Complaint 1822062

Complaint Summary

STEERING

Owner Narrative

I purchased a new P4 through my employers Lease Purchase program, and when I ordered my new truck, I ordered it with the Hendrickson Air-Ride Suspension Package for the front axle, disc brakes front and rear, and a few other options. My truck required 14 all axle alignment’s before it was driving correctly, after destroying both left & right steer tires. One Freightliner dealer set the right front at 7/16” toe-in, after I threatened to bring legal action against the dealership, only to learn three weeks later, the toe-in was set at 7/16”, which destroyed the tire. I personally measured the rear axle alignment with a tape measure to find both drive axles are staggered approximately 1.3” to 1.75” causing my drive tires to wear abnormally fast, forcing me to buy new tires for $7,000+. The worst part is the Hendrickson Air Ride Suspension unit is extremely “sloppy” and noisy when driving and turning at all speeds, constantly making loud “clunking” sounds, which are all felt heavily while hold the steering wheel. Nobody seems to want anything to do with my new truck, and if I get killed while driving my truck, because of faulty manufacturing, at least you have a record of my case to investigate further. I just learned yesterday from another driver, that Freightliner just discovered their trucks with the Hendrickson Air Ride Suspension System option have all been issued a “Service Bulletin” to replace faulty, leaking ride-height control valves which can cause a catastrophic crash by suddenly dropping one or both sides of the front air suspension, causing a sudden swerving condition, which can be catastrophic. My truck cost me $180,000 plus, and I want my monies worth, before I’m killed by faulty craftsmanship. Please investigate this matter, as I know there are many more drivers and owners who are experiencing these same manufacturing defects.

Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.