2013 Freightliner Cascadia Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the snap ring is missing, the rear wheels may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected wheel ends for the lock ring, and install them as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 26, 2014. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712. The manufacturer's number for this recall is FL-653.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the wiring harnesses are connected in reverse, it may adjust the suspension axle height incorrectly, reducing driving traction and parking brake effectiveness. Either result increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify the owners, and dealers will inspect the ECAS wiring, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 24, 2014. Owners may contact Daimler at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-656.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the snap ring is missing, the rear wheels may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected wheel ends for the lock ring, and install them as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 26, 2013. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-503-745-6910. The manufacturer's recall number is FL-653.

Problem: 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."

Risk: Without the proper warning, a driver may not be reminded to apply the parking brake which may lead to a vehicle roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update then display software. The safety recall began on June 6, 2013. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712. Daimler's recall campaign number is FL-642.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Failure of the DRLs to illuminate reduces visibility to other drivers and increases the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: DTNA sent notification to owners on May 6, 2015, instructing them to contact their dealers and arrange to have the free SAMCAB software updated to correct the operation of the DRLs and "Turn Tip" feature. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the spindle fails, the wheel may separate from the knuckle, resulting in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dtna will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the affected components, free of charge. The safety recall began on august 10, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks north america toll free at 1-800-547-0712.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If this condition occurs, increased vehicle stopping distance may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dtna will notify owners, and where necessary, the quick release valve will be replaced by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin before june 15, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712.

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak could create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Also a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Fix: Dtna will notify owners, and where necessary, the high pressure fuel line support system will be replaced by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 27, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712.