DTNA Recall: Improper Battery Connection May Cause Fire

DTNA Recall Expands Over Western Star Battery Fire Risk

The recall, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), covers certain model year 2020–2027 Western Star 49X and 2021–2027 Western Star 47X vehicles.

DTNA Recall: What Prompted the Action

NHTSA campaign number 26V079000 identifies the issue as an improper battery connection that may cause a fire. The agency states that a short circuit linked to the battery stud can raise the risk of a thermal event or vehicle fire.

DTNA reports that the positive junction point stud may fail due to incorrect installation or corrosion. If the stud deteriorates or loses proper contact, electrical resistance may increase, potentially leading to overheating, arcing, or a short circuit.

DTNA Recall: Trucks Included

The recall population includes an estimated 26,958 vehicles, with roughly 1% believed to contain the defect.

Affected vehicles include:

• Western Star 49X (2020–2027)
  Production dates: March 19, 2019 – February 3, 2026
  Potentially involved: 11,333 units
• Western Star 47X (2021–2027)
  Production dates: July 8, 2020 – February 3, 2026
  Potentially involved: 15,625 units

DTNA states that the recall applies to vehicles configured with a particular positive junction point stud connecting battery power to the starter at the frame rail.

DTNA Recall: Component Linked to the Defect

The recall identifies the affected part as:

• Component: STUD, ELEC, 3/8, RED
• Part Number: 23-13718-006

This stud plays a key role in delivering battery power to the starter. Improper installation or environmental exposure may allow corrosion to develop. Over time, corrosion may reduce conductivity and create excess heat at the connection point.

Warning Signs Drivers May Notice

DTNA indicates that drivers may experience symptoms before a failure occurs. Possible warning signs include:

• Slow crank or no crank when starting
• Visible corrosion near the battery stud or cable lug

These conditions may signal increased resistance or connection problems.

DTNA Recall: Background of Prior Campaign

This recall replaces and expands NHTSA recall 25V326. In May 2025, DTNA determined that a safety-related defect existed involving incorrect installation of the battery junction stud.

The earlier remedy included:

• Revised torque procedures
• Application of dielectric paint
• Additional inspections of cable lug orientation

The company launched that repair campaign in July 2025. By late January 2026, more than 17,000 vehicles had been repaired.

DTNA Recall: New Field Reports and Findings

In early January 2026, DTNA received a report describing a thermal event on a truck that had already undergone the previous recall repair. The report cited corrosion at the junction stud, which resulted in an arced cable and damage to the frame rail.

Later reports noted:

• Corrosion at the stud connection
• Smoke in some vehicles
• Stud failures without thermal events

A company review found that many of the vehicles involved were operating in regions experiencing winter weather. Road salt, moisture, and temperature changes can accelerate corrosion. Reports were concentrated in “salt belt” states and Canada.

DTNA Recall: Claims and Safety Impact

DTNA is aware of approximately 52 warranty claims and 18 field reports potentially related to the condition. The cases span from March 2023 through January 30, 2026. No known injuries or fatalities connected to the issue have been reported.

Remedy Status

DTNA states that the remedy is currently under development. Once finalized, repairs will be performed free of charge at authorized Daimler Truck North America service facilities.

NHTSA has requested the company submit an amended Part 573 Safety Recall Report once full remedy details are available.

Notification Timeline

Key dates listed in the recall documents include:

• Dealer notification: March 3, 2026
• Owner remedy notification: Expected April 11, 2026

Notifications will be sent by first-class mail using DTNA customer records.

Interim Safety Advisory

The recall filing includes a consumer advisory instructing owners to:

“Do Not Drive” and “Park Outside.”

This guidance reflects the potential fire risk linked to the battery connection stud.

Contact Information

Owners may contact DTNA through:

• Customer Service: 1-800-547-0712
• Recall Number: F1029

Vehicle owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the agency’s website for recall updates.

What The Recall Means for Trucking Operations

Fleet operators and owner-operators with affected Western Star 47X or 49X trucks may review recall notices and inspect battery-starter connections for visible corrosion or starting irregularities. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V326 will require the new remedy once it becomes available.

DTNA indicates it is working to finalize both a production solution and the field repair procedure.