NHTSA opens recall query into 1997–1998 Freightliner FL-50 and 2 other models: DRIVELINE FASTENER FAILURE
On June 1, 1999, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ99009) into 1997–1998 Freightliner FL-50 and 2 other models, concerning the power train. A Recall Query examines an earlier recall, for example whether its repair works or whether it covers every affected vehicle. As of NHTSA’s latest data it is still open.
- Action
- RQ99009 (Recall Query)
- Status
- Open
- Component
- Power Train
- Listed
- 6 make/model/year entries in NHTSA’s file
Vehicles under investigation
| Make | Freightliner |
|---|---|
| Models | FL-50, FL-60, FL-70 |
| Model years | 1997–1998 |
As listed in NHTSA’s investigation file. Not every vehicle of a listed model is necessarily affected.
What ODI says
ON APRIL 13, 1999, FREIGHTLINER FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT RECEIVED ON (APRIL 20, 1999) FOAPPROXIMATELY 1,200 FL-50, FL-60, AND FL-70 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DRIVELINE PARKING BRAKES AND MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1, 1997, THROUGH MAY 31, 1998.THE FASTENERS CONNECTING THE TRANSMISSION COMPANION FLANGE TO THE PARK BRAKE DRUM AND DRIVELINE CAN LOOSEN.CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE CAN RESULT IN FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE FASTENERS ALLOWING THE DRIVELINE TO SEPARATE.DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FASTENERS FOR PROPER TORQUE.IF THE FASTENERS ARE FOUND LOOSE THEY WILL BE REPLACED.IF THE FASTENERS ARE FOUND PROPERLY TORQUED, THE NUTS WILL BE REMOVED, PERMALOCK APPLIED AND THE NUTS RE-INSTALLED AND TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION.FREIGHTLINER'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS FL-230. FREIGHTLINER NOTES THAT ...THE BEGINNING AND ENDING DATES WERE DETERMINED BY THE INCIDENCE CLAIMS, HOWEVER, ONLY ONE REPORT WAS REFERENCED IN THE DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT. FREIGHTLINER INVESTIGATED THE DEFECT BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER 1998, WHEN FREIGHTLINER RECEIVED A REPORT OF COMPANION FLANGE FASTENERS LOOSENING AND IN SOME CASES SHEARING OFF.IN DECEMBER 1998, AN AUDIT OF THE ASSEMBLY PLANT FOUND THAT THE COMPANION FLANGE FASTENERS WERE IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED IN THAT THE FASTENERS WERE UNDER TORQUED AND NO PERMALOCK WAS APPLIED. ON MARCH 23, 1999, FREIGHTLINER DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL. THE PURPOSE OF THIS RQ IS TO INVESTIGATE THE SCOPE, CHRONOLOGY, AND THE TIMELINESS OF FREIGHTLINER'S ACTIONS.
Official summary by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation for RQ99009, quoted in full (U.S. government work, public domain).
Related recalls
NHTSA links these recall campaigns to RQ99009.
- NHTSA campaign 99V085000
Timeline
- ODI opens recall query RQ99009
- OpenNo closing date yet
What this means for owners
- An investigation is not a recall. NHTSA has not made a defect finding here, and owners are not asked to do anything yet. If a safety defect is confirmed, the manufacturer recalls the vehicles and the repair is free.
- Check your vehicle for open recalls with a free VIN recall check.
- Had this problem? File a complaint with NHTSA. Owner complaints are the evidence ODI uses to open and expand investigations.
Official record: search RQ99009 or your vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls, which lists investigations alongside recalls. Data: NHTSA ODI investigations file, updated daily. All NHTSA investigations.