Recall 23V238 covers 306 2022-2023 Fccc commercial vehicles for a tie rod fastener defect. Repair is free at any franchised Fccc dealer.
Fccc is recalling 306 2022-2023 MT50E, MT55, S2RV, and related Freightliner, Western Star, and Thomas Built Buses vehicles under recall 23V238 because a missing tie rod fastener allows the steer arm to detach. A detached steering arm can cause sudden loss of steering control and increase crash risk; Fccc dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The front steer axle holds the steering linkage that points the front wheels. A tie rod connects that linkage to the steer arm, and the castle nut and cotter pin keep the joint locked in place after the nut is tightened. On the 2022-2023 Fccc vehicles covered by this recall, that small retaining pin is the part that matters.
The problem comes from rework done away from the standard production process. Some front steering axles left that rework path without production torque data and without photo proof that the cotter pin was installed. If the cotter pin is missing, the castle nut can loosen, the tie rod can separate from the steer arm, and steering control is affected.
Owners can feel added free play in the steering wheel or a steering alignment that feels wrong. Treat either sign as a reason to stop using the vehicle and arrange the recall repair through a dealer.
Who's affected?
Covers Fccc, Freightliner, Western Star, and Thomas Built Buses vehicles from the 2022 and 2023 model years, all using the same front steer axle tie rod castle nut cotter-pin.
| 2023 Fccc MT50E | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2023 Freightliner 114SD | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Freightliner M2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Western Star 4700 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Western Star 49X | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Western Star 47X | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Western Star 4900 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Freightliner 108SD | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Fccc Xcr | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Fccc Xcm | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Fccc MT50E | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Fccc MT55 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Fccc Xcs | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Fccc MT55 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Fccc S2RV | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Freightliner Cascadia | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Fccc S2RV | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Fccc S2C | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Fccc MT45G | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 306 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A detached steering arm can cause sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Extra steering free-play or an improper alignment feel is a warning sign; treat either one as a reason to park safely and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Fccc dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2023 Fccc vehicle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Fccc dealer to schedule the free tie-rod inspection and repair that secures the steering linkage so the steer arm stays attached.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 23V238 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and stop driving if steering feels loose or abnormal.
- Call Fccc customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Fccc technician inspects the tie rod assembly and repairs it or replaces it if the missing fastener or related damage requires replacement. Parts and labor are covered under recall 23V238, so the recall work is free. DTNA says reimbursement details are included in the owner letter and owners should seek reimbursement through authorized dealers. If you already paid for a tie rod repair tied to this issue, bring the owner letter and repair paperwork to the dealer so the service desk can start the reimbursement request.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 4, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 14, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| July 14, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 14, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 11, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V238?
Recall 23V238 covers 306 2022-2023 Fccc, Freightliner, Thomas Built Buses, and Western Star vehicles with a tie rod assembly issue. A missing fastener can let the steering arm detach, causing sudden loss of steering control. DTNA will inspect and repair or replace the tie rod assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2022-2023 Fccc MT50E, MT55, S2RV, or other listed model is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V238. If it is, contact a franchised Fccc dealer or DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 to schedule the tie rod inspection and needed repair. Reference recall FL970 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. DTNA will inspect the tie rod assembly and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge, through a franchised Fccc dealer or the appropriate DTNA service network.
Is it safe to drive with recall 23V238 open?
The recall involves a steering part that can detach and cause sudden loss of steering control. Check your VIN before using the vehicle for work, travel, or passenger service. If your VIN is included, ask the dealer whether the vehicle should be driven to the appointment or moved another way.
When were owners notified about recall 23V238?
DTNA mailed owner notification letters on August 11, 2023. A missed letter does not mean your vehicle is clear, especially if it changed owners or fleet operators. Check your VIN and reference recall FL970 when contacting the dealer or DTNA customer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V238000 |
|---|---|
| Fccc customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V238 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V238000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →