2013 Freightliner Cascadia

Routine

Owners filed 7 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes. It has been recalled 19 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes2
000
Electrical System2
000
Vehicle Speed Control1
000
Fuel/Propulsion System1
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System1
000

19 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting20V214000
Filed Apr 14, 202063,175 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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. 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.

Service Brakes, Air › Supply › Reservoir/Tank19V370000
Filed May 14, 2019741 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly19V093000
Filed Feb 12, 2019111 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly18V503000
Filed Jul 31, 20181,256 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Equipment17V810000
Filed Dec 15, 201724,860 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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

Risk. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch17V761000
Filed Nov 27, 2017438,255 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Electrical System16V656000
Filed Sep 13, 20161,039 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe15V816000
Filed Dec 7, 201517 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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).

Risk. 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.

Trailer Hitches › Fifth Wheel Assembly15V616000
Filed Oct 1, 20155,801 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DTNA will notify owners, and DTNA authorized service facilities will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-692.

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly14V680000
Filed Oct 29, 201465 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Showing 10 of 19 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Nov 11, 2023CA

2013 Freightliner diesel fuel cause fire, destroy the unit completely to the ground... Very first load with this truck...Truck was inspected by dealer (Penski) truck and release by truck dealer Fontana CA. Driver was fortunate to jump out of cab to safety .......He indicated truck was running normal no sign of warning lights...

Electrical System
Filed Feb 19, 2020610,975 milesAR

OCCURRING BOTH STATIONARY AND WHILE IN MOTION WHENEVER KEY IS TURNED ON. LEFT AND RIGHT UPPER VISOR LIGHTS WHILE THE OTHER 3 REMAIN OFF, DASH LIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF. SOME GAUGES NOT FUNCTIONING. HEADLIGHTS REMAIN ON WHILE KEY IN IGNITION REGARDLESS OF IF LIGHT SWITCH IS ON. EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM FLUCTUATES ON AND OFF.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 29, 2018197,000 milesFL

THE CAB READING LIGHTS NOT FUNCTIONING, DASHBOARD LIGHTS MALFUNCTION OR NOT WORKING. THEY STOP FUNCTIONING WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

Service Brakes
Filed May 25, 2017102,000 milesVA

FRONT AIR BRAKE CHAMBERS - CRACKS DEVELOPING AND EXPANDING NEAR MOUNTING BRACKET REQUIRING REPLACEMENT BEFORE BREAKING FREE RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKES. CRACKS FORMED TOP AND BOTTOM OF CAN WHERE ATTACHED TO MOUNTING BRACKET. NO AIR LEAKS DETECTED. HALDEX HDX127240011

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Mar 29, 2017414,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER WAS ACTIVATED BY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REGENERATION SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 414,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 24, 20141,800 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, THE ON GUARD COLLISION SAFETY SYSTEM ENGAGED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY STOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 225,546.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 28, 2014265,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE J-BRAKE AND TRAILER BRAKE ERRONEOUSLY ENGAGED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO RESPOND TO DECELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ON GUARD SYSTEM HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 265,000. UPDATED 7/31/14*CN *TR

7 of 7 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2019
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263300Routine
20251800Routine
202414200Routine
202312720Routine
2022131902Fatalities reported
2021152100Routine
2020262100Routine
2019282922Fatalities reported
2018112611Do not drive
201792002Do not drive
2016121230Routine
2015161810Routine
2014122120Routine
2013 — this page71910Routine
2012171930Routine
2011122300Routine
2010122311Fatalities reported
2009192430Routine
200882200Routine
200711200Routine
20061800Routine
20051300Routine
20040200Routine
20030100Routine
20020100Routine

Compare every Cascadia year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 14, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.