2015 Freightliner Cascadia problems, complaints & recalls

2015 Freightliner Cascadia recalls (18)

• 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 19V370000May 14, 2019741 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:RESERVOIR/TANK

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2004-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Columbia, Classic, FL80, FLD 120SD, Business Class M2, Western Star 4700, 4900, 6900, Sterling Acterra, L7500, LT7500, L8500, LT8500, L9500, and LT9500 vehicles. The vehicles may have an insufficient service brake air reservoir capacity. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

  Risk: An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will add air reservoir capacity to the affected vehicles. Owner letters were mailed on November 29, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-815.

• Recall 19V093000Feb 12, 2019111 vehicles
  STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles equipped with Hendrickson 5" drop axles. In certain front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations, braking may cause high vibrations, resulting in early failure of the tie-rod tube.

  Risk: A tie-rod failure would cause a disconnect between the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering ability, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stamped brake spiders and the tie-rod, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-807.

• Recall 18V503000Jul 31, 20181,256 vehicles
  STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

  Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Freightliner Cascadia, Coronado, Business Class M2, 114SD, and Western Star 4900 trucks. In certain front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations, braking may cause high vibrations, resulting in early failure of the tie-rod tube.

  Risk: A tie-rod failure would cause a disconnect between the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering ability, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake linings, brake spider, and tie-rod, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL782.

• 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 16V656000Sep 13, 20161,039 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Daimler Trucks North America, LLC. (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured September 24, 2012, to May 27, 2015 and equipped with compressed natural gas (CNG) engines. The affected vehicles have a Power Distribution Module (PDM) that is mounted near the CNG fuel tank. Due to its location, the PDM may be sprayed with water and contaminants from the road, possibly causing the PDM to short circuit.

  Risk: If the PDM short circuits, there would be an increased risk of a fire, especially if the nearby CNG tank leaks.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the PDM, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners on November 7, 2016. The recall began on March 3, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-721.

• Recall 16V634000Aug 31, 2016156 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 108 SD, 114 SD, Cascadia, Coronado, Western Star 4700, 4800, and 5700 XE trucks manufactured March 15, 2013, to July 29, 2016 and equipped with Conmet aluminum non-high capacity hubs. These vehicles specify a front axle weight limit that may be greater than that of the hub capacity. As a result, the hub may fail and the wheel may separate from the axle.

  Risk: If a wheel separates from the axle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle hubs, free of charge. The recall began during November 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-718.

• Recall 16V143000Mar 9, 20168,865 vehicles
  EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured from March 24, 2014, through November 9, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with Bergstrom Parksmart HVAC auxiliary units. On these units, there may be inadequate contact between the electrical connector on the compressor and electrical pins causing a high electrical resistance resulting in excessive heat.

  Risk: The overheated connection can increase the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector caps. Additionally, dealers will replace the harnesses if there is evidence of heat discoloration. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's recall number for this campaign is FL-703.

• Recall 15V816000Dec 7, 201517 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured March 27, 2015, to November 4, 2014, and powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). The affected vehicles have a tailpipe that allows hot exhaust to exit near the CNG tank pressure relief device (PRD).

  Risk: Hot exhaust in close proximity to the PRD may cause the PDR to activate and CNG to be unexpectedly released from the tank. Discharge of CNG in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: All the vehicles involved in this recall campaign have been repaired. The recall is began on March 13, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-695.

• Recall 15V617000Oct 1, 201514 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

  Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, and Western Star 4700 trucks manufactured January 4, 2015, to April 24, 2015, and equipped with Eaton Fuller FR 10-speed manual transmissions. In the affected vehicles, when the transmission shift lever is moved from reverse to neutral, the reverse gear may stay engaged. When the transmission shift lever is moved from reverse to a forward gear position, the transmission may mechanically lock because both the reverse gear and forward gear are simultaneously engaged.

  Risk: Even though the transmission has been shifted out of reverse into neutral, the vehicle may unexpectedly move backwards, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the affected transmissions if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 24, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-693.

• Recall 15V185000Mar 30, 20153,732 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Coronado, Western Star 4700, and Western Star 4900 trucks manufactured October 6, 2014, to February 16, 2015, and equipped with Haldex Life Seal brake chambers. The affected vehicles may experience brake drag due to an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber.

  Risk: While traveling at highway speeds, brake drag may cause loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake chambers, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices at the end of May 2015. The recall began on September 25, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL676.

• Recall 15V105000Feb 23, 201514 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured November 19, 2013, to July 14, 2014, and equipped with certain model Side-Mount compressed natural gas (CNG) Fuel Systems, Part No. 23736011, manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 21, 2014 and Motion Industries T1700-06 flexible fuel hoses. The stainless steel braid hose reinforcement may corrode prematurely near the fitting crimp inside the slave tank enclosure.

  Risk: If the corrosion progresses and goes undetected, the hose could begin to leak CNG, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners and dealers will replace the defective hose, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-678.

• Recall 14V717000Nov 10, 20142,618 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Freightliner 122SD, Argosy, and Cascadia trucks manufactured July 22, 2013, to October 13, 2014, equipped with Wabco Quick Release Valves with Double Check manufactured February 6, 2013, to April 19, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been produced with a defective valve seat installed.

  Risk: Improper seating can result in the valves improperly adjusting air pressure levels, thereby reducing the braking performance of the vehicles and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Daimler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and replace the valves, free of charge. The recall began on December 30, 2015. Owners may contact Daimler customer service at 1-800-745-8000. Daimler's number for this recall is FL-673.

• Recall 14V680000Oct 29, 201465 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE · FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

  Daimler Trucks of North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Freightliner Cascadia and M2 trucks manufactured June 2, 2011 to October 23, 2014. The vehicles are not in compliance with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 303, "Fuel System Integrity Of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." Specifically, the tail pipe on these vehicles terminates under the compressed natural gas (CNG) tank and can overheat the fuel system.

  Risk: Due to the area of its placement, the exhaust system forces heat around, and may overheat, the fuel system components, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will extend the tailpipe beyond the cabinet, free of charge. The recall began Feburary 12, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-671.

• Recall 14V588000Sep 23, 2014259 vehicles
  EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured May 5, 2014, to August 18, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain 1100W, 1500W, or 2000W inverters sold as a standalone option with both the Thermo King TriPac EVOLUTION and TriPac-e Auxiliary Power Units ("APU"). The Thermo King inverters provide 120V AC household power to a tractor cabin. The inverters may spark or overheat, resulting in a potential fire.

  Risk: An inverter fire may result in a vehicle fire.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and Thermo King will either replace the inverter free of charge or refund the full purchase price. The recall began on November 14, 2014. Owners may contact Thermo King customer service at 1-866-766-2708. Owners may also contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-668.

• Recall 14V367000Jun 25, 2014192 vehicles
  STEERING · SUSPENSION:FRONT

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015 Freightliner Cascadia, 122SD, and Business Class M2 trucks manufactured March 20, 2014, through April 10, 2014. Due to an axle manufacturing error, there may be weak spots in the beam of the affected axle assemblies.

  Risk: The axle weak spots could cause the axle beam to bend or cause wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the axle beams for certain manufacturing dates, and replace the ones manufactured within a certain date range, free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2014. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-385-4357. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-662.

• 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.

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…

• PE20006Opened May 1, 2020Closed Mar 27, 2024

  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 investigation focused on 2010-2020 DTNA Freightliner Cascadia, M2 and WST; Volvo VN, VAH and VHD and PACCAR 337, 365, 389, 567, 579 model vehicles.Field reports and interviews with fleet drivers allege that high power steering fluid temperatures could result in internal seal and bearing failures causin…

• 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…

• PE18004Opened Apr 23, 2018Closed Nov 22, 2020

  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 tractors 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 fr…

• RQ17008Opened Sep 18, 2017Closed Jul 31, 2018

  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 affect…

• EA17001Opened Apr 3, 2017Closed Apr 8, 2020

  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 (EWR) field reports from the manufacturer describing wipers that intermittently failed to operate, causing a loss of visibility for the driver while driving in rain or snow. Several of the reports alleged multiple vehicles experiencing the failure, while multiple failures also happened on the same vehi…

• PE16005Opened Apr 13, 2016Closed Apr 24, 2017

  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 operate, causing a loss of vision and increasing the risk of a crash. Several of the reports alleged multiple vehicles experiencing the failure, while multiple failures happen on the same vehicle. Many of the field reports indicated the windshield wiper problem was resolved once the wiper motor is re…

Recent 2015 Freightliner Cascadia complaints

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

1. Filed Jan 12, 2024KYTowedElectrical System

   Hello I am reaching out to you today to discuss a common issue with 2015 Freightliner cascadia the acu harness is located on the frame of the chassis and is grounding out wires to the mcm causing the truck to shut off in the middle of the road, highway or interstate, when the issue starts it doesn’t give you time to get off the highway to a safe place. I have personally reached out to several dealers and they are aware of this common issue spn 1231 fmi 9. Also I have called…

   NHTSA complaint #11565071 · source
2. Filed Nov 3, 2020LABody & StructureElectrical System

   2015 freightliner cascadia. Constituent stated that they have experienced several issues with truck, specifically an ongoing electrical issue based upon a leak getting into vehicle damaging electrical lines. The consumer stated fuel leaks from the top of both tanks, issues with e-coast system, refrigerator rattles, utility rear light issues, transmission low air issues, coolant reservoir, fuel gauge, oil leaking, braking issues, climate control issues, front grill, cigarette…

   NHTSA complaint #11373290 · source
3. Filed Mar 20, 2020TXEngineOther / Unknown

   When the truck was purchased the odometer said it had about 28k miles on it for $45k. Well for the last 45 days i have been having issue after issue to the point where it was smoking so bad i could not drive it any longer. So i call the dealer to advise them that too many issues were happening and they said it was nothing they could do for me. Took it to freight liner dealership and they told me that the odometer on the motor was 293,662 not the 28k it was sold under. Now…

   NHTSA complaint #11318785 · 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