2016 Freightliner Cascadia

Routine

Owners filed 12 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 12 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Unknown or Other2
000
Structure › Body2
020
Engine2
000
Visibility/Wiper1
000
Steering1
000
Power Train1
000
Equipment1
000
Electrical System1
010
Air Bags1
101

12 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.

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.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly17V628000
Filed Oct 6, 201741 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2016 Western Star 4900 and Freightliner Cascadia vehicles, equipped with certain Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.

Risk. If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. DTNA issued an interim to owners on December 4, 2017. The recall began on March 7, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-751.

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.

Power Train › Axle Hubs16V634000
Filed Aug 31, 2016156 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner16V143000
Filed Mar 9, 20168,865 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Electrical System › Ignition › Module15V620000
Filed Oct 2, 2015273 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, and 122SD, Western Star 4700 and 4900, Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, and Freightliner MT55 vehicles manufactured August 7, 2015, to August 26, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Cummins ISB6.7, ISL9, ISX12 or ISX15 engines whose engine control module (ECM) may short circuit and blow a fuse resulting in the engine stalling without warning.

Risk. An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECM free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-690.

Showing 10 of 12 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 31, 2025GA

There is a defect on the Freightliner Cascadia Oil Pump Manifold aka Oil Pickup Tube which causes engine failure and will go out without warning

Engine
Filed Jan 7, 2025NY

Injector cup started leaking damaging injectors and causing cross contamination between fuel and coolant. This is a know problem for the isx and cummins should pay for the repair

Equipment
Filed Oct 23, 2024700,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while a driver was attempting to exit parking lot, the S-Cam 2 and S-Cam support bracket independently detached. No warning light was illuminated. A local independent mechanic arrived on scene to inspect the vehicle and it was determined that the S-Cam bracket and S-Cam mount needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V338000 (Equipment) however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 700,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 12, 2023600,000 milesNV

The contact owns a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while her worker was driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine control module (ECM), engine, and an unknown fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 600,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 29, 2022ID

______________________________________________________________________________ Last October 2021 I bought truck Freightliner Cascadia 2016. Vin # [XXX]. Mileage: 477400. Last my trip I made in May 2022 from Nogales, AZ to Boise, ID When I approaching Ely, NV about 5-8 miles I drive down from the mountain hill . I used speed 25-30 MPH, suddenly my steering wheel was locked and did not made right turn. I used hardly brake because my truck was out of control and pulled forward shoulder out of highway. Only because I hardly used brake I save my lives. When I stopped before roll over from highway I lightly make right turn steering wheel and left turn steering wheel was unlocked. When I reach Loves truck Stop in Ely, NV it is repeated 3 times. I just lightly made right turn steering wheel and left turn wheel unlocked again. Now I want to inform You Freightliner Cascadia 2016 is very danger truck to use on road in the USA. Inventors from freightliner must recall this truck and fined out mistakes in steering Column Why steering Column? Because from 2004 I used Volvo 780. Now my Volvo truck pass 2 000 000. ( two million miles) About after 950 000 I fined out power steering pump not working correctly. When I used steering wheel on low RPM , steering wheel unable made right or left, but when I increase RPM it worked correctly. I install new steering pump and forgot for this problem. In my case on low RPM Freightliner steering Wheel working good, and it happened because something wrong w

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 2, 2021GA

Truck was parked for about 5-6 hours on yard and randomly catching fire and burns up , see similar year make and model had similar things happen and was recalled my truck was manufactured in the time period of the other recalls but I didn’t get a letter please advise

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Jan 28, 2021313,882 milesNY

I AM A FIRE INVESTIGATOR WITH ONONDAGA COUNTY FIRE INVESTIGATION UNIT. RECENTLY I HAD TWO FIRES WITH SIMILAR VEHICLES BOTH WERE 2016 FREIGHTLINERS CASCADIA 125 BOTH WERE PARKED AND NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE EVENTS. BOTH ORIGIN AND CAUSE INVESTIGATIONS APPEARED TO REVEAL A FAILURE/MALFUNCTION AT THE WHAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED TO ME AS BEING THE POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULAR (PDM). BOTH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLES BEING DESTROYED BY FIRE.*DT*JB*JB*JB*JB*JB

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Jan 28, 2021200,000 milesNY

I AM A FIRE INVESTIGATOR WITH ONONDAGA COUNTY NY RECENTLY I HAD TWO SEPARATE FIRES IN SIMILAR VEHICLES (SEE NHTSA COMPLIANT # 11390543) BOTH ORIGIN AND CAUSE INVESTIGATIONS REVEALED A MALFUNCTION/FAILURE IN WHAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED TO ME AS A POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULAR (PDM) BOTH VEHICLES WERE TOTALLY DESTROYED BY THE RESULTING FIRE. BOTH VEHICLES WERE PARKED AND NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME OF EVENT.*DT*JB*JB*JB*JB CONSUMER BELIEVES THE MELTING SNOW WHICH ENTERED THE ELECTRIC COMPONENTS WAS CONTRIBUTING FACTOR THAT CAUSED THE FIRE.*JB

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 16, 2019424,536 milesNY

IN 01/2019 THE ARM FROM MOTOR TO WIPER LINKAGE FAILED AND WIPERS STOPPED DURING A SNOW STORM ON I-79, OUTSIDE OF PITTSBURG, PA. WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GET TO AN EXIT OFF RAMP TO PARK AND INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE. REPLACED THE MOTOR AND LINKAGE AS RECOMMENDED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. NOW 11 MONTHS LATER, WIPERS STOP COMPLETELY FOR NO REASON AT ALL. WHEN I TURN THE WIPERS BACK OFF, THEN BACK ON, STILL NOTHING. IMMEDIATELY I PULL VEHICLE TO SHOULDER TO INVESTIGATE, BUT COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I RESTART VEHICLE AND TO MY SURPRISE THE WIPERS BEGIN TO WORK. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN TWO WEEKS, BOTH TIMES IN HEAVY RAIN. ONCE ON NEW YORK THRUWAY HEADING SOUTH JUST NORTH OF THE MAHWAH REST AREA AND THEN ON I-87, NORTHWAY AT EXIT 4. BOTH TIMES I WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY CORRECT THE ISSUE BY TURNING OFF THE TRUCK FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN RESTARTING. THE WIPERS BEGAN WORKING AGAIN AFTER THAT. VERY FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO MOVE VEHICLE TO SHOULDER TO INVESTIGATE BOTH TIMES. WIPERS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE SAFE OPERATION OF A VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. THE MOTOR AND LINKAGE DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A YEAR FROM THE TIME IT WAS INSTALLED. EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD ON LINKAGE, NOTHING BINDING OR CATCHING, ALSO FUSES ARE GOOD. ALL WIRING GOOD AS WELL. THANK YOU

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 7, 2017100,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BOOM NOISE BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF THE NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DRIFTED TO THE LEFT AND THEN INDEPENDENTLY DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO A GUARDRAIL AND BOUNCED INTO A WALL, WHICH DAMAGED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY AND BODY ACHES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V613000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 09/07/17*LJ *CN

Power Train
Filed May 3, 2017NV

MULTIPLE VEHICLE RECALLS THAT HAVE COSTED ME THOUSANDS FROM EXCESSIVE OPERATING COST , AND HAVE BEEN ENDANGERING MY LIFE SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT MY TRACTOR:-(

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 9, 201619,000 milesPA

JAKE BRAKE HANDLE FALLS FROM OFF POSITION TO ON POSITION OVER BUMPS. ON RT 81 NORTH CRUISE SET AT 60 HIT BUMP MAKE WENT FULL ON THREW ME AGAINST SEATBELT. THANKFULLY DRY ROAD

12 of 12 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
2016 — this page121230Routine
2015161810Routine
2014122120Routine
201371910Routine
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.