Freightliner M2 Investigations

4 ODI actions on file.

• EAEA16001CLOSEDOpened 2/3/2016
  CNG Fuel System Integrity
  FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

  The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is only aware of the one subject fuel container rupture incident on the subject vehicles that first prompted this investigation. The subject CNG fuel system and fuel container design, material, manufacture, assembly and performance appear to be consistent with certain other manufacturers of CNG vehicles and related items of motor vehicle equipment, and in accordance with standards in effect at the time of manufacture. Since the subject incident, new and revised industry standards have advanced CNG fuel system and fuel container integrity and safety. In 2019, NHTSA noted an extremely low failure rate of CNG fuel containers, in a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend the visual inspection labeling requirement in FMVSS 304. NHTSA also entered a strategic partnership project (SPP) with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to assess fuel system and fuel container integrity requirements in an effort to update FMVSS Nos. 303 and 304. In NREL's report, they provided several considerations that reflect minimum safety standards, as well as industry best practices, to harmonize applicable light-, medium-, and heavy-duty natural gas and propane fuel vehicle codes and standards.Given these activities and the low rate of CNG fuel container ruptures in general, and the lack of other incidents among the subject vehicle population, indicating a lack of a safety defect trend, NHTSA is closing this investigation. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.Please see the Engineering Analysis closing report for more information.

• RQRQ12001CLOSEDOpened 12/7/2012
  PDM Failures
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  ODI opened this investigation based on Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data screening activities that indicated that numerous PDMs failed on 2007 M2 vehicles that were not part of the manufacturer's voluntary recall, 08V-154.The information available during the screening effort did not differentiate PDMs controlling trailer lighting from other PDMs used on the vehicle.ODI opened this investigation in order to collect additional information and ensure the scope of the original recall was appropriate.Recall 08V-154 was limited to trailer PDMs located on the fuel tank bracket.M2 vehicles utilized a total of eight locations to mount the trailer PDM.When comparing the warranty claims for each of the locations separately, the claim rate for the recalled population is over 3 times higher than the non-recalled population with other mounting locations.After seven years of service and no known crashes, fires or injuries, the data suggests that when mounted in the locations not included in the original recall, the subject PDM does not pose an unreasonable risk to highway safety at this time.For this reason, this investigation is closed and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists in the subject vehicles.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

• PEPE12018RECALLOpened 6/25/2012
  Air Brake Reservoir Bracket Fracture
  SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:RESERVOIR/TANK

  The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles had allegedly experienced a fracture of one or more support brackets resulting in an unsecured air brake reservoir.This could result in a loss of air pressure necessary for proper service brake application and a potential road hazard if the reservoir separates from the vehicle in operation.By letter dated August 15, 2012, Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) has notified ODI that it has initiated a safety recall (identified by NTHSA Recall No. 12V-405 and DTNA Recall No. FL-631) to address a safety defect in approximately 1,663 model year (MY) 2009 through 2012 Freightliner 114SD, Business Class M2, Cascadia, Coronado, Sterling 9500 and Western Star 4700 trucks manufactured from July 7, 2008 through December 15, 2011, originally equipped with a specific perpendicular oriented air brake reservoir support bracket (P/N 12-22981-000).To date ODI is unaware of any bracket failures that resulted in a complete separation of the reservoir from the vehicle.Affected owners will be notified by DTNA beginning October 15, 2012 and affected vehicles will have the subject air brake reservoir support brackets replaced with a more robust bracket.Repairs will be performed by DTNA authorized service facilities.Copies of DTNA's reimbursement plan for pre-notification remedies will be submitted to ODI as a supplemental report when available.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

• PEPE11012RECALLOpened 4/15/2011
  Fontaine Ultra LT 5th Wheel False Latch
  TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY

  DTNA submitted a 573 Recall notice (11V-289) prior to the IR response date and therefore was granted permission to forgo submission of the IR response.Freightliner reported that Fontaine's TSB issued in March had resulted in the remedy of 55 percent of all subject vehicles with an additional 33% scheduled by the time of their 573 submission.Freightliner will issue another notification 1 July if 100% of the subject population is not remedied by that time.ODI is aware that the Ultra LT 5th wheel was also installed on several other OEM's vehicles.ODI will work with Fontaine and the manufacturers to ensure that the remaining vehicles are identified and remedied.