2020 FREIGHTLINER 108SD

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

10RecallsNHTSA Verified1ComplaintsNHTSA Data3InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠ī¸Elevated Concerns

The 2020 Freightliner 108SD presents a significant reliability concern due to multiple recalls affecting critical components such as the power train and engine. With issues in the axle assembly and potential engine stalling, attention is warranted for both current owners and prospective buyers.

Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls

📋Why This Matters

Defects in vital systems like the power train and engine cooling can pose serious safety risks, especially for families. For instance, if the engine stalls unexpectedly due to damaged harness wires, it could lead to dangerous situations on the road, particularly for children seated in the back. The improper lubrication of axles can also compromise stability and control, making it essential for owners to be vigilant about these recalls. Moreover, the incorrect vehicle certification label that exceeds tire capacity may lead to unsafe driving conditions if not addressed properly. This highlights a crucial aspect of vehicle safety that cannot be overlooked when evaluating a vehicle designed to transport families.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

The safety trend for the 2020 Freightliner 108SD appears concerning given its numerous recalls impacting fundamental operational systems. Such deficiencies are particularly alarming from a family safety perspective, as they could introduce risks that may affect passengers' well-being, especially children in rear seats who depend on reliable performance.

Critical Component: Various

Safety & Reliability Score

5/100
Poor

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-80
Complaint Impact-0.05
Investigation Impact-15

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 FREIGHTLINER 108SD

Model Year2020
MakeFREIGHTLINER
Model108SD
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Nov19
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar20
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep20
ISSUEFirst Report
Oct20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
May25
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠ī¸

Most Reported Issue

0 complaints (0% of total)
➡ī¸

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 1 consumer complaints by severity level.

đŸŸĸLow
1(100%)
✅Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.

🛠ī¸ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

POWER TRAINEQUIPMENTENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFUEL SYSTEM, DIESELTIRESSERVICE BRAKES, AIRSTEERINGSUSPENSION

đŸŽ¯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Engine Harness

Issue: Chafing wires can cause unexpected engine stalling.

✅

Inspect wiring around the air compressor immediately.

🔍

Request detailed service history focusing on electrical system checks.

2

Axle Assembly

Issue: Insufficient lubrication leading to potential wheel end bearing damage.

✅

Schedule an inspection for axle lubrication status without delay.

🔍

Verify if any recall repairs have been completed on this component before purchasing.

3

Certification Label

Issue: Incorrect GAWR exceeding tire capacity rating poses compliance risks.

✅

'Ensure compliance with updated weight ratings immediately by checking labels.'

🔍

'Confirm proper Gross Axle Weight Rating with manufacturer documentation.'

💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your FREIGHTLINER dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (10)

Campaign: 19V443000

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Business Class M2 and 2020 108SD vehicles equipped with Meritor MX 120 EVO Front Drive Steer axles. The axles may have insufficient lubrication, which may result in damage to the wheel end bearings.

Consequence

If the bearings are damaged, the wheel may separate and cause a sudden loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the wheel end components, as necessary, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on August 7, 2019. The recall began September 10, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-817.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Campaign: 20V634000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Western Star 4700 and 4900 and Freightliner Coronado, 108SD and 114SD vehicles. The vehicle certification label contains incorrect information, stating a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) that exceeds the tire capacity rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other than passenger cars."

Consequence

Incorrect weight rating information on the certification labels could result in potential overloading of the axles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install accurate GAWR labels, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-864.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Campaign: 20V527000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Freightliner 114SD, 108SD, and Business Class M2 vehicles. The engine harness wires may chafe at various locations around the air compressor and the frame rail. The damaged wires may short causing the engine to stall without any prior warning.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for adequate harness clearance and verify that the harness has not been damaged. Vehicles with a damaged harness will receive a new harness that consists of a severe duty wrapping and additional hardware. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-860.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Campaign: 20V211000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020 Freightliner 108SD and 2020-2021 Freightliner Coronado, 114SD, and Western Star 4700 and 4900 vehicles. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 120, "Wheels and Rims - Other Than Passenger Cars."

Consequence

An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the GAWR labels, free of charge. The recall began May 28, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL847.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Campaign: 21V326000

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Freightliner Custom Chass XC Chassis, 108SD, Custom Chass XB Chassis, Business Class M2, 114SD, and Western Star 4700 vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel lines, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on June 21, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-886.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

Campaign: 21V896000

TIRES

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2021 Freightliner SD 108, Freightliner SD 114, 2016-2020 Freightliner Coronado, 2013 Western Star 6900, 2013-2022 Western Star 4700, Western Star 4900, and 2022 49X vehicles. The tires and rims are not approved and rated for these vehicles from the Tire and Rim Association or tire manufacturer. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."

Consequence

Unapproved tires that are not rated for the vehicle can cause tire performance issues, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealer will inspect and replace, as necessary, tires and rims, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 22, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall FL-908.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

Campaign: 20V176000

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Freightliner Business Class M2 and Freightliner 108SD vehicles equipped with Meritor MX 120 EVO Front Drive Steer axles. The axles may have insufficient lubrication, which may result in damage to the wheel end bearings.

Consequence

If the bearings are damaged, the wheel may separate and cause a sudden loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the wheel end components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 12, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-846.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Campaign: 20V127000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, Cascadia, Business Class M2, Western Star 4700 and 5700, Freightliner Custom Chassis S2, Custom Chassis XB, and Custom Chassis XC vehicles equipped with air disc brakes. The brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.

Consequence

Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 1, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-845.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Campaign: 23V105000

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Columbia, Coronado, Business Class M2, and 2020 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The drag link taper joint may not have been tightened sufficiently and could come loose, resulting in a complete separation of the drag link from the steering arm.

Consequence

Drag link separation can cause a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will inspect the drag link taper joint and repair it, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL967. This recall expands recall number 21V-689.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

Campaign: 25V760000

SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Western Star 49X, Freightliner Business Class M2, Freightliner 114SD, Freightliner 108SD, 2021-2026 Western Star 47X, 2021-2023 Freightliner 122SD, 2022 Western Star 48X, and 2023 Western Star 4700 vehicles. The axle clamp fasteners may be loose, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.

Consequence

A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 3, 2026. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1027.

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

3 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 108SD.

INV-2020-1000đŸŸĸ Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 108SD performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 8,900
INV-2020-1001đŸŸĸ Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 108SD performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 31,051
INV-2020-1002đŸŸĸ Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 108SD performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 8,118

Consumer Complaints

1 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 108SD.

ElectricalđŸ”ĩ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SOMETIMES THE DOORS LOCK DOWN WHEN IDLING, PARKED, NEUTRAL. I WAS OUTSIDE TO UNHOOK THE TRAILER AND BECAUSE THE DOORS LOCKED DOWN (IDLING, KEYS INSIDE, ALL COMMUNICATION DEVICES INSIDE) I HAD TO BE ON THE UNSAFE NO HUMAN BEING PLACE FROM MIDNIGHT TILL MORNING WAITING FOR HELP. ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK FAULTY, BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS WHEN STEPPING OUT FROM VEHICLE, DOORS MAY LOCK DOWN AND LEAVE YOU SOMEWHERE IN HAZARD. LUCKILY TRUCK DRIVER PAID ATTENTION ME WALKING ON THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED FOR HELP. DUE TO FAULTY DOORS LOCK SYSTEM I WAS IN DANGEROUS SITUATION, MISSED THE NEXT LOAD PICKUP, SPENT HOURS AND HOURS WAITING FOR HELP AND SPENT A LOT OF OUT OF POCKET MONEY FOR LOCKSMITH.

Sep 9, 2020Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

'What safety features does the 2020 Freightliner 108SD offer for families?'

'The Freightliner 108SD offers robust construction and various safety features typical of commercial vehicles. However, due to multiple recalls affecting essential systems like power train and engine cooling, it's critical for families considering this truck to ensure all recalls are addressed before reliance on its safety features.'

'How do recalls affect the resale value of a Freightliner 108SD?'

'Recalls can significantly impact resale value as buyers often perceive vehicles with unresolved recalls as risky choices. Prospective buyers should conduct thorough research on recall history and ensure all necessary repairs are completed for better valuation when considering a used model.'

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official FREIGHTLINER records to ensure no 10 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in FREIGHTLINER's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every FREIGHTLINER recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later 108SD iterations (2021+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a FREIGHTLINER specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.
⚖ī¸

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.