2008 Freightliner Classic
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2008 Freightliner Classic. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2008 Freightliner Classic. Newest first.
On certain trucks equipped with trw steering gears, models tas85 and rcs85, these steering gears contain potentially defective sector shafts with an incorrect gear tooth which may interfere with the rack-piston teeth, resulting in a stick or bind condition.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition has the potential to cause the steering gear to stall and restrict the steering turning angle of the vehicle which could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Freightliner IS working with trw to replace the defective steering gear (please see 07e101). the recall began on april 18, 2008. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
On certain truck-tractors equipped with holland simplex SE or SE II fifth wheels, the latch lever pivot bolt assembly may have been over-tightened which could distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve. corrosion or contaminates in the pivot may cause it to bind and prevent the fifth wheel jaw from latching securely around the trailer king pin.
Risk and remedy
Risk
There IS a possibility that the fifth wheel may fail to latch without the driver's knowledge. when the occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the pivot bolt and sleeve with a hex head shoulder bolt and washer. the recall began on january 3, 2008. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
On certain trucks, a manufacturing error in the fuel-water separator preheater thermoswitch may prevent the fuel preheater from turning off if the ignition IS left on. if the ignition switch IS left on when fuel IS added to the fuel- water separator at the factory or during a filter element change, a small flame may occur inside the filter cover.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The potential exists for the flame to spread resulting in possible personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel filter date code and thermoswitch lot code to determine if they contain the suspect component free of charge. the recall began on october 4, 2007. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Freightliner IS recalling certain school bus chassis, heavy trucks, van chassis, rv motorhome chassis manufactured from january 5 to may 17, 2007, equipped with axle alliance company (aac) front axles. during the front axle assembly, the fasteners that attach the steering arm or tie rod arms to the spindle may be over or under tightened.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Incorrectly tightened steering arm fasteners may fatigue and fracture which could cause a crash without warning.
Remedy
Thomas built will notify owners, inspect the fasteners, and replace the steering arm if necessary. the recall began on december 21, 2007. owners can contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Certain freightliner school bus chassis, heavy trucks, and thomas built school buses manufactured between july 2002 and july 3, 2007, equipped with bendix SR-7 spring brake control valves. the parker scv brass 90 degree single check valves (scv) which attach to the supply port of a bendix SR-7 spring brake modulating valve can break apart. pieces of the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
These conditions could either result in leakage and cause a delay in the application of the spring brake without warning or possibly lead to unintended vehicle rollaway or brake drag which could result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or death.
Remedy
Freightliner will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. the recall began on january 11, 2008 to freightliner, sterling, and freightliner custom chassis owners; to thomas built bus owners on february 1, 2008. owners can contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Insecure fifth wheel latching
On november 19, 2007, freightliner filed defect report 07v-530 which outlines a safety recall program to notify the affected owners and correct the affected vehicles.
Every Freightliner Classic model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.