Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2011 Freightliner Cascadia, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system5
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Power train3
- Service brakes2
- Exterior lighting2
- Engine2
- Seats1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Fuel system, diesel1
- Steering1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 2 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 95 2011 Cascadia vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 11 people died inside them, and 13 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2011 Freightliner Cascadia failed the safety check 0.00% of the time — 100% less often than the average 2011 passenger car (2.49%). Median odometer at inspection: 393,920 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Recalls in Canada
18 Transport Canada recalls for the 2011 Freightliner Cascadia.
| 2020158 14 Apr 2020 | Lights And Instruments Issue: On certain trucks equipped with "Fleet Engineer" mud flaps, the bracket for the mud flaps may partially cover the rear reflective tape. Canadian regula… |
| 2017583 28 Nov 2017 | Brakes On certain vehicles with air brakes, after several hard brake applications, the brake light pressure switch may not activate the brake lights with a light appli… |
| 2015486 16 Oct 2015 | Structure On certain vehicles, the fifth wheel locking mechanisms could be susceptible to damage and/or wear. This could cause the locking mechanism to fail properly enga… |
| 2015113 16 Mar 2015 | Lights And Instruments On certain vehicles water intrusion could occur, and corrode and damage inside of the Signal-detect and Activation Module (SAM) Chassis. This corrosion could c… |
| 2012281 15 Aug 2012 | Brakes On certain trucks, the air tank mounting brackets may crack, which could allow the tank to detach from the vehicle. An air tank separating from the vehicle cou… |
| 2012080 27 Feb 2012 | Fuel System On certain trucks equipped with a Detroit Diesel DD13, DD15 or DD16 engine, the support system for the high pressure fuel line (between the fuel pump and the fu… |
| 2011411 21 Nov 2011 | Other On certain vehicles equipped with an MBE4000 (EPA07) engine, the intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail. This could result in a vehicle fire causing… |
| 2011367 14 Oct 2011 | Steering On certain trucks equipped with a rack & pinion steering system, the lower pinion bearing may corrode and fail. As a result, the vehicle may require additional… |
| 2011346 19 Sept 2011 | Other On certain vehicles, specific operating conditions (such as tight, successive, highly banked curves in opposite directions), could trigger unintended Electronic… |
| 2011236 22 Jun 2011 | Electrical On certain trucks equipped with a DD15 or DD16 engine, the bolt attaching a rubber isolator to a support bracket may become loose, back out, and contact the sta… |
| 2011197 13 May 2011 | Other On certain vehicles, the fifth wheel hitch assembly may fail to latch securely around the trailer king pin. A trailer separating from the towing vehicle could … |
| 2011172 27 Apr 2011 | Powertrain On certain trucks, the driveshaft may not have been welded correctly during the manufacturing process. This could allow the driveshaft to fracture along the le… |
| 2011163 20 Apr 2011 | Brakes On certain vehicles, the slack adjuster housings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which could allow the housings to fracture and fail. As a result, the … |
| 2011076 21 Feb 2011 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the alternator cables may be routed in a way that allows contact with an engine heat shield, which could result in cable insulation damage.… |
| 2011075 21 Feb 2011 | Suspension On certain vehicles, the rear suspension springs may fracture and fail. This could allow the rear end of the spring to separate from the vehicle and strike ano… |
| 2010390 4 Nov 2010 | Label On certain vehicles, the recommended cold tire inflation information, as required by the Technical Standards Document No. 120S5.3.1, was inadvertently omitted … |
| 2010250 26 Jul 2010 | Fuel System On certain vehicles equipped with a DD13 and DD15 engines, over time, the barrel of the Bosch high pressure fuel pump element may develop a crack due to hydroge… |
| 2010144 3 May 2010 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, should the fuel filter become restricted, the low pressure fuel flange may develop a crack resulting in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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."
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2017 Freightliner Cascadia, Century Class, Columbia and Coronado trucks and Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, 5900 and 6900 trucks. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Cascadia, Business Class M2, Coronado, and Columbia Glider vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to June 15, 2013. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured March 26, 2007, to August 31, 2010. Water may leak into the Signal-detection and Activation Module (SAM) Chassis causing corrosion which may result in electrical shorts or possible intermittent operation of trailer lights.
Daimler Trucks of North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Freightliner Cascadia and M2 trucks manufactured June 2, 2011 to October 23, 2014. The vehicles are not in compliance with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 303, "Fuel System Integrity Of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." Specifically, the tail pipe on these vehicles terminates under the compressed natural gas (CNG) tank and can overheat the fuel system.
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2015 Freightliner 114SD, Cascadia, M2 Business Class, Sterling LT8500, and Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX vehicles manufactured February 19, 2008, through February 11, 2014, and equipped with Cummins Westport Model ISL G and Cummins Westport Model ISX12 G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Freightliner, Sterling, and Western Star vehicles manufactured from July 7, 2008, through December 15, 2011, and equipped with perpendicular air tank mounting brackets. The air tank mounting brackets may develop cracks which can lead to the air tank brackets separating from the frame rail. The air tanks may also separate from the vehicle.
DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2013 FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT DIESEL EPA07 AND EPA10, DD13 AND DD15/16 ENGINES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 20, 2006, THROUGH FEBRUARY 20, 2012. THE PUMP TO RAIL HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE SUPPORT SYSTEM USED ON THESE ENGINES IS SENSITIVE TO ASSEMBLY TORQUE AND MAY BE DAMAGED DURING SERVICE WORK. AS A RESULT OF OTHER REPAIRS, THE LINE SUPPORTS MAY LOOSEN, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO FUEL LINE CRACKING AND A FUEL LEAK.
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, COLUMBIA, CENTURY, CORONADO, AND CLASSIC XL TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2004, THROUGH JUNE 15, 2010 FOR THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM. THE LOWER PINION BEARING MAY CORRODE AND FAIL. A FAILED BEARING MAY LEAD TO DAMAGE OF THE SPOOL VALVE SEALS. A DAMAGE SPOOL VALVE SEAL MAY ALLOW HYDRAULIC FLUID TO FLOW TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT TURN PORT INSTEAD OF FLOWING TO THE RETURN PORT.
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2, CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA, CORONADO AND STERLING A-LINE VEHICLES BUILT WITH MERITOR WABCO ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2011. UNDER CERTAIN ROAD AND DRIVING CONDITIONS, VEHICLE BODY ROLL AND ROAD INCLINATION CHARACTERISTICS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SLIP ANGLE CALCULATION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM. THIS MIGHT CAUSE THE ESC TO PERCEIVE AN OVER STEERING SITUATION AND THEREFORE APPLY THE OUTER WHEEL BRAKE ON THE FRONT AXLE UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PERCEIVED TO BE STABLE.
DTNA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 FREIGHTLINER; CASCADIA, CENTURY CLASS, COLUMBIA, AND CORONADO, CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 STERLING; A-LINE AND L-LINE AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 WESTERN STAR CONSTELLATION VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 15, 2011, BUILT WITH DETROIT DIESEL 15 OR 16 ENGINES. THE BOLT ATTACHING A RUBBER ISOLATOR TO A SUPPORT BRACKET MAY BECOME LOOSE AND BACK OUT, POTENTIALLY CONTACTING AN UN-FUSED STARTER CABLE AND CREATING A SHORT CIRCUIT.
DTNA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 BUSINESS CLASS M2, AND CORONADO, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CASCADIA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FONTAINE ULTRA LT FIFTH WHEELS AND MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 7, 2010, THROUGH MARCH 7, 2011. DURING THE COUPLING PROCESS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PRE-MODIFICATION FONTAINE ULTRA LT FIFTH WHEELS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE DRIVER TO PARTIALLY CLOSE THE FIFTH WHEEL LOCK, AND IF RELYING ON A TUG TEST (PULL TEST), AND NOT PERFORMING THE REQUIRED VISUAL INSPECTION, THINK THAT THE FIFTH WHEEL LOCK IS PROPERLY COUPLED TO THE TRAILER KING PIN, WHEN IN FACT, IT IS NOT.
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA, CORONADO, M2, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 19, 2009, THROUGH JULY 9, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC DD13 AND DD15 ENGINES ASSEMBLED WITH A BOSCH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ELEMENT WHICH MAY DEVELOP A CRACK DUE TO HYDROGEN INDUCED STRESS CORROSION. THE CRACK MAY RESULT IN A DIESEL FUEL LEAK.
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, M2, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 11, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 21, 2011, AND EQUIPPED WITH A MERITOR DRIVELINE. THE TUBING USED TO ASSEMBLE THE AFFECTED DRIVELINES HAS A NONCONFORMING SEAM WELD WITH INSUFFICIENT BONDING OF THE MATERIAL.
DTNA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, COLUMBIA GLIDER KIT, CORONADO, M2, AND WESTERN STAR4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 16, 2010, THROUGH MARCH 9, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH GUNITE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 15, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2011. DUE TO AN INCOMPLETE "KNITTING" OF THE IRON AT THE TIME OF CASTING, INADEQUATE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING CAN OCCUR, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE HOUSING TO BREAK AT THE HANDLE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING LOADS.
DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER, CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA FLD, AND M2, STERLING 9500, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 20, 2006, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC MBE4000 EPA07 MODEL ENGINES. THE INTAKE AIR GRID HEATER MAY SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA AND CONORADO AND WESTERN STAR 4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 22, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 28, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH AN EPA10 ISX ENGINE. THE ROUTING AND SECURING OF THE ALTERNATOR CABLES MAY ALLOW THE CABLE TO CONTACT OR NEARLY CONTACT AN ENGINE HEAT SHIELD POTENTIALLY DAMAGING THE CABLE INSULATION.
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 ARGOSY, CASCADIA, AND CORNOADO HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 4, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH 40K AIRLINER SUSPENSIONS. THE REAR SUSPENSION MAY FRACTURE THROUGH THE CENTER BOLT HOLE AFTER VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FREIGHTLINER CORONADO, COLUMBIA, FLD MILITARY, BUSINESS CLASS M2, CASCADIA, CENTURY, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 9, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 27, 2010 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH LABELS MISSING RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES.
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER, FCCC, STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC MBE900 EPA04 AND EPA07 MODEL ENGINES. THE INTAKE AIR GRID HEATER MAY SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA, CORONADO, M2, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 19, 2009 THROUGH JULY 9, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC DD13 AND DD15 ENGINES ASSEMBLED WITH A BOSCH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ELEMENT WHICH MAY DEVELOP A CRACK DUE TO HYDROGEN INDUCED STRESS CORROSION. OVER TIME THE BARREL OF THE BOSCH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ELEMENT USED ON SPECIFIC DD13/DD15 ENGINES MAY DEVELOP A CRACK DUE TO HYDROGEN INDUCED STRESS CORROSION RESULTING IN A DIESEL FUEL LEAK.
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA, CASCADIA, CORONADO, CENTURY, M2, STERLING 9500, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DD 13 AND DD15/DD16 ENGINES AND MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1, 2007 THROUGH APRIL 5, 2010. SHOULD THE FUEL FILTER BECOME RESTRICTED, THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL FLANGE MAY DEVELOP A CRACK RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Freightliner told its dealers about the 2011 Freightliner Cascadia: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10236419 | ABS Light illuminating in the ICU. |
| 10236418 | ICUC Bulb check function. |
| 10209296 | Revised Freightliner Service Bulletin for ParkSmart Eberspaecher Auxiliary Heater Service. This bulletin replaces the version dated May 2015. The note in General Information has been revised to include New Cascadia. Espar information has been changed to reflect a company name change to Eberspaecher. |
| 10207407 | Revised Freightliner Service Bulletin for Hood-Mounted Splash Shield Rivet Replacement. Minor note: added an update of document previously submitted. The related VMRS codes are added |
| 10199899 | End of Production for the Freightliner P3 Cascadia Sales Cabs. Due to low production volumes, DTNA will be discontinuing the production of the Freightliner Cascadia P3 Sales Cabs. |
| 10195924 | SAM Cab & SAM Chassis Wall Charts |
| 10195913 | Cascadia Fault codes 6.0 |
| 10195716 | Odometer racks up mileage when the vehicle is stationary - Cascadia |
| 10195701 | Cascadia - Engine Will Not Crank (No Starter Output from SAM Cab) |
| 10195659 | SS 1032974 High Oil Pressure on 2017 DTNA Vehicles Instrument Cluster Display |
| 10195626 | SS 469068 Cascadia SAM Cab, SAM Chassis, MSF and CGW Hardware Compatibility |
| 10195593 | Service Solution SS 1033047 M2 Battery Drain Problem Mismatched I... |
| 10195576 | SS 1033121 Adding a Fan Override Switch (Legacy Cascadia) |
| 10195575 | Service Solution SS 1033094 KUS Float Tube Fuel Level Sensor Inform... |
| 10195478 | SS 1033638 - Power Window Express Down Module Discontinued |
| 10193732 | Freightliner Action Bulletin FAB158 Cummins Eaton SmartAdvantage |
| 10193710 | Freightliner Action Bulletin FAB154 New options for Cascadia |
| 10193705 | Freightliner Action Bulletin FAB153 New Harness Highway for Cascadia |
| 10193690 | Freightliner Action Bulletin FAB146 Cascadia LED headlights |
| 10193686 | Freightliner Action Bulletin FAB145 New Cascadia Roof Fairing |
| 10191850 | Tech Talk discussion on DD13 rail pressure woes. |
| 10190551 | Warranty Information letter announcing that DTNA is increasing the Standard Diagnostic Times (SDTs) shown. The updated after treatment system (ATS) diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) pump times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after April 12, 2021. |
| 10190549 | Warranty Information Letter announcing DTNA is adjusting the Standard Repair Times (SRTs) shown. The updated times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after April 5, 2021. |
| 10187532 | Freightliner Service Bulletin for Programming Chassis Electronic Control Units (ECUs) With DiagnosticLink. |
| 10185896 | Warranty Information Letter for Detroit New Service Replacement Engine SRT Update. While validating Standard Repair Times (SRTs) for Detroit's new Gen 5 engine series, DTNA discovered an error in a pre-Gen 5 SRT for the New Service Replacement Engine Program. As a result, DTNA re-studied the SRT and concluded that time for removing/re-installing multiple components (e.g., exhaust manifold/turbo, engine sensor harness, rocker arm assemblies, etc.) should not be included. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
SAM Cab Water Intrusion
PNDB Electrical Power Distribution
Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
Air Brake Reservoir Bracket Fracture
Fontaine Ultra LT 5th Wheel False Latch
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation