Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2013 Freightliner Cascadia, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system2
- Service brakes2
- Vehicle speed control1
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 161 2013 Cascadia vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 21 people died inside them, and 18 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 2013 Freightliner Cascadia failed the safety check 1.21% of the time — 49% less often than the average 2013 passenger car (2.38%). Median odometer at inspection: 304,840 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Recalls in Canada
13 Transport Canada recalls for the 2013 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… |
| 2016441 9 Sept 2016 | Fuel System On certain vehicles built with a power distribution module (PDM) located on the frame rail behind the cab and beneath the compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel tank… |
| 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… |
| 2013427 27 Nov 2013 | Seats And Restraints On certain trucks, the seat belts may not comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209 - Seat Belt Assemblies. Due to a defect in manufacturing, the sea… |
| 2013110 8 Apr 2013 | Lights And Instruments On certain vehicles, the instrument panel may show an incorrect park brake message. If the ignition is switched OFF and the driver’s door opened (before the pa… |
| 2013086 15 Mar 2013 | Lights And Instruments On certain vehicles with turn signals configured to act as Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), the DRL may not reactivate following turn signal operation. A loss of D… |
| 2012357 19 Oct 2012 | Wheels On certain vehicles, the wheel rims may have been manufactured incorrectly and could fail. A wheel separating from the vehicle could cause a loss of control an… |
| 2012193 29 Jun 2012 | Steering On certain trucks, the front axle knuckles may have been manufactured incorrectly, which could lead to shorter than expected bearing and knuckle life. In some … |
| 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… |
| 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… |
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 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."
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles equipped with Hendrickson 5" drop axles. 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 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 2013-2017 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured September 24, 2012, to May 27, 2015 and equipped with compressed natural gas (CNG) engines. The affected vehicles have a Power Distribution Module (PDM) that is mounted near the CNG fuel tank. Due to its location, the PDM may be sprayed with water and contaminants from the road, possibly causing the PDM to short circuit.
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured March 27, 2015, to November 4, 2014, and powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). The affected vehicles have a tailpipe that allows hot exhaust to exit near the CNG tank pressure relief device (PRD).
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 (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2013 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles with rear axles assembled by Meritor and equipped with ConMet Preset Plus Hubs manufactured from August 6, 2012 through December 7, 2012. In the affected axles, the axle hub may be missing a locking snap ring.
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 2013-2014 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured December 11, 2012, through November 27, 2013 and equipped with a Meritor Wabco electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) system. In the affected vehicles, the wiring harnesses for the ECAS may have been reversed.
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2013 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles with rear axles assembled by Meritor and equipped with ConMet Preset Plus Hubs manufactured from August 6, 2012 through December 7, 2012. In the affected axles, the axle hub may be missing a locking snap ring.
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 2013 FREIGHTLINER, WESTERN STAR, FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS TRUCKS, AND THOMAS BUILT BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 18, 2012, THROUGH MAY 11, 2012, AND EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT AXLE-BRAND FRONT AXLE KNUCKLES. THE FRONT KNUCKLES ON THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MACHINING ERROR IN THE WHEEL BEARING AREA WHICH MAY LEAD TO PREMATURE SPINDLE FAILURE.
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 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.
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 2013 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. |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 10194815 | Tech Talk Discussion Valve Stem Seal Installer Sleeve |
| 10194362 | On Cascadia vehicles built from November 25, 2013, the drain holes at the bottom of the cab doors were enlarged to improve drainage during the e-coat process in the manufacturing plant. The larger holes allow more cold air to flow through the doors, most noticeably in extreme cold conditions. |
| 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 |
| 10193644 | Freightliner Action Bulletin FAB143 Load Transfer Suspension |
| 10191689 | Tech Talk discussion on a Valve Stem Installer Sleeve. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
SAM Cab Water Intrusion
Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
PNDB Electrical Power Distribution
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation