Vehicle recall 81V020000 · February 10, 1981
1980 Freightliner Freightliner
On certain vehicles, some cotter pins may be missing at the ball joint connections of the drag link ends and tie rod ends in the lower front axle steering system.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- On certain vehicles, some cotter pins may be missing at the ball joint connections of the drag link ends and tie rod ends in the lower front axle steering system. Steering joint could separate if the ball stud retaining nut loosens and falls off due to absence of cotter pin.
- Remedy
- Steering linkage from the frame down to and including the front axle will be inspected. Cotter pins will be installed, if necessary.
- Notes
- Vehicle description: heavy trucks.system: steering; drag link and tie rod ball joint ends; cotter pins.consequences of defect: driver could experience loss of steering controlwithout warning and an accident could result.note: if any nuts on the front axle linkage are missing, the vehicle should notbe moved.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 81V020000
- Reported to NHTSA
- February 10, 1981
- Filed by
- FREIGHTLINER CORP.
- Owner notification
- July 27, 1981
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 1,333
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Steering › Linkages
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Freightliner Freightliner (1980): 1980
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