2026 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA

3 recalls, 2 complaints

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER

Defect Description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2025 FCCC XCR, FCCC XBS, FCCC MT45, Western Star 57X, 2025-2026 Freightliner Business Class M2, Freightliner Cascadia, Freightliner 114SD, Freightliner 108SD, FCCC MT55G, FCCC MT45G, FCCC XCP, FCCC XCM, Western Star 49X, Western Star 47X,... Read more

Consequence

A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a damaged wheel or tire can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace or tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1023.

402 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Western Star 47X, Freightliner Business Class M2, FCCC MT55G, 2025-2026 Western Star 49X, Freightliner Cascadia, Freightliner 114SD, FCCC MT45G, FCCC S2RV106, 2026 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Freightliner eCascadia, FCCC ... Read more

Consequence

A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the tie rod assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is D25R2.

343 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Defect Description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2026 Freightliner eM2, Freightliner 108SD, Freightliner 114SD, Freightliner Cascadia, 2025-2026 Freightliner Business Class M2, Western Star 47X, and Western Star 49X vehicles. A software error in the advanced signal and actuator module ... Read more

Consequence

Brake lights that fail increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the automatic emergency braking system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2025. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1018.

1,968 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

Complaint Statistics

2 total complaints

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
POWER TRAIN	1
AIR BAGS	1

Incident date: Aug 1, 2025

This unresolved issue has created serious safety risks. On two separate occasions, my vehicle lost power while crossing the Leo Frigo Bridge in Green Bay—an extremely dangerous scenario for both my family and other drivers. Most recently, within just ~40 miles of picking up the vehicle from servic... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2025

Passenger air bag light came on and passenger seat belt locked up also the transmission had to be fixed

NHTSA Safety Investigations, FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA, Open , Model Year: 2017

Automatic Emergency Braking Errors

On May 26, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23010) to assess reports of false positive activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2017-2022 Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) vehicles. The reports alleged that acti... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2017

Automatic Emergency Braking Errors

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2017

Engine Electrical Wiring Harness Chafe

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate reports of engine electrical wiring harness chafe on the subject vehicles.ODI analysis found thousands of unique harness part numbers, spanning the two generations of vehicle chassis assembled at multiple veh... icle assembly plants in two different countries, with multiple sub-models, incorporating over thirty powertrain choices.Each wiring harness could contain several dozen individual wires for power, ground and communication purposes depending on the multitude of equipment options available for custom vehicle configuration. ODI identified three primary areas where a wiring harness bundle may chafe: the air compressor support bracket, the transmission case, or the coolant surge tank. In each case, the root cause was some combination of inadequate design clearance, installation variability and relative motion between the wiring harness and the point of contact, such as from vibration. The chafing could result in a range of consequences from none to various diagnostic fault codes, telltale illumination, driver warning center messages, erratic electrical component operation, difficult or no engine start condition, engine de-rate (power reduction), engine shut down, inoperative transmission gear selection, or an unexpected shift to neutral.These potential consequences vary depending on the specific damaged wire in the harness and the exact failure mode, such as intermittent short circuit to ground or open circuit. Generally, the chafing resulted in a progressive series of driver warnings with high levels of detectability over the course of several days and ignition cycles. Drivers usually heed warnings before an engine shutdown condition occurs and the driver may override an engine shutdown countdown timer using the override switch. If the driver allows the shutdown event to occur, the engine can almost always be immediately restarted. Incident rates for an engine shutdown with no warning or a transmission shift to neutral while driving are both very low. ODI received one complaint (NHTSA ID Number 11366557) from a fleet mechanic, who reported in a subsequent interview that he repaired at least six subject vehicles that experienced the alleged defect condition. However, there have been no new Vehicle Owner Questionnaire complaints received by ODI since opening this investigation, and there are no known crashes, fires or thermal events, or injuries or deaths related to the alleged defect. Accordingly, no safety-related defect trend has been identified. Based on available information, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI report cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Numbers document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2018

Halogen Headlights May Cause Fires

In its process for evaluating Early Warning Reporting data, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) found twenty-four (24) field reports involving headlight fires on Freightliner Cascadia trucks, model years 2017 and newer produced by the vehicle manufacturer, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). ... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2007

SAM Cab Water Intrusion

On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a recall query, RQ20001, to investigate the allegations of water intrusion into the truck cab signal-detect and activation module (SAM cab).The investigation further evaluated the effectiveness of the original recall remedy, and th... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2015

Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist

On May 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE20006 to investigate complaints of intermittent loss of power steering assist in Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), Volvo Trucks of North America (Volvo) and PACCAR vehicles equipped with a ZF/TRW (TRW) THP60 steering gear. The in... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

PNDB Electrical Power Distribution

On April 23, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-004) to investigate certain alleged defects affecting the Powernet Distribution Box (PNDB) and associated wiring on certain model year (MY) 2011-2016 Freightliner Cascadia (P3 platform) truck tracto... rs that may result in disruption or loss of electrical power to the PNDB itself and other electrical circuits, thermal events, and/or vehicle fires.On May 7, 2018, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA). On June 19, 2018, ODI received an IR response from DTNA that included vehicle production, consumer complaint, field report, warranty, manufacturer actions, changes and other data related to the alleged defects. On April 8, 2019, ODI received a supplemental IR response from DTNA that included their assessment of the alleged defects. Furthermore, ODI engaged in discussions with the manufacturer about the alleged defects on multiple occasions during the course of this investigation. ODI analysis of all available data indicates there is not an apparent defect trend. The most recent field report data reviewed was from 2017Q1 and the most recent complaint data was received by ODI in 2019Q1. The complaint rate is low. Most warranty claims occurred early in the vehicles' service life, and with the newest of the subject vehicles being over four years old, they are all now beyond that point. The warranty claim rates for loose input or output terminals (0.16%), loose fuses (0.25%), PNDB power (B+) supply cable corrosion or improper PNDB power (B+) supply cable routing and/ or securement (0.00%) are all low.The most serious consequence in the warranty claim data alleged engine shutoff with a vehicle in motion. While some vehicles did experience a loss of electrical power resulting in loss of motive power with no immediate restart capability, the bulk of the warranty claims were for vehicles equipped with an optional cab power disconnect switch solenoid with an automatic reset feature that may exhibit a brief, intermittent loss of power. If the input and output voltages differ by an unacceptable amount, potentially due to foreign object debris or corrosion on the solenoid's contacts, the PNDB senses the difference and enters an auto-reset mode in an attempt to correct the condition. The internal contacts open for one second, stopping the flow of electricity, and then close, restoring the flow for two seconds. This cycle is repeated for up to five times; after a maximum of thirteen seconds, the PNDB defaults to the on position and electrical power is restored. This condition exhibits a transient loss of power but it does not cause any permanent engine disablement. As a precaution, the solenoid-equipped PNDB part was modified in August 2017 to eliminate the auto-reset feature. Since 2010, there has been only 1 report of vehicle fire and zero reports of crash, injury or death. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2014

RQ17 - 008 Closing

On February 26, 2016, Bergstrom Inc. notified NHTSA of a safety defect in approximately 10,819 of its ParkSmart auxiliary electrical temperature management units. These units were installed on Freightliner Cascadia Class 8 trucks that may overheat due to high resistance, resulting in possible fires.... One of the contributing factors which led to this recall was a plastic vented cap covering the compressor connectors allowing increased flow of air to the overheated connectors, which increased the risk of a fire.ParkSmart units equipped with non-vented caps, according to Bergstrom, were not affected. See Bergstrom recall 16E-017.On March 7, 2016, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), the parent company of Freightliner, filed its corresponding defect decision as to the impacted Freightliner trucks.DTNA identified 8,865 model year 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia trucks installed with the ParkSmart units.On September 18, 2017, the Recall Management Division (RMD), opened this investigation to resolve the discrepancy between the larger number of units Bergstrom recalled with the smaller number of trucks DTNA identified as impacted, and to pursue additional recall actions as needed. RMD issued an information request to DTNA on Oct. 26, 2017 inquiring about the discrepancy, as well as field experience information.DTNA filed several responses of different dates that provided shipping and distribution information as well as field reports.DTNA explained that their recalled population was comprised only of vehicles they had produced for the U.S. market.They identified that 1,282 vehicles were produced for the Canadian market, and 122 vehicles for the Mexican market.DTNA said that the remaining balance of parts were likely supplied to parts depots for service (service loops) for other purchasers, such as Freightliner dealers sourcing custom vehicle requests. RMD also requested and reviewed shipping and distribution materials from Bergstrom. These materials identified Park Smart units intended for MY 2014 Cascadia trucks (e.g., vehicles outside the DTNA recall population).RMD confirmed with DTNA that the MY 2014 trucks had the non-vented cap design used on them and so were properly excluded from the recall population.In addition to collecting information and documentation from the involved companies, ODI reviewed early warning reporting information. This search identified nine reports of thermal events. All events, however, occurred on MY 2014 Cascadia trucks that, for reasons explained above, were not part of the DTNA recall and the event linked to other causes. In view of the information available to it at this time, RMD is satisfied that the scope of the DTNA recall is adequate.Accordingly, this RQ is closed.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2015

Windshield Wiper Motor Failure

On April 3, 2017, the Office of Defects investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA17-001) as an upgrade to a Preliminary Analysis (PE16-005). The investigation focused on alleged windshield wiper failures on 2015-2016 MY Freightliner Cascadia trucks. ODI received Early Warning Reporting (EW... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Steering Arm Capscrew Failures

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on one (1) Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) and associated Police Accident Report (PAR) that described a crash where the vehicle had a separated steering linkage at one wheel-end as the result of lower steering arm capscrew f... ailures.It was unknown at the time whether the separation caused the crash or was the result of the crash.Recall 15V-613 corrected an under-torque issue in upper steering arm capscrews on these vehicles.ODI opened this Recall Query to assess the scope and remedy of the 15V-613 recall.ODI collected the front axle from the crash vehicle for inspection and sent an Information Request Letter (IR) to Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA).The Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) analyzed the crash truck's front axle.Based on the fracture surfaces of the capscrews and numerous witness marks on the tires, wheels, and vehicle, VRTC determined that the steering linkage separated due to the crash and was not the cause of the crash.However, VRTC noted that the capscrews on the opposite wheel end were at a much lower torque value than specified by the manufacturer.In DTNA's IR response, they reported one additional crash where a separated steering linkage was observed.DTNA determined the separation was the result of the crash and not the cause of the crash.DTNA had no complaints and all warranty reports were related to the upper steering knuckles and recall 15V-613.During the investigation ODI received one crash report from a transportation investigator retained by a fleet which involved a similar vehicle and alleged defect.The steering linkage was observed to have separated at the lower knuckle arm capscrews on the driver's side.The passenger side capscrews were found to be at a lower torque value than specified.In order to prevent a future assembly defect as identified in recall 15V-613, Detroit Axle, who manufactured the axles in the subject vehicles, made several production process changes to ensure capscrews were properly torqued.On October 14, 2015, the assembly tool was modified to monitor torque and turn of each capscrew.On this date, the tool was also changed to ?Lock on Reject.? If a bolt was not properly torqued the tool would not release until the operator acknowledged and corrected the defect.ODI conduced a roadside inspection study to help explain the low torque observed in the crash vehicle.With the help of the Virginia State Police Motor Carrier Enforcement Division ODI inspected thirty-nine (39) trucks and 156 capscrews over a two day period.No trucks were found to have under-torqued capscrews.ODI included some older trucks outside the scope of this investigation to offer additional time in service.One such truck was twelve (12) years old and had nearly 1 million miles.It too, was within specification.Based on the information collected, this investigation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following complaint identification number: 10926527Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2015

Wiper Motor Failure

On April 13, 2016, the Office of Defects investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation on 2015-2016 MY Freightliner Cascadia trucks, alleging windshield wiper motor failures. The investigation was opened based on EWR field reports describing windshield wipers that intermittently failed to o... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Fontaine Ultra LT 5th Wheel False Latch

DTNA submitted a 573 Recall notice (11V-289) prior to the IR response date and therefore was granted permission to forgo submission of the IR response.Freightliner reported that Fontaine's TSB issued in March had resulted in the remedy of 55 percent of all subject vehicles with an additional 33% sch... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2005

RACK AND PINION FAILURE

A CONSUMER COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE AGENCY ON AUGUST 22, 2009, BY AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR LEASING A 2009 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA.THE COMPLAINT ALLEGES THAT IN APRIL OF 2009 AT APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES HE EXPERIENCED A SEAL RUPTURE IN THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY.A NEW SEAL WAS INSTALLED AND AT... Read more

FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA across all model years (2002, 2026).

360 Total Recalls

398 Total Complaints

13 Investigations

30 Reported Crashes

28 Reported Fires

12 Reported Deaths

FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026 (current)	3	2
2025	8	1	View
2024	2	27	View
2023	6	18	View
2022	18	21	View
2021	20	24	View
2020	20	47	View
2019	29	53	View
2018	26	19	View
2017	20	11	View
2016	12	22	View
2015	18	22	View
2014	21	20	View
2013	19	7	View
2012	19	27	View
2011	23	22	View
2010	23	18	View
2009	24	24	View
2008	22	9	View
2007	12	1	View
2006	8	2	View
2005	3	1	View
2004	2	0	View
2003	1	0	View
2002	1	0	View

Other FREIGHTLINER Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
BUSINESS CLASS M2	507	62	View
114SD	349	8	View
SPRINTER 3500	312	31	View
SPRINTER 2500	291	64	View
108SD	212	3	View
SPRINTER 1500	212	0	View
SPRINTER 4500	210	2	View
COLUMBIA	203	110	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2026 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA

FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA - All Years Overview

FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA - Year by Year

Other FREIGHTLINER Models