2011 Western Star 6900 Recall

Certain trucks were built with air reservoir tanks that are too small in relation to the size of the air brake chambers. Canadian regulations require enough air reservoir capacity to ensure the brakes work even with heavy use or when there is a partial loss of the air system.

Reduced braking could cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash.

The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their truck to a Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facility to modify the truck to ensure it meets Canadian regulations.

On certain vehicles equipped with Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers may become clogged or require excessive force to activate. Also, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury, and fail to discharge. In case of fire, failure of the extinguisher to function could result in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Owners will be provided with instructions on how to inspect the fire extinguisher to see if it is recalled. Replacement fire extinguishers will be supplied by Kidde directly. Note: For more information about recalled fire extinguishers, please visit www.kidde.com.

A failure of this component (accessories) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles with air brakes, after several hard brake applications, the brake light pressure switch may not activate the brake lights with a light application of the brake pedal. If the brake lights do not illuminate, following road users would be unaware of the intent of the driver to slow the vehicle, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities will repair the brake light pressure switch.

A failure of this component (brakes) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain trucks equipped with a Detroit Diesel DD13, DD15 or DD16 engine, the support system for the high pressure fuel line (between the fuel pump and the fuel delivery rail) may be damaged during a service repair procedure. Incorrect torque applied to the dampener "P" clip fasteners may damage the fasteners, which could allow the clips to loosen. This could result in a cracked fuel line and a diesel fuel leak. Diesel fuel leakage may ignite on a hot engine surface and cause a fire. As well, diesel fuel spilt on the roadway could endanger other road users by making the roadway unexpectedly slippery. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the high pressure fuel line and install a more robust fuel line support system.

A failure of this component (fuel system) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain trucks equipped with a DD15 or DD16 engine, the bolt attaching a rubber isolator to a support bracket may become loose, back out, and contact the starter cable. This could cause an electrical short, which could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install a new bolt and isolator, and apply thread-locking fluid to the fastener.

A failure of this component (electrical) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain trucks, the driveshaft may not have been welded correctly during the manufacturing process. This could allow the driveshaft to fracture along the length of the tube seam weld when torque is applied. The fractured tube can twist or sever, which could result in additional damage to the driveline, the vehicle to which it is attached, and any additional nearby components. Should the brake air lines become damaged, it could allow spring brake application, causing immediate brake lock-up. If this occurs while the vehicle is in motion, it could result in a crash. Also, failure of the driveshaft would result in lost vehicle propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Either condition could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the driveshaft assembly.

A failure of this component (powertrain) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the slack adjuster housings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which could allow the housings to fracture and fail. As a result, the wheel brake to which the slack adjuster is attached would no longer function, which could increase vehicle stopping distances. Should a steer axle slack adjuster fail, it could also cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking. Either problem could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the slack adjusters.

A failure of this component (brakes) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).