Freightliner LLC has mobilized its North American dealer network to assist customers with authorized inspections of about 45,000 trucks, tractors, and buses it has determined are equipped with defective Bendix antilock braking system (ABS) EC 17-103OR electronic control units (ECU). Vehicles built between Feb 13, 1998, and Aug 16, 2000, and equipped with air brakes and this Bendix ABS ECU are included in the recall.
The first priority recall was for bus and emergency vehicles, and Freightliner recalled 6,000 of its school bus units August 28. The balance of the recall includes 39,000 trucks and tractors about which Freightliner notified customers September 8. Of the 39,000 trucks and tractors recalled in phase two, 35,400 are Sterling-branded and about 3,600 are Freightliner-branded trucks and tractors.
While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet required truck and tractor phases of the recall, Freightliner has recalled all its vehicles with the defective Bendix ABS system. According to Bendix, this braking system defect involves 300,000 vehicles industrywide.
Both Freightliner and Sterling dealers will be authorized to perform warranty work on any Freightliner LLC vehicle included in this recall.
New ECUs will become available from Bendix in limited quantities beginning in mid-September to address the first phase of recall, which involves buses and motor coaches. To complete the next phases, Bendix advisories have said ECUs would be available by spring 2001.
Freightliner will continue to advise customers to call local Freightliner, Thomas Built Buses, or Sterling dealers with any other questions or to schedule inspections and repairs.