2015 Freightliner CASCADIA: complaints, problems and recalls

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP AT A LOW SPEED, THERE WAS A LOAD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING LINE AND THE HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V185000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR) BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE…

Owner-reported narrative. 25,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10721639 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE SPEED REDUCED TO 45 MPH AND THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10732665 at NHTSA ↗

A/C - DEFROSTER BLOWER MOTOR BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY STOP. THROWING DASH CODE SPN 523318 FMI 7 REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE BEING IN MOTION OR PARKED. THEN MOTOR QUIT WORKING SUDDENLY. UPON TAKING IT TO A DEALERSHIP THEY FOUND THE MOTOR WAS SEIZED AND THE WIRING HARNESS HAD BEGAN TO MELT. WHEN REPLACING THE MOTOR THE TECHNICIAN SAID THEY HAD CHANGED THE DESIGN OF THE MOTORS. HE REPLACED THE MOTOR, AND HAD TO ADD A NEW ADAPTOR FOR THE MOTOR. HE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS THAT HAD MELTED WHICH ATTACHES TO THE ADAPTOR.

Owner-reported narrative. 123,525 miles reported. Look up ODI 10780250 at NHTSA ↗

VEHICLE HAS A SEVERE UNEXPECTED SWAY IN FRONT STEERING AND REAR TAMDEMS. HAVE TO CONSTANTLY STEER BACK AND FORTH TO MAINTAIN LANE CONTROL. WORSE IN RAINY WEATHER. WHEN ENTERING A CURVE VEHICLE WILL WANDER OVER EITHER CENTER LINE OR RIGHT LINE OR ROADWAY. SUDDEN RIGHT OR LEFT SHIFTS IN REAR TANDEMS. DURING DRY WEATHER DRIVING AND WORSE IN RAINY WEATHER. HAVE ADDRESSED THIS WITH COMPANY AND FMCSA AND IOWA DOT ENFORCEMENT. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THESE TRACTORS IN THIS CONDITION.

Owner-reported narrative. 451 miles reported. Look up ODI 10792615 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SAM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10853819 at NHTSA ↗

BRAND NEW PURCHASED HANKOOK TIRES FOR 6X2 TRUCK HAD CHUNKS PEELING OFF WHILE THE DRIVER WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE WAS IN REAR POSITION (THE TIRE CANNOT SPIN). CHUNKS OF THE TIRE FLEW ON THE HIGHWAY AS THE DRIVE WAS HAULING A CONTAINER TO THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES.

Owner-reported narrative. 980 miles reported. Look up ODI 10925998 at NHTSA ↗

BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH DEFECTIVE: UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ACTIVATE TO WARN FOLLOWING MOTORISTS. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ONLY WORK ON A HEAVY PEDAL APPLICATION. THE SECOND ISSUE IS THE CRUISE CAN BE SET AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES WILL NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE. THE BRAKES ARE FIGHTING THE ENGINE UNTIL THE DRIVER TURNS OFF THE CRUISE AT THE SWITCH. AN INSPECTION INVOLVES PULLING DOWN THE INDEPENDENT CONTROL LEVER ON THE DASH FOR THE BRAKES WHICH IS THE SAME AS A HEAVY BRAKE APPLICATION AND THEN WALKING ARO…

Owner-reported narrative. 85,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10940211 at NHTSA ↗

WIPER RESERVOIR BECOMES HEATED DUE TO DPF SYSTEM WHICH CREATES PRESSURE WITHIN THE SYSTEM. AS A RESULT IT FORCES WIPER FLUID FROM THE NOZZLES DRAINING THE SYSTEM MOST TIMES UNDETECTED. RESULTING IN THE INABILITY TO CLEAN THE WINDOW WHEN IT BECOMES FOULED. DUE TO THE RESERVOIR BOTTLES LOCATION YOU CANNOT OBSERVE THE FLUID LEVEL THIS IS ALSO HINDERED DUE TO THE PLASTIC BECOMING STAINED BLUE BY THE WIPER FLUID OVER TIME. THERE IS ALSO NO INDICATOR THAT WIPER FLUID LEVEL IS LOW FROM WITHIN THE CAB. THIS OCCURS BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR …

Owner-reported narrative. 250,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10949567 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2014-02-21 (February 21, 2014)

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.

Consequence: The sensor malfunction could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.

Remedy: Cummins and Cummins Westport will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Customers may contact Daimler at 1-800-385-4357 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357. Daimler's number for this recall is FL-660.

Reported: 2014-06-25 (June 25, 2014)

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015 Freightliner Cascadia, 122SD, and Business Class M2 trucks manufactured March 20, 2014, through April 10, 2014. Due to an axle manufacturing error, there may be weak spots in the beam of the affected axle assemblies.

Consequence: The axle weak spots could cause the axle beam to bend or cause wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the axle beams for certain manufacturing dates, and replace the ones manufactured within a certain date range, free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2014. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-385-4357. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-662.

Reported: 2014-09-23 (September 23, 2014)

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured May 5, 2014, to August 18, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain 1100W, 1500W, or 2000W inverters sold as a standalone option with both the Thermo King TriPac EVOLUTION and TriPac-e Auxiliary Power Units ("APU"). The Thermo King inverters provide 120V AC household power to a tractor cabin. The inverters may spark or overheat, resulting in a potential fire.

Consequence: An inverter fire may result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and Thermo King will either replace the inverter free of charge or refund the full purchase price. The recall began on November 14, 2014. Owners may contact Thermo King customer service at 1-866-766-2708. Owners may also contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-668.

Reported: 2014-10-29 (October 29, 2014)

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.

Consequence: Due to the area of its placement, the exhaust system forces heat around, and may overheat, the fuel system components, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will extend the tailpipe beyond the cabinet, free of charge. The recall began Feburary 12, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-671.

Reported: 2014-11-10 (November 10, 2014)

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Freightliner 122SD, Argosy, and Cascadia trucks manufactured July 22, 2013, to October 13, 2014, equipped with Wabco Quick Release Valves with Double Check manufactured February 6, 2013, to April 19, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been produced with a defective valve seat installed.

Consequence: Improper seating can result in the valves improperly adjusting air pressure levels, thereby reducing the braking performance of the vehicles and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Daimler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and replace the valves, free of charge. The recall began on December 30, 2015. Owners may contact Daimler customer service at 1-800-745-8000. Daimler's number for this recall is FL-673.

Reported: 2015-02-23 (February 23, 2015)

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured November 19, 2013, to July 14, 2014, and equipped with certain model Side-Mount compressed natural gas (CNG) Fuel Systems, Part No. 23736011, manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 21, 2014 and Motion Industries T1700-06 flexible fuel hoses. The stainless steel braid hose reinforcement may corrode prematurely near the fitting crimp inside the slave tank enclosure.

Consequence: If the corrosion progresses and goes undetected, the hose could begin to leak CNG, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners and dealers will replace the defective hose, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-678.

Reported: 2015-03-30 (March 30, 2015)

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Coronado, Western Star 4700, and Western Star 4900 trucks manufactured October 6, 2014, to February 16, 2015, and equipped with Haldex Life Seal brake chambers. The affected vehicles may experience brake drag due to an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber.

Consequence: While traveling at highway speeds, brake drag may cause loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake chambers, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices at the end of May 2015. The recall began on September 25, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL676.

Reported: 2015-10-01 (October 1, 2015)

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, and Western Star 4700 trucks manufactured January 4, 2015, to April 24, 2015, and equipped with Eaton Fuller FR 10-speed manual transmissions. In the affected vehicles, when the transmission shift lever is moved from reverse to neutral, the reverse gear may stay engaged. When the transmission shift lever is moved from reverse to a forward gear position, the transmission may mechanically lock because both the reverse gear and forward gear are simultaneously engaged.

Consequence: Even though the transmission has been shifted out of reverse into neutral, the vehicle may unexpectedly move backwards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the affected transmissions if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 24, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-693.

Reported: 2015-12-07 (December 7, 2015)

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).

Consequence: Hot exhaust in close proximity to the PRD may cause the PDR to activate and CNG to be unexpectedly released from the tank. Discharge of CNG in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: All the vehicles involved in this recall campaign have been repaired. The recall is began on March 13, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-695.

Reported: 2016-03-09 (March 9, 2016)

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured from March 24, 2014, through November 9, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with Bergstrom Parksmart HVAC auxiliary units. On these units, there may be inadequate contact between the electrical connector on the compressor and electrical pins causing a high electrical resistance resulting in excessive heat.

Consequence: The overheated connection can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector caps. Additionally, dealers will replace the harnesses if there is evidence of heat discoloration. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's recall number for this campaign is FL-703.

Reported: 2016-08-31 (August 31, 2016)

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 108 SD, 114 SD, Cascadia, Coronado, Western Star 4700, 4800, and 5700 XE trucks manufactured March 15, 2013, to July 29, 2016 and equipped with Conmet aluminum non-high capacity hubs. These vehicles specify a front axle weight limit that may be greater than that of the hub capacity. As a result, the hub may fail and the wheel may separate from the axle.

Consequence: If a wheel separates from the axle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle hubs, free of charge. The recall began during November 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-718.

Reported: 2016-09-13 (September 13, 2016)

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.

Consequence: If the PDM short circuits, there would be an increased risk of a fire, especially if the nearby CNG tank leaks.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the PDM, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners on November 7, 2016. The recall began on March 3, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-721.

Reported: 2017-11-27 (November 27, 2017)

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.

Consequence: 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: 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.

Reported: 2017-12-15 (December 15, 2017)

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

Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or contact Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-759.

Reported: 2018-07-31 (July 31, 2018)

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.

Consequence: A tie-rod failure would cause a disconnect between the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering ability, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake linings, brake spider, and tie-rod, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL782.

Reported: 2019-02-12 (February 12, 2019)

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.

Consequence: A tie-rod failure would cause a disconnect between the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering ability, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stamped brake spiders and the tie-rod, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-807.

Reported: 2019-05-14 (May 14, 2019)

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."

Consequence: An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: 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.

Reported: 2020-04-14 (April 14, 2020)

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."

Consequence: The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.