Daimler Trucks North America to Recall Nearly 9,000 Trucks With HVAC Units That Could Overheat

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Transport Topics  /  April 12, 2016

Daimler Trucks North America announced that it will voluntarily recall nearly 9,000 model year 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured from March 24, 2014, through Nov. 9, 2015, over the possibility of an overheated connection on Bergstrom Parksmart HVAC auxiliary units.

The truck maker said there may be inadequate contact between the electrical connector on the compressor and electrical pins and the overheated connection can increase the risk of a fire.

DTNA put the number of trucks potentially involved at 8,865. The recall is expected to begin on May 7, 2016.

“Overheating of the compressor connector on units built with the open style compressor connector cap has resulted in a small percentage of potential fires (one tenth of one percent, 0.1%),” Bergstrom wrote the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The two companies investigated the issue themselves from July 2015 to February 2016. DTNA said it decided in March to issue the recall.

On April 1, NHTSA acknowledged receipt of DTNA’s letter that it would conduct a recall.

NHTSA said DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector caps. Additionally, dealers will replace the harnesses if there is evidence of heat discoloration. These repairs will be performed free of charge.

Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 800-745-8000. DTNA’s recall number for this campaign is FL-703.

Owners also may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov.