Recall 20V642 affects 4,329 2018-2019 Western Star and Freightliner trucks for clutch failure and unintended movement. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star recall 20V642 covers 4,329 2018-2019 Freightliner and Western Star trucks, including the 4900, Cascadia, and Business Class M2, because an internal clutch assembly component can fail. That failure can allow unintended vehicle movement and increase crash risk, and the dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The clutch assembly in these 2018-2019 Western Star trucks sits between the engine and the drivetrain. Its job is to connect engine power when the truck needs to move and separate that power when the truck is stopped, shifting, or held by the parking brakes. These trucks use automated manual transmissions with certain Eaton Fuller ECA clutches, so the system manages clutch movement electronically instead of through a driver-operated clutch pedal.
In NHTSA campaign 20V642, an internal component inside the clutch assembly can fail. When that happens, the clutch can create driveline torque while the truck is supposed to stay parked. In the wrong conditions, that torque can overcome the parking brakes and let the truck move unexpectedly.
The filing describes unintended motion with prior warning, but it does not name a specific warning light, sound, or driver symptom. Treat any clutch malfunction, unexpected lurch, or drivetrain behavior while parked as a reason to stop using the truck and contact a Western Star dealer.
Who's affected?
Spans 8 truck lines across the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to the clutch assembly.
| 2018 Western Star 4900 | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2018 Freightliner 114SD | powertrain |
| 2018 Western Star 5700 | powertrain |
| 2018 Western Star 4700 | powertrain |
| 2018 Freightliner Cascadia | powertrain |
| 2018 Freightliner 108SD | powertrain |
| 2019 Western Star 4700 | powertrain |
| 2019 Western Star 4900 | powertrain |
| 2019 Western Star 5700 | powertrain |
| 2019 Freightliner 114SD | powertrain |
| 2019 Freightliner 108SD | powertrain |
| 2019 Freightliner 122SD | powertrain |
| 2019 Freightliner Cascadia | powertrain |
| 2018 Freightliner Business Class M2 | powertrain |
| 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 | powertrain |
| 2018 Freightliner 122SD | powertrain |
| Units affected | 4,329 |
| 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?
The vehicle can move unexpectedly if driveline torque overcomes the parking brakes, increasing the risk of a crash or impact. If you notice unexpected movement or unusual drivetrain behavior while parked, set the brake again, keep clear of the vehicle path, and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Western Star or Freightliner truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Western Star or Freightliner dealer to schedule the free software update and clutch replacement that fixes the internal clutch failure linked to unintended vehicle movement.
- Bring the recall notice if DTNA mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V642 when you call.
- Call Western Star customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions and reference DTNA recall FL-865.
- Secure the truck before every start and stop until the repair is complete, since unintended movement increases crash risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Western Star technician updates the clutch control software and replaces the clutches covered by recall 20V642. The software update, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. DTNA used its general reimbursement plan for this campaign, so owners who already paid for related clutch repairs can seek reimbursement for documented expenses. Bring repair invoices and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact DTNA customer service if the dealer needs the claim routed through DTNA.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 16, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 14, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| December 14, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 14, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 28, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V642?
Recall 20V642 covers 4,329 2018-2019 Western Star and Freightliner trucks with a clutch assembly defect. An internal clutch component can fail, and the vehicle can move unexpectedly, increasing crash risk. Dealers will update the software and replace the clutches for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Western Star or Freightliner truck is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V642. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the software update and clutch replacement. Reference recall 20V642 or DTNA recall FL-865 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and DTNA's remedy says dealers will update the software and replace the clutches free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at the franchised dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended vehicle movement. The recalled clutch assembly has an internal component that can fail, and under certain circumstances the truck can move unexpectedly. That movement increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought this truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2018-2019 Western Star or Freightliner truck can still be included. Check your VIN, then call the dealer with recall 20V642 or FL-865.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V642000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V642 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V642000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →