Trucking news and briefs for Monday, June 2, 2025:
Big Western Star recall: 21K truck impacted, potential battery issue
More than 21,000 Western Star 49X and 47X trucks are being recalled because a stud connecting the battery to the starter at the frame rail may have been incorrectly installed, which can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
Recalled trucks include approximately 21,560 model year 2020-’26 Western Star 49X models and 2021-26 Western Star 47X units produced from start of production to May 19, 2025. The trucks are configured with a positive junction point stud that connects the battery and/or auxiliary power distribution to the starter at the frame rail that may have been installed incorrectly. Vehicles outside the recall population have different design configurations that do not have the suspect junction point stud subject to the same installation process.
DTNA said that drivers may experience a slow or no crank when starting their vehicle and may visually observe corrosion present around the stud and/or cable lug.
The company said between March 2023 and March 2024, it received five reports of corrosion at the battery jump stud, and in December 2023, DTNA was notified of a fire located at the junction stud. An additional report of melted cables at the junction stud was received in February 2024. Then in early March 2024, DTNA received two reports of incorrect cable lug orientation.
Based on these reports, DTNA began an investigation of the incidents. In August 2024, an analysis of the topic concluded that a field action was not warranted at that time due to a low rate of frequency in conjunction with sufficient detectability of the condition, including during a pre- or post-trip inspection.
Then, between February and March this year, DTNA received several additional field reports across the North American market of localized fires and/or melted/burnt studs, prompting another investigation. Following this review, an increased number of thermal events was identified with units built at certain manufacturing facilities, ranging from melted or burnt components to isolated vehicle fires.
DTNA decided to issue a recall to address the issue. DTNA is aware of approximately 36 potentially related warranty claims and 15 potentially related field reports (dated between March 2023 through March 2025). There have been no reports of death or injury related to this issue.
The remedy is currently under development, and the manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners can contact DTNA customer service at 800-547-0712 with recall number F1020. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-326.
[Related: Numerous recalls across major OEMs]
Volvo VNLs recalled for potential battery issue
Volvo Trucks North America is recalling approximately 224 model year 2025-‘26 Volvo VNL trucks in which the power cables may have been improperly routed, which can cause an electrical short.
Volvo said certain units may have been built with a specific arrangement of power cables where the 12-volt positive can encounter the 48-volt negative terminal and potentially cause chaffing and, potentially, a short. If the battery cables rub on the terminal, there is the risk of an electrical short that can disable power to the engine or create a risk of a fire.
Dealers will re-route the power cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 18. Owners can contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 800-528-6586 with recall number RVXX2505. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-332.
Mack recalls MD units for improperly routed seat belts
Mack Trucks has recalled 42 model year 2026 Mack MD trucks because the center bench seat belt assembly may be routed incorrectly, which may cause the seat belts to not function properly.
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 18.
Owners can contact Mack's customer service at 1-800- 866-1177 with recall number SC0478. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-333.
Love’s announces upgrades at 13 existing travel centers
Love's Travel Stops announced recently that it has completed upgrades to 13 locations across the country.
Through its Strategic Remodel Initiative (SRI), Love’s has refreshed seven stores so far in 2025, giving them a more modern look and feel while staying open to serve travelers. And for those hitting the road in RVs, six locations now feature dedicated RV parking and hookups to make stopping convenient.
The SRI remodels include expanded restrooms, upgraded showers, improved laundry facilities, Love’s Fresh Kitchen and more. Newly remodeled locations include:
- Haubstadt, Indiana
- Fargo, North Dakota
- Oakdale, Wisconsin
- Blacksburg, South Carolina
- Mt. Vernon, Texas
- Richmond, Kentucky
- Binghamton, New York
In addition, six stores have been retrofitted with RV hookups and amenities. Each location includes the ability to book and manage stays directly through the Love’s Connect app. RV travelers can now enjoy upgrades at these locations:
- Belleville, Kansas
- Bevier, Missouri
- Neosho, Missouri
- Kingsville, Texas
- Lubbock, Texas
- Sulphur Springs, Texas
