May 2024 Recall Roundup: Daimler, Ford, Mack, Reading, & More

Keeping up with vehicle and equipment recalls is one of the many duties of a fleet manager. Government Fleet is making that easier for public sector fleet managers, with a roundup of recent recalls announced by the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency (NHTSA) of popular fleet vehicles.

Various Van Models: Seat Back Malfunction

Several vehicle makes and models are recalled due to a potential recliner mechanism malfunction. The mechanism may not engage when the seat back is fully reclined. Affected vehicles are equipped with certain GO-ES Space Saver Foldaway Seats. The following makes and models are included in the recall:

• 2023-2024 Chrysler Voyager vans
• 2023-2024 Ram Promaster vans
• 2023-2024 Ford Transit vans

An estimated 358 vehicles are among the recalled makes and models above. Dealers will inspect and repair the seat as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed at various times in the coming weeks.

Braun Ambulances: Overloaded Electrical System May Cause Fire

Braun Ambulances is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chief XL I, Chief XL III, Express Plus I, Express III, and Liberty I ambulances. In the event of a short circuit or wiring failure, the firmware in the node may fail to shut off the output pin, resulting in overloaded electrical circuits.

The latest recall is part of a larger group of recalls of emergency vehicles equipped with a Weldon 8x16 Input-Output node. 

Dealers will update the firmware, free of charge. Owner notification letters were expected to be mailed May 8, 2024.

Daimler Vans: Braking May Require Increased Force

Daimler Vans is recalling certain 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vans. Due to a software error in the electronic stability program (ESP), the force required to stop the vehicle may increase, possibly requiring an extended distance to stop.

Dealers will update the ESP control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 1, 2024.

Ford Trucks: Tail Lights May Fail, Software Error May Cause Loss of Drive Power, & Steering Column Assembled with Incorrect Fastener

Ford is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick pickup trucks. The Body Control Module (BCM) may inadvertently deactivate one or both rear tail lights. The recall affects an estimated 242,000+ vehicles.

Dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 10, 2024. 

Ford is also recalling an estimated 8,727 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters for this recall were mailed May 23, 2024. 

Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2024 F-150 pickup trucks. The steering column lower shaft may have been secured to the steering gear assembly with an incorrect fastener, which can result in the separation of steering components and cause a loss of steering control.

Dealers will replace the lower steering shaft fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024.

Ford Vans: Panoramic Roof Panel May Detach from Vehicle

Ford is also recalling certain 2017-2019 Transit Connect vans. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which can result in the panel detaching from the vehicle.

Dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 20, 2024.

Forest River Transit Buses: Seat Back Malfunction

Forest River is recalling certain 2024 Glaval Universal and Mobility Trans Safetbus transit buses, equipped with certain GO-ES Space Saver Foldaway Seats. The recliner mechanism may not engage when the seat back is fully reclined. 

Dealers will inspect and repair the seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 19, 2024.

Mack Trucks: Incorrect GAWR on Certification Label

Mack is recalling certain 2024-2025 MD trucks. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the vehicle certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded.

Dealers will remove and replace the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 3, 2024. 

Reading Truck Bodies: Taillight Exceeds Maximum Allowed Height

Reading is recalling certain 2022-2024 RM-78 11' and RM-78 14' truck bodies. The taillight may be incorrectly positioned, exceeding the maximum allowed height. 

Dealers will relocate the taillights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were expected to be mailed May 6, 2024.

Rivian EVs: Missing Dashboard Air Bag Warning Label

Rivian is recalling certain 2024 R1T pickup trucks and R1S SUVs. The dashboard air bag warning label may be missing.

Rivian will mail owners the warning label information, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 21, 2024.

Spartan Fire Trucks: Undersized Seat Mount Fastener Can Break 

Spartan Fire is recalling certain 2022-2024 Gladiator, Metro Star, and 2023-2024 FC-94 fire trucks. The seat mount fastener may be undersized and could break.

Dealers will inspect and replace the fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 17, 2024.