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Campaign 21V256 Posted April 12, 2021 12,470 units

2021-2022 Freightliner Recall 21V256: Steering Bolts

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 24, 2026

Recall 21V256 affects 12,470 2021-2022 Freightliner vehicles for steering arm and tie rod bolts that can fracture. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.

Freightliner is recalling 12,470 2021-2022 Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Custom Chass Xb, Custom Chass S2, and related chassis vehicles because steering arm and tie rod bolts have a defective seam that can fracture. A fractured bolt can cause loss of steering and increase crash risk; Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The steering arm and tie rod bolts on the 2021-2022 Freightliner trucks and chassis hold key steering linkage parts together. When you turn the wheel, the steering linkage carries that movement to the front wheels so the vehicle tracks where the driver points it. These bolts are small parts, but the steering system depends on them staying clamped and intact.

On affected vehicles, certain bolt lots used for the steering arm and tie rod have a defect in the metal. Over time, that defect can lead to fatigue cracking. If a bolt fractures, the steering linkage no longer stays secured the way it should, and steering response drops.

The warning sign listed for this recall is a decrease in steering response. If the steering feels loose, delayed, or less direct than usual, that is the symptom to describe when calling the Freightliner dealer.

Who's affected?

Covers multiple truck and chassis lines from the 2021 and 2022 model years, all tied to steering arm and tie rod bolt hardware.

2021 Freightliner Custom Chass Xb tie rod (steering linkage)
2021 Freightliner Custom Chass S2 tie rod (steering linkage)
2021 Freightliner Custom Chass S2 steering system
2021 Freightliner Cascadia tie rod (steering linkage)
2021 Freightliner Cascadia steering system
Units affected12,470
Field incidentsNHTSA 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?

A fractured bolt creates a risk of loss of steering, which increases the risk of a crash. Reduced steering response is the warning sign. If the vehicle responds less directly than normal, pull over when safe and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Freightliner model is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free tie rod arm and steering arm bolt replacement that fixes the defective steering fasteners.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Freightliner has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V256 when you call.
  4. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if steering feels loose or abnormal.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Freightliner technician replaces the tie rod arm and steering arm bolts covered by recall 21V256. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Freightliner used its general reimbursement plan on file, so documented out of pocket repairs tied to this defect are handled through that standard plan. If you already paid for this repair before the recall work was done, bring repair paperwork to the service desk or contact Freightliner customer service.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

April 12, 2021 NHTSA published the recall
June 10, 2021 Dealer notification began
June 10, 2021 Dealer notification ended
June 10, 2021 Owner notification mailed
June 10, 2021 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 21V256?

Recall 21V256 covers 12,470 2021-2022 Freightliner trucks and chassis with steering arm and tie rod bolts that can fracture. A fractured bolt can cause loss of steering and increase crash risk. Freightliner dealers will replace the tie rod arm and steering arm bolts for free.

What should I do if my 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V256. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule replacement of the tie rod arm and steering arm bolts. Reference recall number 21V256 or Freightliner's FL-884 number when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Freightliner dealers will replace the tie rod arm and steering arm bolts free of charge, including parts and labor.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is loss of steering. The recalled steering arm and tie rod bolts can fracture, which can make the driver lose steering control and increase crash risk. The repair path is replacement of the affected bolts at a franchised Freightliner dealer.

What if I bought this Freightliner vehicle used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a franchised Freightliner dealer and reference recall number 21V256 or FL-884.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V256000
Freightliner customer service1-800-547-0712
NHTSA recall #21V256
NHTSA recall # (full)21V256000

Source documents

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 →