NHTSA Recall 08V012000: Gear box (other than rack and pinion) (steering)
TRIPLE E RECREATIONAL VEHICLES reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 141 vehicles. It affects 2004–2008 Triple E RV Empress.
| NHTSA campaign | 08V012000 |
|---|---|
| Component | STEERING › GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) |
| Report received | January 10, 2008 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
Certain motor home chassis built on freightliner chassis and equipped with zf model 8018 steering gears, these gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. This could potentially allow the recirculating balls to escape from the recirculating ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering.
Safety risk
The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. Loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Triple e is working with freightliner and zf to replace the steering gear free of charge (please see 07v343 and 07e049). Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712 or triple e at 1-204-325-4361.
Notes
Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 08V012000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.