2018 Freightliner Cascadia problems, complaints & recalls

2018 Freightliner Cascadia recalls (26)

• Recall 23V073000Feb 10, 202370,167 vehicles
  ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:MODULATOR

  Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Freightliner Cascadia, 2020-2023 Western Star 49X, 2021-2023 Western Star 47X, and 2022 Freightliner 114SD vehicles. The brake modulator valves on the front axle may corrode and cause the vehicle to pull to the affected side during braking initiated by Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Roll Stability Control (RSC).

  Risk: Brakes that pull to one side may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake modulator valves, as necessary. Some vehicles will have a software update which will alert driver when a replacement is required. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 13, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL966.

• Recall 22V817000Nov 1, 2022219,390 vehicles
  FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL · SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:MODULATOR

  Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Freightliner Cascadia, 2020-2022 Freightliner Business Class M2, and 2022 Freightliner 114SD, and 2020-2023 Western Star 49X, 2021-2023 Western Star 47X, and 2021-2022 Western Star 57X vehicles. The brake modulator valves on the front axle may corrode and cause the vehicle to pull to the affected side during an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) braking event.

  Risk: Brakes that pull to one side during an ACC braking event may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake modulator valves, as necessary. Some vehicles will have a software update which will alert driver when a replacement is required. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 16, 2023. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-958. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 20V-390. All vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-390 will need to have the new remedy performed.

• Recall 20V567000Feb 16, 2022128,451 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Cascadia P4 vehicles. The brake lights may remain illuminated after the brake pedal has been released.

  Risk: If the brake lights remain illuminated, drivers may be unaware when the truck is actually slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 3-pin brake pressure switch with a 2-pin brake pressure switch along with a jumper harness, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on November 17, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 21, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-863.

• Recall 21V357000May 14, 202172,510 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:BULBS

  Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles equipped with halogen headlight assemblies. The halogen headlight bulb may dislodge during replacement and contact other vehicle components, possibly causing them to melt.

  Risk: Melting components can increase the risk of fire.

  Remedy: Dealers will install a foam grommet, cut a 4-inch access hole into the inner fender, and add a warning label on both fenders, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 9, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-887.

• Recall 20V642000Oct 16, 20204,329 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD and 122SD and Western Star 4700, 4900 and 5700 vehicles. An internal component within the clutch assembly may fail, which in certain circumstances could allow the vehicle to move unexpectedly.

  Risk: Unintended vehicle movement van increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software and replace the clutches, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on December 7, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-865.

• Recall 20V390000Jul 2, 2020164,326 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:QUICK RELEASE VALVE

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Freightliner Cascadia tractor trailers. The single brake modulator valve may be affected by chemical corrosion which can slow down the release timing and cause the brakes to pull to the affected side during automatic braking events.

  Risk: Brakes that pull to one side during automatic braking events may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front left and right single brake modulator valves will be replaced and spacers added, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-855.

• 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 19V711000Oct 7, 201912 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The ABS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may not detect an incorrectly functioning solenoid valve for the ABS/ESC module during certain low voltage start conditions, potentially causing the ABS/ESC Malfunction indicator not to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems" and number 136, "Electronic Stability Control Systems on Heavy Vehicles."

  Risk: Without the alert, an operator may not be aware of an active ABS/ESC malfunction and unknowingly operate the vehicle with reduced ABS/ESC function, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ABS/ESC module, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-830.

• 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 19V136000Feb 27, 201914 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Anti-Lock Braking system (ABS) malfunction warning light may not reactivate after the ignition has been turned off and then switched back on. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

  Risk: Unknowingly operating a truck with an ABS malfunction may increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ABS module, free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. The DTNA number for this recall is FL-810.

• Recall 19V066000Feb 7, 20193,365 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles equipped with an optional steering wheel air bag. The driver's frontal air bag may deploy unexpectedly.

  Risk: If the driver's frontal air bag deploys unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) will notify owners, and dealers will remove the air bag as an the interim remedy, free of charge. DTNA is developing a remedy program, which when available, will be communicated to customers and dealers. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on April 5, 2019. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL806. This recall supersedes recall 18V-787.

• Recall 18V913000Dec 19, 2018501 vehicles
  STEERING · STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Freightliner 114SD, 122SD, 108SD, Cascadia and Business class M2 trucks, Freightliner Custom Chassis XBS, XCL, XCM, MT45, MT55, S2G, S2RV, XCR and XCS custom chassis and Western Star 4700, 4900 and 5700 trucks equipped with Detroit Axle axles. The affected vehicles may have loose steering and tie rod arm bolts.

  Risk: Loose tie rod arm bolts may lead to separation of the tie rod arm, resulting in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts for to make sure that they are properly tightened, installing new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2019. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-802.

• Recall 18V903000Dec 19, 20186,795 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Business Class M2, Western Star 4700, 4900, and 5700 vehicles, equipped with certain Eaton ECA heavy-duty truck clutches. An internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.

  Risk: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software, and repair any physical components, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on February 16, 2019. The recall began July 31, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-803.

• Recall 18V742000Oct 19, 20186,326 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

  Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The brakes lights on these vehicles may remain activated after the brake pedal is released.

  Risk: If the brake lights remain activated, other drivers may be unaware that the vehicle is actually slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners and dealers will replace the brake light switch. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-799.

• Recall 18V703000Oct 5, 20185,534 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER

  Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, Cascadia, Business Class M2, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation S2C 106 Cab, S2G Cab Chassis, XCL, XCM, XBS, XCP, XCR, Western Star 4700, 4900 and 5700 trucks. The brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.

  Risk: Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will check and tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-794.

• Recall 18V581000Aug 30, 20184,500 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Freightliner Cascadia, Coronado and 122SD, and Western Star 4900 trucks, equipped with Cummins ISX15 or X15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.

  Risk: If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the affected nylon fuel line with a steel fuel line, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 or Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467. DTNA's number for this recall is FL789.

• Recall 18V525000Aug 9, 20184,155 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER

  Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Columbia, Coronado, and Business Class M2 vehicles. During manufacturing, the brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.

  Risk: Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will check and tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began October 5, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-783.

• Recall 18V522000Aug 8, 2018116 vehicles
  STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN

  Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. Over time, the pitman arms may crack and fracture.

  Risk: If the pitman arm fractures there would be a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pitman arms, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 6, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-784.

• Recall 18V491000Jul 20, 201843,584 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

  Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Freightliner Cascadia trucks. The Instrument Cluster Unit (ICU) may not perform the required bulb checks for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) if the ignition is turned from on to off to on too quickly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems," and 136, "Electronic Stability Control Systems on Heavy Vehicles."

  Risk: Without an ABS or ESC bulb check, the operator may unaware that the warning light bulbs are not working. If the warning bulbs are not working, in the event of an ABS or ESC malfunction, the driver may not be notified, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ICU's to ensure a bulb check is performed each time the ignition is turned on, free of charge. Also, the sub-population with Tire Pressure Monitoring (TMPS) will also require replacement parts, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on September 18, 2018. The recall began March 5, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-780.

• Recall 18V411000Jun 15, 201818,105 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The brake caliper mounting bolts on these vehicles may not been properly tightened, potentially resulting in the caliper detaching.

  Risk: If the calipers detach, there would be reduced braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper mounting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 13, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-775.

• Recall 18V353000May 29, 20188,741 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 108SD, 114SD and Cascadia trucks, Western Star 4700, 4900, and 5700 trucks, FCCC S2C 106 Cab, S2G Cab, XBR, XBS, XCL, XCM, XCP, XCR, and XCS chassis equipped with air disc brakes. The brake caliper mounting bolts on these vehicles may be insufficiently tightened, allowing the bolts to loosen.

  Risk: If the brake caliper mounting bolts loosen, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper mounting bolts and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on July 25, 2018. The recall began September 4, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-772.

• Recall 18V300000May 8, 20181,219 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The fasteners that secure the driver's air bag module within the steering wheel may not have been installed to specification, possibly affecting the frontal air bag deployment in the event of a crash.

  Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may not function correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the frontal air bag fasteners, tightening them to the proper specification, free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-771.

• 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 17V730000Nov 17, 2017231 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018 Freightliner Cascadia trucks equipped with Detroit automatic transmissions. A shift lock bolt within the transmission can seize, preventing the transmission from being shifted out of gear range 7 through 12.

  Risk: If the transmission cannot be shifted out of gear range 7 through 12, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and replace the transmission shift bolt, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 28, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-754.

• Recall 17V629000Oct 6, 2017138 vehiclesDo not drive
  STEERING

  Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The upper steering pinch bolt may not have been properly tightened, possibly causing a loss of mechanical connection between the steering wheel and front wheels.

  Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will verify that the upper steering shaft pinch bolt is properly tightened, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-748. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been checked.

• Recall 17V452000Jul 17, 20172,483 vehicles
  EQUIPMENT

  Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018 Freightliner Cascadia, M2 Business Class, 114SD, and 122SD trucks, and Western Star 4700 and 5700 trucks. These vehicles have tow hooks used for recovery purposes that may fail during use.

  Risk: If the tow hook fails without warning during a recovery operation, the sudden release of the vehicle may increase the risk of injury.

  Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle's tow hooks and, depending on their production date codes, will replace them, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-742.

NHTSA defect investigations

• EA25006Opened Oct 23, 2025Open

  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 activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. DTNA indicated that it received of a total of 315 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2017-2022 DTNA vehicles. DTNA stated that the va…

• PE23010Opened May 26, 2023Closed Oct 23, 2025

  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 activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in unexpected and sudden vehicle deceleration. ODI sent an information request letter to DTNA on June 15, 2023.In its September 1, 2023, response, DTNA indicated that it received of …

• PE21006Opened Feb 25, 2021Closed Jul 16, 2021led to recall 21V357000

  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). ODI contacted DTNA and learned that it was aware of halogen bulb-related thermal events. DTNA stated a belief that the issue was due to incorrect bulb replacement during maintenance. However, some vehicles experienced fires within the original equipment halogen bulb's expected life range.In July 201…

• PE21004Opened Feb 25, 2021Closed Jan 14, 2025

  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 vehicle 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 v…

• 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…

Recent 2018 Freightliner Cascadia complaints

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

1. Filed Jun 8, 2023UTBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The Automatic Emergency Braking System has activated at least 3 different times while I was driving. At each occurrence there was nothing in the roadway or travel lane. The vehicle came to an abrupt stop twice and slammed the brakes on but then released them a moment later once. In each event a very near collision with other vehicles was almost caused. There are other drivers that use this truck that have reported similar events (5 or 6), but I cannot say for certain what…

   NHTSA complaint #11526068 · source
2. Filed May 1, 2023CAFireOther / Unknown

   Unsure what system or component failed. Our driver was making a delivery on the morning of 4/29/23. He was parked at the consignee location, engine off, and reported hearing a loud pop sound from the tractor while he was offloading merchandise from the trailer. A fire started under the hood, he attempted to extinguish it with the fire extinguisher and failed. The tractor burned to the ground. If the driver had been in the cab when it started, he could've been killed in the…

   NHTSA complaint #11519920 · source
3. Filed Feb 6, 2023PALighting

   The contact owns a 2018 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the brake lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

   NHTSA complaint #11505821 · source
4. Filed Jul 5, 2022ILOther / Unknown

   After experiencing numerous issues with Jost 5th wheels, specifically JSK36N model. The Wear ring bolts (NT0000005) are constantly getting loose making the Wear ring (SK 2105-19) move in the 5th wheel plate, what we consider unsafe. While working on hundreds of trucks we have noticed that this is this issue is very popular. The drivers have been complaining about the trailer king pin being loose in the 5th wheel, causing a hit/push on start/stop when driven in combination…

   NHTSA complaint #11472396 · source
5. Filed Sep 28, 2021TXLighting

   Break lights stay on when truck is moving. It confuses drivers following the truck.other motorists would not know whether the truck is slowing down

   NHTSA complaint #11434795 · source
6. Filed Oct 26, 2020310,500 miILDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control

   Had same issues on 2018-2020 freightliner cascadias (7 different units), chassis harness rubbing against transmission and the metal bracket by the air compressor. Active fault codes for coolant level , tcs, transmission ecu - drivers not able to drive on automatic mode/ only manual mode available. One time the driver was not even able to start the truck in the morning, had to get the unit towed to the dealer and have the harness repaired. All of the faults previously…

   NHTSA complaint #11366557 · source

Compare the 2018 Freightliner Cascadia with another vehicle →

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