103,437 vehicles are being recalled by Daimler Trucks North America due to faults found in Sterling, Freightliner and Western Star Vehicles of the 2006-2013 model years. These vehicles use Detroit Diesel EPA07, EPA10, DD13 and DD15/16 engines.
Made between January 20, 2006 and February 20, 2012, the support system for the pump to rail high pressure fuel line used on these engines has a sensitivity to assembly torque. Thus, service work could damage the part. This would mean that line supports can loosen and break, which in turn causes the fuel line to crack and fuel to leak out of the vehicle. This is a hazard as it could lead to fuel spillage. On the road, a crash risk can present itself, plus an ignition source could cause the leaked fuel to catch fire.
Owners are being notified by the company. They will be given a free fuel line support system replacement where applicable. This will be conducted by approved Daimler maintenance facilities. This should start, if it hasn’t already, in March.
As a personal injury lawyer in Bakersfield, I’m sorry to see a safety defect like this take place. I hope all owners of the vehicle in question heed the warnings of this recall so that the issue can be taken care of before lives are endangered. As a Bakersfield car accident lawyer, I understand how recalls can save lives, but not if consumers don’t take notice.