2016 Freightliner Cascadia problems, complaints & recalls

2016 Freightliner Cascadia recalls (12)

• 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 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 17V628000Oct 6, 201741 vehicles
  STEERING · STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2016 Western Star 4900 and Freightliner Cascadia vehicles, equipped with certain Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.

  Risk: If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. DTNA issued an interim to owners on December 4, 2017. The recall began on March 7, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-751.

• 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 15V620000Oct 2, 2015273 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, and 122SD, Western Star 4700 and 4900, Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, and Freightliner MT55 vehicles manufactured August 7, 2015, to August 26, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Cummins ISB6.7, ISL9, ISX12 or ISX15 engines whose engine control module (ECM) may short circuit and blow a fuse resulting in the engine stalling without warning.

  Risk: An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECM free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-690.

• 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 15V613000Sep 30, 201510,843 vehicles
  STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Coronado Glider, and Columbia Glider vehicles manufactured June 29, 2015, to September 7, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the steering arm bolts may not be properly tightened.

  Risk: If the steering arm bolts are not properly tightened, the steering arm may separate from the knuckle causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and Daimler Trucks North America or Detroit Diesel authorized service facilities will inspect the steering arm bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-691.

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…

• RQ17001Opened Apr 3, 2017Closed Dec 25, 2017

  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 failures.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 t…

• 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 2016 Freightliner Cascadia complaints

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

1. Filed Aug 31, 2025GAOther / Unknown

   There is a defect on the Freightliner Cascadia Oil Pump Manifold aka Oil Pickup Tube which causes engine failure and will go out without warning

   NHTSA complaint #11684161 · source
2. Filed Jan 7, 2025NYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Injector cup started leaking damaging injectors and causing cross contamination between fuel and coolant. This is a know problem for the isx and cummins should pay for the repair

   NHTSA complaint #11634584 · source
3. Filed Oct 23, 2024700,000 miGABrakesOther / Unknown

   The contact owns a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while a driver was attempting to exit parking lot, the S-Cam 2 and S-Cam support bracket independently detached. No warning light was illuminated. A local independent mechanic arrived on scene to inspect the vehicle and it was determined that the S-Cam bracket and S-Cam mount needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign…

   NHTSA complaint #11621550 · source
4. Filed Apr 12, 2023600,000 miNVTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while her worker was driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine control module (ECM), engine, and an unknown fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11516788 · source
5. Filed Jul 29, 2022IDDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

   ______________________________________________________________________________ Last October 2021 I bought truck Freightliner Cascadia 2016. Vin # [XXX]. Mileage: 477400. Last my trip I made in May 2022 from Nogales, AZ to Boise, ID When I approaching Ely, NV about 5-8 miles I drive down from the mountain hill . I used speed 25-30 MPH, suddenly my steering wheel was locked and did not made right turn. I used hardly brake because my truck was out of control and pulled forward…

   NHTSA complaint #11476588 · source
6. Filed Oct 2, 2021GAFireElectrical System

   Truck was parked for about 5-6 hours on yard and randomly catching fire and burns up , see similar year make and model had similar things happen and was recalled my truck was manufactured in the time period of the other recalls but I didn’t get a letter please advise

   NHTSA complaint #11435244 · source
7. Filed Jan 28, 2021200,000 miNYFireBody & StructureElectrical SystemEngine

   I am a fire investigator with onondaga county ny recently i had two separate fires in similar vehicles (see nhtsa compliant # 11390543) both origin and cause investigations revealed a malfunction/failure in what has been described to me as a power distribution modular (pdm) both vehicles were totally destroyed by the resulting fire. Both vehicles were parked and not running at the time of event.*dt*jb*jb*jb*jb consumer believes the melting snow which entered the electric…

   NHTSA complaint #11390547 · source
8. Filed Jan 28, 2021313,882 miNYFireBody & StructureElectrical SystemEngine

   I am a fire investigator with onondaga county fire investigation unit. Recently i had two fires with similar vehicles both were 2016 freightliners cascadia 125 both were parked and not running at the time of the fire events. Both origin and cause investigations appeared to reveal a failure/malfunction at the what has been described to me as being the power distribution modular (pdm). Both resulted in the vehicles being destroyed by fire.*dt*jb*jb*jb*jb*jb

   NHTSA complaint #11390543 · 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