Recall round-up: Western Star 4700, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit Connect, others

2020-Sprinter

The following safety recalls were recently issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

  • Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Western Star 4700 and 4900 and Freightliner Coronado, 108SD and 114SD vehicles. The vehicle certification label contains incorrect information, stating a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) that exceeds the tire capacity rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, “Wheels and Rims-Other than passenger cars.” Incorrect weight rating information on the certification labels could result in potential overloading of the axles, increasing the risk of a crash. NHTSA says potentially 53 units are affected by this recall.
  • Daimler Vans USA is recalling certain 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The outer area of the brake hoses on the front and rear axles may have been damaged during production. Over time, the hose could begin to leak brake fluid, affecting the braking performance of the vehicle, including the potential loss of directional stability when braking, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. NHTSA says potentially 463 units are affected by this recall.
  • Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The powertrain control module (PCM) software has fail-safe temperature threshold values higher than intended for the engine. This may delay the fail-safe cooling strategy in the event of coolant loss and result in engine overheating. If the engine overheats, it can result in engine damage and increase the risk of a fire. NHTSA says potentially 2,903 units are affected by this recall.
  • Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America is recalling certain 2019-2021 FEC7T, FECZT, and FEC9T vehicles. The brake booster vacuum pump assembly may be affected by heat radiating off the exhaust manifold during normal engine operation. This heat can cause the diaphragm in the pump to crack, resulting in loss of vacuum in the vacuum pump. If loss of vacuum occurs, power brake assist may become inoperable, increasing the risk of a crash. NHTSA says potentially 4,332 units are affected by this recall.
  • Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America is recalling certain 2019-2021 FEC7T, FECZT, FEC9T vehicles. The exhaust pipe studs and nuts may not have been properly tightened. Loose exhaust mounting can result in hot exhaust gases leaking, increasing the risk of a fire. NHTSA says potentially 4,294 units are affected by this recall.
  • Shyft Group is recalling certain 2021 Utilimaster Aeromaster vehicles built on Ford E-450 chassis. The body mount bracket may chafe the brake lines, eventually rubbing through the brake lines. If the bracket rubs through the brake lines, braking ability may be negatively affected, increasing the risk of a crash. NHTSA says potentially 323 units are affected by this recall.
  • Shyft Group is recalling certain 2020 Utilimaster Walk-In vans. If depressed to the floor of the vehicle, the throttle pedal may get trapped in the open position by the tread plate installed on the floor at the driver’s pedestal. The throttle pedal stuck in the open position could increase the risk of a crash. NHTSA says potentially 80 units are affected by this recall.