The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a batch of new recall notices this week covering commercial vehicles from Autocar, Ford, Freightliner, and Heil, with defects ranging from faulty headlights to brake system components that were not properly secured.
The largest of the group affects Daimler Truck North America, which is recalling roughly 23,276 Freightliner EM2, Custom Chassis S2RV, Custom Chassis S2C, and Business Class M2 vehicles built for the 2026 and 2027 model years. A software error can cause the low-beam headlights to illuminate improperly, reducing visibility for drivers at night. A remedy is still under development, and owner notification letters are expected to go out by September 20.
Autocar is recalling 137 of its 2023 through 2027 ACTT terminal tractors after finding that the antilock braking system's electronic control unit may not be secured tightly enough, which can allow it to separate and fail. Autocar plans to replace the fasteners and expects to mail notification letters by September 25.
Ford's recall covers 47,587 F-150 and Super Duty pickups from the 2021 through 2026 model years equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens. A software glitch can leave a camera menu on the display after the truck shifts into reverse, partially blocking the rearview camera image required under federal visibility standards. Ford will push a software fix through dealers or an over-the-air update.
A smaller recall from Heil affects seven 2025 and 2026 side loader garbage trucks fitted with certain high-voltage cabinets that were not properly sealed, allowing water intrusion that could cause a short circuit or component failure. Heil has already begun installing protective enclosures on the affected units.
Fleet operators with any of these vehicle models are advised to watch for mailed notification letters and can also check recall status directly through NHTSA's website or by calling the agency's safety hotline.
Source: FleetOwner -- https://www.fleetowner.com/equipment/news/55395278/nhtsa-commercial-vehicle-recalls-impact-autocar-ford-freightliner-kenworth-and-peterbilt-models