2023 FREIGHTLINER 114SD

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

7RecallsNHTSA Verified1ComplaintsNHTSA Data2InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
๐ŸšจRequires Careful Review

The 2023 Freightliner 114SD exhibits several critical recalls that underscore significant safety concerns, particularly regarding steering control and engine reliability. These issues highlight the need for immediate attention from both current owners and prospective buyers.

Key Factor:Severe steering and engine issues

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

The presence of multiple recalls, particularly concerning the steering system and engine control module, signals a potential erosion of trust in Freightlinerโ€™s engineering reputation. In a segment where reliability is paramount, especially for commercial vehicles expected to endure rigorous use, such defects could have catastrophic implications. The steering failure risks loss of vehicle control, posing direct threats to driver safety and operational efficiency, while the ECM issue could result in unexpected engine shutdowns during operationโ€”compromising both safety and productivity.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
๐Ÿ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Stall
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.3)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary: When juxtaposed against industry expectations for heavy-duty trucks, the reliability profile of the 2023 Freightliner 114SD is alarmingly deficient. The critical nature of the recalls suggests that this model may be trending towards a higher risk profile than previously anticipated for vehicles in its class.
Critical Component: Stall

Safety & Reliability Score

34/100
Poor

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-56
Complaint Impact-0.05
Investigation Impact-10

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 FREIGHTLINER 114SD

Model Year2023
MakeFREIGHTLINER
Model114SD
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more โ†’
Mar22
RECALLRecall Issued
Dec22
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar23
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Oct24
RECALLRecall Issued
May25
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

1 complaints (100% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 1 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸกMedium
1(100%)
โœ…Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

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

Primary Risk Areas

STEERINGENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGWHEELSFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCESUSPENSION

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Steering System

Issue: Risk of loss of steering control due to defective u-joint pinch bolt.

โœ…

Owners should have their steering systems inspected immediately to ensure all components are secure and functioning properly.

๐Ÿ”

Prospective buyers must verify that any recall repairs have been performed prior to purchase.

Campaigns:23V12323V234
2

Engine Control Module

Issue: Potential for unexpected engine shutdown due to internal short-circuit.

โœ…

Check with your dealer about any software updates or recalls related to the ECM before continuing operation.

๐Ÿ”

Confirm that the ECM has been checked or replaced as part of service records before finalizing any purchase.

Campaign:23V345
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your FREIGHTLINER dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (7)

Campaign: 22V394000

STEERING

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2023 Freightliner M2, 108SD, and 114SD vehicles. The u-joint pinch bolt on the steering shaft may become detached, which can cause a loss of steering control.

Consequence

Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and repair the joint, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed august 1, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-937.

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: 22V554000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2023 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, Business Class M2, Cascadia, 2023 Freightliner FCCC MC, MT45, S2C 106CAB, XCM, S2RV 106CAB, XCR, XCS, and 2023 Western Star 4700, 49X, and 47X vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) may experience an internal short-circuit, which can result in an unexpected engine shut down.

Consequence

Unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Cummins will replace the ECM, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-949.

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: 22V722000

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Western Star 4700 and 2023 Western Star 4900, 49X, 6900, and Freightliner 114SD vehicles. The tie rod clamps may have been improperly heat-treated, causing them to crack and allowing the tie rods to separate.

Consequence

Tie rod separation can result in a sudden loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the tie rod clamps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed Marc 15, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL955.

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: 22V919000

WHEELS:RIM

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Freightliner 114SD, 2023 Freightliner 122SD, 2020 Western Star 4700, 2019-2022 Western Star 4900, 2019-2023 Freightliner Business Class M2, and 2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with tires that are not compatible with their 8.25-inch rims. 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

Driving with tires that are not compatible with their rims can reduce tire performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-962.

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: 23V238000

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2022 FCCC Shuttle Chassis, 2022-2023 FCCC RV Chassis, FCCC Van Chassis, Van Chassis Gas, 2023 Freightliner Cascadia, Freightliner Business Class M2, Thomas Built Bus School Bus Chassis, Western Star 4700, Western Star 47X, Western Star 4900, and Western Star 49X commercial buses. The tie rod may be missing a fastener, allowing the steer arm to detach.

Consequence

A detached steering arm can result in a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will inspect and repair or replace the tie rod assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL970.

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: 24V668000

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Summary

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Freightliner 108SD, 2022-2025 Freightliner 114SD, Freightliner Business Class M2, 2025 Freightliner eM2, 2020-2025 Western Star 49X, 2021-2025 Western Star 47X, and 2022-2025 Western Star 57X vehicles that may be upfitted with a body lighting interface controller and replacement brake lights. The brake lights may not illuminate when the brakes are automatically applied during an active brake assist (ABA) event.

Consequence

Brake lights that fail to illuminate can fail to indicate to other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the ABA software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2024. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is F1009.

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: 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

2 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2023 114SD.

INV-2023-1000๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 114SD performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 37,541
INV-2023-1001๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 114SD performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 19,151

Consumer Complaints

1 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 114SD.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Stall100%
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The drive shaft fwd carrier bearing was missing 2 of the 3 bolt that hold it to the cross member. Being held with one bolt change the center line of the drive shaft moving towards the driver's side of the truck this resulted the the drive shaft rubbing on a air tank hanger. I do have pictures. It looks like the missing bolts where never installed.

Mar 29, 2023Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main safety concerns with the 2023 Freightliner 114SD?

"The primary concerns revolve around critical recalls affecting the steering mechanism and engine control module. Issues such as potential loss of steering control and unexpected engine shutdowns can severely impact driver safety and operational capability, making it essential for owners to stay informed about service requirements."

"How should I address potential recall issues with my Freightliner truck?"

"It is recommended that truck owners regularly check NHTSA's official website or contact their dealership regarding active recalls. Promptly addressing these issues can prevent severe accidents and ensure optimal performance throughout your vehicle's life."

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

โžก๏ธStable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

๐ŸงญWhat 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.

๐Ÿ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official FREIGHTLINER records to ensure no 7 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.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every FREIGHTLINER recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later 114SD iterations (2024+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a FREIGHTLINER specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.
โš–๏ธ

Compare Alternatives

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Compare vs
2023 Toyota Camry
View Analysisโ†’
Compare vs
2023 Honda CR-V
View Analysisโ†’
Compare vs
2023 Ford F-150
View Analysisโ†’

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