2021 Freightliner Cascadia recalls and problems

The 2021 Freightliner Cascadia has 21 recalls and 16 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is tires.

How the 2021 compares

High

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

High complaint count among 22 Cascadia model years — 6th most.

21recalls

16complaints

1crashes

0fires

7injuries

326,168median miles

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

Does your car have an open recall?
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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21 recalls

Electronic Stability Control

Sep 9, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V583000 · 2,404 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Freightliner Cascadia and 2022 Western Star 49X vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V073 or 22V817. The brake modulator valves on the front axle may corrode and cause the vehicle to pull to one 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 replace the brake modulator valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 8, 2026. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1039. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.

Electronic Stability Control

Apr 26, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V299000 · 266 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain short wheelbase 2020-2024 Freightliner Cascadia, 2021-2024 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 2022 Western Star 4700, and 2020 Freightliner Classic Cascadia vehicles. The vehicle is equipped with an electronic stability control system and tire combination that may understeer during a J-turn. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 136, "Electronic Stability Control Systems on Heavy Vehicles."

Risk: Understeering during a J-turn may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

DTNA will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL971.

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

Mar 28, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V208000 · 24,282 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star 49X vehicles. The hazard warning lights may flash improperly during an Advanced Braking Assist event. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Hazard warning lights that flash improperly may cause confusion for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will update the software controlling the hazard warning lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL851.

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.

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.

Tires

Dec 12, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V919000 · 49 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Freightliner 114SD, 2023 Freightliner 122SD, 2020 Western Star 4700, 2019-2022 Western Star 4900, 2019-2023 Freightliner Business Class M2, and 2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with tires that are not compatible with their 8.25-inch rims. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."

Risk: Driving with tires that are not compatible with their rims can reduce tire performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-962.

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.

Fuel System

Dec 13, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V965000 · 2,843 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Western Star 4700, 2019-2022 Freightliner 114SD, 2021-2022 Western Star 49X, Freightliner Cascadia P4, 2022 Western Star 47X, 2021 Western Star WF110, 2020 Western Star WJ121, and 2019-2021 FCCC XCP Chassis vehicles. The fuel tubes between the fuel rail and the injectors for cylinders four, five, and six may fatigue and crack, which can result in a high pressure fuel leak.

Risk: A high pressure fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will replace the fuel tubes, and install vibration isolators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-915.

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.

Steering

Sep 2, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V689000 · 113,085 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019 Freightliner Classic Cascadia and 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia trucks. The drag link taper joint may not have been tightened sufficiently and could come loose, resulting in a complete separation of the drag link from the steering arm.

Risk: Drag link separation can cause a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

DTNA will inspect the drag link taper joint and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 29, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA's customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-900.

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.

Electrical System

Jun 25, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V481000 · 122,056 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Freightliner Cascadia P4, 2021 Western Star WH126, 2020 Western Star WJ121, and 2021-2022 Western Star 49X vehicles. The battery cable terminal may break, resulting in a loss of electrical power and unintended engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will repair or replace the battery cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 7, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-893.

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.

Steering

May 19, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V369000 · 8,482 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Freightliner 114SD, 122SD, Business Class M2, Cascadia, 108SD, Western Star 4900, 4700, 5700, Custom Chass RV Chassis, Custom Chass S2 Chassis, Custom Chass XC Chassis, Custom Chass XB Chassis, and Custom Chass MT Chassis. The tie rod clamps may be loose, which could result in loose tie rod ends that could break or detach.

Risk: Detached or broken tie rod ends can result in steering loss, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will replace the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-888.

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

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.

Steering

Apr 12, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V256000 · 12,470 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 114SD, 108SD, 122SD, Custom Chass S2 Chassis, Custom Chass XB Chassis, Custom Chass XC Chassis, and Custom Chass MT Chassis Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700 vehicles. The steering arm and tie rod bolts may have a defective seam that can fracture.

Risk: A fractured bolt may cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tie rod arm and steering arm bolts, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-884.

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

Mar 24, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V209000 · 2 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021 Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star 4700 vehicles. The clutch flange may break.

Risk: If flange failure occurs, loose parts may fall into the clutch pressure plate assembly, resulting in clutch disengagement, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch on the affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-881.

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

Feb 12, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V073000 · 7 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles equipped with a Cummins X15 engine. The capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may have been improperly torqued, allowing the flywheel to detach.

Risk: A detached flywheel can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, driveline pieces may be ejected from the engine compartment, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy & notes

DTNA will work with the engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. to notify owners, and Cummins dealers will properly torque the capscrews and inspect for possible damage and, if necessary, repair any damage found, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-875.

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

Jan 20, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V018000 · 133 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling 2021 Western Star 4700 and 5700, Freightliner Business Class M2, Cascadia, and Custom Chassis XC Chassis vehicles manufactured with a certain steering arm configuration with air disc brakes identified by the axle assembly supplier. On certain vehicles, one of the six brake caliper mounting bolts on the driver side steer axle may have been incorrectly tightened.

Risk: The loose bolt could result in the other caliper bolts to loosen. Insufficiently tightened bolts may not provide adequate clamping force between the brake caliper and brake anchor plate, resulting in reduced brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-873.

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.

Tires

Jan 13, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V007000 · 4,341 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Freightliner Cascadia sleeper trucks equipped with Bridgestone R284, R268, or R283S ECOPIA steer axle tires in conjunction with a specific air dam. The steer tires may experience tread separation or blow-outs while driving.

Risk: Tread separation and/or blow-outs while driving may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steer tires, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL872.

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 30, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V742000 · 1,233 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The clutch flange may break due to the heat treating and stamping process.

Risk: If flange failure occurs, loose parts may fall into the clutch pressure plate assembly, resulting in clutch disengagement, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch on the affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-869.

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.

Suspension

Oct 27, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V660000 · 1,411 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Freightliner Cascadia, 2021 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD and Business Class M2 and Western Star 4700, 4900 and 5700 vehicles. The steer axle spindle nut snap-ring locking feature may be incorrectly installed or missing from the left spindle nut at the spindle.

Risk: A missing or improperly installed locking snap ring can result in wheel-end failure and potentially a wheel-off/separation condition, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy & notes

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the hub cap plug, and reinstall or replace of the snap-ring as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-866.

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.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Tires6

Forward Collision Avoidance5

Unknown or other1

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…

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…

2021 vs. other Freightliner Cascadia years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2021. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 21 recall campaigns covering the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia, the latest from Sep 9, 2026 (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 2021 Freightliner Cascadia?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention tires (6), forward collision avoidance (5), service brakes (3). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.