Seat beltsRecall 13V-604 · Freightliner and Western Star vehicles

The problem

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Coronado, Argosy, Cascadia, M2 Business Class, and Western Star 4700, 4900, and 6900 vehicles manufactured August 5, 2013, through November 15, 2013; and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

The risk

If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

The fix

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by January 26, 2014. Owners may contact Daimler at 1-800-385-4357. DTNA's number for this campaign is FL-654.

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.

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.