2018 Freightliner Cascadia recalls and problems

The 2018 Freightliner Cascadia has 26 recalls and 11 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is exterior lighting.

Do not drive warning. NHTSA and the manufacturer advise owners not to drive affected vehicles until the recall repair is done. Affected campaign: 17V629000.

How the 2018 compares

Low

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Low complaint count among 22 Cascadia model years — 14th most.

26recalls

11complaints

2crashes

1fires

0injuries

310,500median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

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Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

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26 recalls

Electronic Stability Control

Feb 10, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V073000 · 70,167 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Forward Collision Avoidance

Nov 1, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V817000 · 219,390 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Exterior Lighting

Feb 16, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 20V567000 · 128,451 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Exterior Lighting

May 14, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V357000 · 72,510 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Power Train

Oct 16, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V642000 · 4,329 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Service Brakes

Jul 2, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V390000 · 164,326 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Exterior Lighting

Apr 14, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V214000 · 63,175 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Service Brakes

Oct 7, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V711000 · 12 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Service Brakes

May 14, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V370000 · 741 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Service Brakes

Feb 27, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V136000 · 14 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Air Bags

Feb 7, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V066000 · 3,365 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov

Steering

Dec 19, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V913000 · 501 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Power Train

Dec 19, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V903000 · 6,795 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Exterior Lighting

Oct 19, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V742000 · 6,326 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Service Brakes

Oct 5, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V703000 · 5,534 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Engine

Aug 30, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V581000 · 4,500 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Service Brakes

Aug 9, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V525000 · 4,155 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Steering

Aug 8, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V522000 · 116 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Electrical System

Jul 20, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V491000 · 43,584 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Service Brakes

Jun 15, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V411000 · 18,105 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Service Brakes

May 29, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V353000 · 8,741 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Air Bags

May 8, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V300000 · 1,219 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Exterior Lighting

Nov 27, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V761000 · 438,255 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Power Train

Nov 17, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V730000 · 231 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Steering

Oct 6, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V629000 · 138 vehicles

Do not drive

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Equipment

Jul 17, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V452000 · 2,483 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Exterior Lighting4

Service Brakes3

Vehicle Speed Control3

Electrical System2

Forward Collision Avoidance2

Unknown or other2

Air Bags1

Electronic Stability Control1

Tires1

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

NHTSA investigations

Automatic Emergency Braking Errors

EA25006 · opened Oct 23, 2025 · open

Summary

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 vast majority of false positive activation of the subject systems occur in very limited durations and result in a five mile per hour deceleration. ODI considered four AEB systems offered by DTNA: Detroit Assurance 2.0, Detroit Assurance 4.0, Detroit Assurance 5.0, and Wabco OnGuard.Â ODIâs analysis shows that of the Detroit Assurance versions, all are failing at similar rates.Â The OnGuard AEB systems equipped on the same model and model year vehicles have experienced a significantly lower claim rate. To date, ODI has received a total of 32 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of AEB in MY 2017-2022 DTNA vehicles.Â In total, ODI reviewed 347 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include 24 reports involving a crash, 13 reports involving an alleged injury and one report with a fatality. PE23010 has been…

Automatic Emergency Braking Errors

PE23010 · opened May 26, 2023 · closed Oct 23, 2025

Summary

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 a total of 315 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2017-2022 DTNA vehicles. DTNA stated that the vast majority of false positive activation of the subject systems occur for very limited durations and result in a five mile per hour deceleration. ODI considered four AEB systems offered by DTNA: Detroit Assurance 2.0, Detroit Assurance 4.0, Detroit Assurance 5.0, and Wabco OnGuard.Â ODIâs analysis shows that of the Detroit Assurance versions, all fail at similar rates.Â The Wabco OnGuard AEB systems equipped on the same model and model year vehicles have experienced a significantly lower claim rate. To date, ODI has received a total of 32 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of AEB in MY 2017-2022 DTNA vehicles.Â In total, ODI reviewed 347 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Number) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include 24 i…

Halogen Headlights May Cause Fires

PE21006 · opened Feb 25, 2021 · closed Jul 16, 2021 · led to recall 21V357000

Summary

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 2019, DTNA released a service bulletin and a training video covering proper headlight bulb replacement. There have been 17 fires, with 3 total vehicle losses, since DTNA released this extra training information.On February 25, 2021, ODI opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE21-006) and sent an Information Request (IR) letter to DTNA.After the PE opening, DTNA reevaluated the data and found additional thermal events at low mileages and decided to file a recall. On May 14, 2021, DTNA submitted recall 21V-357 for 72,508 vehicles covering 2017-2022 models (exceeding the population and model years of this investigation). The planned owner and dealer notification date is July 12, 2021.For the remedy, DTNA will open up the 2-inch access into a 4-inch access hole into the inner fender to provide better access for the maintenance replacement of the bulb, and add a label that provides a visible warning …

Engine Electrical Wiring Harness Chafe

PE21004 · opened Feb 25, 2021 · closed Jan 14, 2025

Summary

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 vehicle configuration. ODI identified three primary areas where a wiring harness bundle may chafe: the air compressor support bracket, the transmission case, or the coolant surge tank. In each case, the root cause was some combination of inadequate design clearance, installation variability and relative motion between the wiring harness and the point of contact, such as from vibration. The chafing could result in a range of consequences from none to various diagnostic fault codes, telltale illumination, driver warning center messages, erratic electrical component operation, difficult or no engine start condition, engine de-rate (power reduction), engine shut down, inoperative transmission gear selection, or an unexpected shift to neutral.These potential consequences vary depending on the specific damaged wire in the harness and the exact failure mode, such as intermittent short circuit to…

SAM Cab Water Intrusion

RQ20001 · opened Aug 31, 2020 · closed Jun 26, 2025

Summary

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 by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). ODI sent DTNA an information request (IR) letter on September 29, 2020.DTNA's November 20, 2020, IR response detailed how the company had implemented various improvements through recall 09V024 and multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) to mitigate water intrusion.The effectiveness of new windshield seals and revisions to the drip shield is evident by the downward trend in claims rate from an average high of 7.64% in the beginning product life of Cascadia P3 (MYs 2007-2009), to 1.79% average for MYs 2011-2018, and down to 0.49% towards the end of the Cascadia P3 production.Moreover, the data shows that most failures occurred within the first three years of service with a significant downward trend thereafter. In view of the current overall low failure rate, the nature of early-life failure, and failure rate trending downward since model year 201…

2018 vs. other Freightliner Cascadia years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2018. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2018 Freightliner Cascadia have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns covering the 2018 Freightliner Cascadia, the latest from Feb 10, 2023 (electronic stability control). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Freightliner Cascadia?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention exterior lighting (4), service brakes (3), vehicle speed control (3). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.

Is it safe to drive the 2018 Freightliner Cascadia?

1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" advisory. Only vehicles with the recall open are affected — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.