Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system11
- Unknown or other4
- Engine4
- Exterior lighting2
- Fuel system, diesel1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
- Service brakes1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Visibility1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 125 2012 Cascadia vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 22 people died inside them, and 20 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 2012 Freightliner Cascadia failed the safety check 0.68% of the time — 73% less often than the average 2012 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 401,132 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Recalls in Canada
13 Transport Canada recalls for the 2012 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… |
| 2018395 30 Jul 2018 | Suspension On certain trucks, a combination of brake vibrations and corrosion could cause the tie-rod tube to fatigue and break. This may lead to a disconnect between the … |
| 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… |
| 2012442 21 Dec 2012 | Other On certain trucks, the bottom access panel may dislodge and separate from the Thermo King Tripac Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). A panel separating from the vehicl… |
| 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… |
| 2012139 23 Apr 2012 | Brakes On certain trucks, the quick release valve (QRV) cover may not have been welded correctly during manufacturing process and may become loose or separate from the… |
| 2012113 30 Mar 2012 | Seats And Restraints On certain vehicles, the driver's seat base may not have been manufactured correctly and could fail. This could allow the seat to lower unexpectedly. Should t… |
| 2012119 30 Mar 2012 | Steering On certain vehicles, an incorrect steering wheel fastener may have been installed during vehicle assembly. The incorrect nut may not provide the clamp load req… |
| 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… |
| 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… |
| 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… |
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 2012-2015 Freightliner Cascadia, Coronado, Business Class M2, 114SD, and Western Star 4900 trucks. In certain front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations, braking may cause high vibrations, resulting in early failure of the tie-rod tube.
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 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 2012-2014 Cascadia and Coronado vehicles manufactured between November 21, 2011, and April 3, 2013. In the affected vehicles, when the ignition is off and the door is opened without the parking brake applied, the dashboard does not display the correct message of "Park Brake Off Door Open."
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Freightliner Cascadia tractors manufactured from April 12, 1210, through March 2, 2013, and equipped with a SAMCAB software version 6.2. On vehicles configured to have the turn signals operate as Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and the 'Turn-Tip' turn signal function activated, the DRLs may not illuminate properly after using the 'Turn-Tip' function while driving.
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2012 Cascadia and Coronado tractor trailers manufactured from August 1, 2011, through December 30, 2011, equipped with Thermo King TriPac Auxiliary Power Units (APU), serial numbers 3000106335 to 3000127584, manufactured from July 29, 2011, through November 7, 2011. The maintenance access panel door on the bottom of the APU may dislodge and separate.
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 2012-2013 FREIGHTLINER 108SD, BUSINESS CLASS M2, CASCADIA, CORONADO VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH A HALDEX QUICK RELEASE VALVE, AND MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 3, 2012, THROUGH MARCH 2, 2012. THE QUICK RELEASE VALVE COVER MAY NOT BE CORRECTLY MANUFACTURED, ALLOWING THE COVER TO BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE VALVE BODY. IF THE COVER SEPARATES FROM THE VALVE BODY, THE FRONT BRAKES MAY NOT FUNCTION.
DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING ONE 2012 CASCADIA AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 AND 2013 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 VEHICLES, AND MODEL YEAR 2013 108SD AND 114SD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 20, 2012, THROUGH FEBRUARY 17, 2012. CERTAIN PROPERTY CLASS 04 (PC04) STEERING WHEEL NUTS WITH INCOMPLETELY FORMED THREADS WERE SUPPLIED TO DTNA IN LIEU OF THE SPECIFIED PROPERTY CLASS 05 NUTS. THE STEERING WHEEL NUTS SUPPLIED MAY NOT PROVIDE THE CLAMP LOAD REQUIRED TO FULLY SEAT THE STEERING WHEEL ON THE STEERING SHAFT WHEN TIGHTENED TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.
DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA AND WESTERN STAR 4900 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 23, 2012. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH CERTAIN NATIONAL SEAT BRAND DRIVERS SEATS. THESE SEAT BASES MAY HAVE OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION WELDS THAT MAY ALLOW THE SEAT TO BUCKLE UNEXPECTEDLY.
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 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 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.
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 2012 Freightliner Cascadia: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10236419 | ABS Light illuminating in the ICU. |
| 10236418 | ICUC Bulb check function. |
| 10210548 | Important Campaign Information Letter for DDC D21M1 Termination Date Extended. This letter is to inform you that a revised bulletin for Detroit Diesel Field Service Campaign D21M1, DT12 Transmission Drive Shaft Cover Plug Reseal has been EXTENDED for an additional three months. Please use the extended termination date for all work under D21M1 from this point forward. REVISION: D21M1 termination date extended to July 1, 2022. |
| 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. |
| 10207409 | Revised Freightliner Service Bulletin for Insulating Pad for Solid Cast-Aluminum Rear Hood Support. Minor note: added an update of document previously submitted. The related VMRS codes are added |
| 10207408 | Revised Freightliner Service Bulletin for Braces for Cascadia Cab-Mounted Splash Shields. Minor note: added an update of document previously submitted. The related VMRS codes are added |
| 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 |
| 10191149 | Service Solution for FTL DT12 Trans Control Harness Chaffing - PT Can faults. Transmission will not shift into Gear while driving or will not start and trigger multiple PT CAN Fault Codes. |
| 10191143 | Detroit Field Service Campaign for DT12 Transmission Drive Shaft Cover Plug Reseal. Daimler Trucks North America LLC, on behalf of its DETROIT Powertrain Division, is initiating Field Service Campaign D21M1 on certain DT12 transmissions in order to reseal the bypass plugs of the drive shaft cover located in front housing. |
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