the lower rear pivot cap screws on the steerable lift axle to confirm the screws are the proper length. If the hardware is too short to engage the locking feature of the matching nuts, the dealer corrects the hardware. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Bring the recall number, FL-862, when you call the service desk so they can identify the campaign and confirm the covered work for your VIN.
Timeline
| September 3, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 30, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 1, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 1, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 1, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 1, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V539?
Recall 20V539 covers 103 2020-2021 Western Star 4700, 4900, 122SD, and 114SD vehicles with certain SL2065 steerable lift axles. The lower rear pivot cap screws lack enough length to engage the locking nuts, which can let hardware separate from the suspension system.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Western Star 4700, 4900, 122SD, or 114SD is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V539. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the lower rear pivot cap screw inspection. Reference recall number 20V539 and DTNA recall FL-862 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this defect at no cost. Western Star dealers will inspect the lower rear pivot cap screws for the proper length and correct the hardware as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk from recall 20V539?
The safety risk is loose suspension hardware becoming a road hazard. If the cap screws do not engage the locking nuts, the hardware can separate from the suspension system, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began October 30, 2020. Owners can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 or call a franchised Western Star dealer and reference recall 20V539 or DTNA recall FL-862.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V539000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V539 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V539000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →