2008 Freightliner Cascadia problems, complaints & recalls

2008 Freightliner Cascadia recalls (14)

• Recall 20V214000Apr 14, 202063,175 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2006-2020 Freightliner Columbia, 2006-2021 Freightliner Business Class M2, 2007-2020 Freightliner Coronado, 2014-2021 Freightliner 122 SD, 2007 Sterling A 9500, 2006 Freightliner Argosy, 2006-2007 Sterling AT9500, 2008-2021 Freightliner Cascadia, 2006-2008 Freightliner Classic, 2006-2011 Freightliner Century Class, 2006-2010 Freightliner FLD, and 2017 Western Star 5700 vehicles. The rear reflective tape may be partially covered by the mudflap hanger bracket, which may reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers on the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

  Risk: The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reposition the reflective tape to ensure that it is completely visible, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 29, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL848.

• Recall 17V810000Dec 15, 201724,860 vehicles
  EQUIPMENT

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2017 Freightliner Cascadia, Century Class, Columbia and Coronado trucks and Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, 5900 and 6900 trucks. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

  Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or contact Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-759.

• Recall 17V761000Nov 27, 2017438,255 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

  Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2008-2018 Freightliner Cascadia, Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, and 6900 trucks. After hard brake applications, the brake light pressure switch may not activate the brake lights with a light application of the brake pedal.

  Risk: If the brake lights fail to illuminate, there would not be a signal to other motorists that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. Daimler issued interim notifications to owners on January 22, 2018. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-756.

• Recall 15V127000Mar 4, 201545,036 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured March 26, 2007, to August 31, 2010. Water may leak into the Signal-detection and Activation Module (SAM) Chassis causing corrosion which may result in electrical shorts or possible intermittent operation of trailer lights.

  Risk: Intermittent operation of the trailer lights may prevent other drivers from knowing that the truck is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, an electrical short in the SAM chassis may result in a a fire.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the SAM chassis for corrosion, replacing it as necessary. Any vehicle that does not have a drip shield mounted in the cab over the SAM chassis will receive one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim letter was sent to owners on May 4, 2015. The recall began on October 8, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-679.

• Recall 14V080000Feb 21, 20143,258 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2015 Freightliner 114SD, Cascadia, M2 Business Class, Sterling LT8500, and Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX vehicles manufactured February 19, 2008, through February 11, 2014, and equipped with Cummins Westport Model ISL G and Cummins Westport Model ISX12 G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.

  Risk: The sensor malfunction could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.

  Remedy: Cummins and Cummins Westport will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Customers may contact Daimler at 1-800-385-4357 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357. Daimler's number for this recall is FL-660.

• Recall 12V074000Feb 28, 2012103,437 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

  Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006-2013 freightliner, sterling, and western star vehicles, equipped with detroit diesel epa07 and epa10, dd13 and dd15/16 engines, manufactured from january 20, 2006, through february 20, 2012. The pump to rail high pressure fuel line support system used on these engines is sensitive to assembly torque and may be damaged during service work. As a result of other repairs, the line supports may loosen, potentially leading to fuel line cracking and a fuel leak.

  Risk: A fuel leak could create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Also a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

  Remedy: Dtna will notify owners, and where necessary, the high pressure fuel line support system will be replaced by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 27, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712.

• Recall 11V514000Oct 13, 20119,689 vehicles
  STEERING:RACK AND PINION

  Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 freightliner cascadia, columbia, century, coronado, and classic xl trucks manufactured from november 1, 2004, through june 15, 2010 for the rack and pinion steering system. The lower pinion bearing may corrode and fail. A failed bearing may lead to damage of the spool valve seals. A damage spool valve seal may allow hydraulic fluid to flow to the right or left turn port instead of flowing to the return port.

  Risk: The steering could unexpectedly turn left or right, making the vehicle more difficult to control and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Daimler trucks will inspect the lower bearing for corrosion. If corrosion is found, the rack and pinion system will be replaced. If no corrosion is found, on the bearing, the bearing will be packed with grease and the rubber bellows will be replaced with sealant added between the bellows and the rack housing. An interim letter was mailed in december 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712.

• Recall 11V478000Sep 16, 201173,500 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

  Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2008 heavy trucks manufactured from july 11, 2003, through september 28, 2007, equipped with epa04 model mbe4000 engines built with plastic low pressure fuel lines and fuel filters mounted near the center of the engine on the left-hand side. The plastic low pressure fuel line between engine mounted fuel filter and engine block may develop a substantial diesel fuel leak.

  Risk: This could create a road hazard increasing the risk of a crash. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

  Remedy: Daimler trucks will notify owners and the remedy will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities. Vehicles will be inspected and the plastic low pressure fuel line will be replaced with a steel low pressure fuel line. This service will be performed free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on october 28, 2011. The safety recall began on february 21, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.

• Recall 11V465000Sep 8, 20114,444 vehicles
  ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 freightliner business class m2, cascadia, century, columbia, coronado and sterling a-line vehicles built with meritor wabco electronic stability control (esc) system manufactured from september 15, 2005 through september 1, 2011. Under certain road and driving conditions, vehicle body roll and road inclination characteristics may adversely affect the slip angle calculation of the electronic stability control (esc) system. This might cause the esc to perceive an over steering situation and therefore apply the outer wheel brake on the front axle until the vehicle is perceived to be stable.

  Risk: If the driver is slow to react during this esc intervention, the vehicle may deviate from the intended line of travel increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Daimler trucks will notify owners, and dealers will replace the esc module with the appropriate software version as necessary, free of charge. An interim owner notification will be mailed on or about november 21, 2011. The date for availability of the final remedy is subject to validation testing and parts availability. The safety recall began on march 28, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712.

• Recall 11V330000Jun 21, 201148,170 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

  Dtna is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 freightliner; cascadia, century class, columbia, and coronado, certain model year 2008-2009 sterling; a-line and l-line and certain model year 2009-2012 western star constellation vehicles, manufactured from january 14, 2008, through june 15, 2011, built with detroit diesel 15 or 16 engines. The bolt attaching a rubber isolator to a support bracket may become loose and back out, potentially contacting an un-fused starter cable and creating a short circuit.

  Risk: A short circuit between an un-fused battery cable and chassis ground could result in a vehicle fire.

  Remedy: Dealers will install a new bolt and isolator and repair the recreational vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on december 21, 2011. Owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712.

• Recall 11V146000Mar 3, 20112,073 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 freightliner, cascadia, century, columbia fld, and m2, sterling 9500, and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from march 20, 2006, through june 30, 2010, equipped with specific mbe4000 epa07 model engines. The intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail due to excessive internal temperatures.

  Risk: A short circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.

  Remedy: Dtna will notify owners of the recall during march 2011. Another notification will be issued once the remedy is released. Dtna expects the remedy to be available by december 1, 2011. Repairs will be performed by dtna dealers free of charge. Owners may contact dtna toll-free at 1-800-547-0712. This recall is asscociated with a previous recall, campaign number 10v-341.

• Recall 10V341000Jul 27, 20105,743 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 freightliner, fccc, sterling, and western star heavy trucks manufactured from september 5, 2006, through june 30, 2010, equipped with specific mbe900 epa04 and epa07 model engines. The intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail due to excessive internal temperatures.

  Risk: A short circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.

  Remedy: Daimler trucks will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. Repairs will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 29, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712.

• Recall 10V189000May 7, 201030,704 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

  Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 freightliner columbia, cascadia, coronado, century, m2, sterling 9500, and western star 4900 vehicles equipped with dd 13 and dd15/dd16 engines and manufactured from january 1, 2007 through april 5, 2010. Should the fuel filter become restricted, the low pressure fuel flange may develop a crack resulting in a fuel leak.

  Risk: Fuel leaking onto the roadway may result in vehicle crash.

  Remedy: The low pressure fuel flange will be replaced with a more robust component. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on september 17, 2010. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.

• Recall 10V102000Mar 16, 2010490 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

  Daimler trucks has notified nhtsa of a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2010 cascadia equipped with lifeguard rolltek advanced occupant protection system. The lifeguard rolltek is designed to provide additional protection to vehicle occupants in the event of a rollover accident and it may not have been properly installed.

  Risk: Reduced effectiveness of the advanced occupant protection system may increase the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and install an additional retainers to ensure the system remains fully functional. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on august 4, 2010. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.

NHTSA defect investigations

• RQ20001Opened Aug 31, 2020Closed Jun 26, 2025

  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 the installation of an updated drip shield as it relates to continual water intrusion resulting in the loss of electrical functions and potential fire.The potential hazard was the increased risk of a crash and injury in certain model year (MY) 2007-2021 Freightliner Cascadia P3 vehicles manufactured b…

• AQ18002Opened Apr 23, 2018Closed Jul 11, 2024

  Daimler Trucks North America Recalls

  On April 23, 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) opened Audit Query (AQ18002) to assess the timeliness and scope of four recalls filed by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (“DTNA”). NHTSA subsequently expanded AQ18002 to examine the timeliness and scope of three additional DTNA recalls and compliance with early warning reporting and manufacturer communications reporting requirements. NHTSA and DTNA entered into a Consent Order on December 29, 2020, to resolve NHTSA’s assertions that certain recalls within the scope of AQ18002 were untimely, DTNA failed to timely sub…

• PE09040Opened Aug 31, 2009Closed Nov 19, 2009led to recall 09V357000

  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 56,000 miles he found his right steer tire completely bald.the repair shop identified an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly causing the rapid wear of the tire.odi has identified ewr field reports related to failed rack and pinions on the subject vehicles.the reports identify either an…

Recent 2008 Freightliner Cascadia complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Jan 15, 2021784,969 miCASteering

   Tl* the contact owns a 2008 freightliner cascadia. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, oil leaked from the rack and pinion. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to maneuver the steering wheel while driving. The contact had the vehicle repaired by an independent mechanic however, the failure persisted after the repair. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to nhtsa campaign number: 11v514000 (steering) however, the vin was not included.…

   NHTSA complaint #11388312 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology