2017 Freightliner Cascadia Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 23, 2025 · 9 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Cascadia years
Not enough data 15th of 25 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia. That ranks 15th out of 25 Cascadia model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (3 complaints, 33%), typically at around 225,801 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes, 3 injuries. There are 20 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 7 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2017 Freightliner Cascadia problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Steering3 · ~225,801 mi
Air Bags1
Forward Collision Avoidance1 · ~240,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System1 · ~511,234 mi
Service Brakes1 · ~271,455 mi
Unknown or Other1
Vehicle Speed Control1 · ~500 mi
Visibility/wiper1 · ~45,000 mi
Wheels1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Steering333%225,801——
Air Bags111%———
Forward Collision Avoidance111%240,000——
Fuel/propulsion System111%511,234——
Service Brakes111%271,455——
Unknown or Other111%———
Vehicle Speed Control111%500——
Visibility/wiper111%45,000——
Wheels111%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2019, with 3 complaints
2016: 2201622018: 2201822019: 3201932021: 1202112025: 120251

n = 9 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2017 Freightliner Cascadia recalls (20)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electronic stability control (esc); service brakes, air:antilock:modulatorFeb 10, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V073000 · 70,167 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Freightliner Cascadia, 2020-2023 Western Star 49X, 2021-2023 Western Star 47X, and 2022 Freightliner 114SD vehicles. The brake modulator valves on the front axle may corrode and cause the vehicle to pull to the affected side during braking initiated by Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Roll Stability Control (RSC).

Risk: Brakes that pull to one side may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake modulator valves, as necessary. Some vehicles will have a software update which will alert driver when a replacement is required. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 13, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL966.

Service brakes, air:antilock:modulator; forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise controlNov 1, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V817000 · 219,390 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Freightliner Cascadia, 2020-2022 Freightliner Business Class M2, and 2022 Freightliner 114SD, and 2020-2023 Western Star 49X, 2021-2023 Western Star 47X, and 2021-2022 Western Star 57X vehicles. The brake modulator valves on the front axle may corrode and cause the vehicle to pull to the affected side during an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) braking event.

Risk: Brakes that pull to one side during an ACC braking event may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake modulator valves, as necessary. Some vehicles will have a software update which will alert driver when a replacement is required. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 16, 2023. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-958. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 20V-390. All vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-390 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Exterior lighting:brake lightsFeb 16, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 20V567000 · 128,451 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Cascadia P4 vehicles. The brake lights may remain illuminated after the brake pedal has been released.

Risk: If the brake lights remain illuminated, drivers may be unaware when the truck is actually slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 3-pin brake pressure switch with a 2-pin brake pressure switch along with a jumper harness, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on November 17, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 21, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-863.

Exterior lighting:headlights:bulbsMay 14, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V357000 · 72,510 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles equipped with halogen headlight assemblies. The halogen headlight bulb may dislodge during replacement and contact other vehicle components, possibly causing them to melt.

Risk: Melting components can increase the risk of fire.

Fix: Dealers will install a foam grommet, cut a 4-inch access hole into the inner fender, and add a warning label on both fenders, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 9, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-887.

Service brakes, air:supply:quick release valveJul 2, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V390000 · 164,326 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Freightliner Cascadia tractor trailers. The single brake modulator valve may be affected by chemical corrosion which can slow down the release timing and cause the brakes to pull to the affected side during automatic braking events.

Risk: Brakes that pull to one side during automatic braking events may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front left and right single brake modulator valves will be replaced and spacers added, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-855.

Exterior lightingApr 14, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V214000 · 63,175 vehicles

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.

Service brakes, air:supply:reservoir/tankMay 14, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V370000 · 741 vehicles

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.

Suspension:front:control arm; steering:linkages:tie rod assemblyDec 19, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V913000 · 501 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Freightliner 114SD, 122SD, 108SD, Cascadia and Business class M2 trucks, Freightliner Custom Chassis XBS, XCL, XCM, MT45, MT55, S2G, S2RV, XCR and XCS custom chassis and Western Star 4700, 4900 and 5700 trucks equipped with Detroit Axle axles. The affected vehicles may have loose steering and tie rod arm bolts.

Risk: Loose tie rod arm bolts may lead to separation of the tie rod arm, resulting in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts for to make sure that they are properly tightened, installing new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2019. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-802.

Exterior lighting:brake lights; exterior lighting:brake lights:switchOct 19, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V742000 · 6,326 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The brakes lights on these vehicles may remain activated after the brake pedal is released.

Risk: If the brake lights remain activated, other drivers may be unaware that the vehicle is actually slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners and dealers will replace the brake light switch. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-799.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:dieselAug 30, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V581000 · 4,500 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Freightliner Cascadia, Coronado and 122SD, and Western Star 4900 trucks, equipped with Cummins ISX15 or X15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.

Risk: If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the affected nylon fuel line with a steel fuel line, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 or Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467. DTNA's number for this recall is FL789.

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelJul 20, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V491000 · 43,584 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Freightliner Cascadia trucks. The Instrument Cluster Unit (ICU) may not perform the required bulb checks for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) if the ignition is turned from on to off to on too quickly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems," and 136, "Electronic Stability Control Systems on Heavy Vehicles."

Risk: Without an ABS or ESC bulb check, the operator may unaware that the warning light bulbs are not working. If the warning bulbs are not working, in the event of an ABS or ESC malfunction, the driver may not be notified, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ICU's to ensure a bulb check is performed each time the ignition is turned on, free of charge. Also, the sub-population with Tire Pressure Monitoring (TMPS) will also require replacement parts, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on September 18, 2018. The recall began March 5, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-780.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliperMay 29, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V353000 · 8,741 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 108SD, 114SD and Cascadia trucks, Western Star 4700, 4900, and 5700 trucks, FCCC S2C 106 Cab, S2G Cab, XBR, XBS, XCL, XCM, XCP, XCR, and XCS chassis equipped with air disc brakes. The brake caliper mounting bolts on these vehicles may be insufficiently tightened, allowing the bolts to loosen.

Risk: If the brake caliper mounting bolts loosen, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper mounting bolts and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on July 25, 2018. The recall began September 4, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-772.

EquipmentDec 15, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V810000 · 24,860 vehicles

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.

Exterior lighting:brake lights; exterior lighting:brake lights:switchNov 27, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V761000 · 438,255 vehicles

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.

SteeringDo not driveOct 6, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V629000 · 138 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The upper steering pinch bolt may not have been properly tightened, possibly causing a loss of mechanical connection between the steering wheel and front wheels.

Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will verify that the upper steering shaft pinch bolt is properly tightened, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-748. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been checked.

Power train:axle assemblyMay 11, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V315000 · 698 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017 Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star 5700 trucks built with NFD tandem rear axles. During the hardening process, the axle assembly output shaft may have been made brittle, possibly resulting in the output shaft fracturing while the vehicle is in use.

Risk: If output shaft fractures while descending a grade, the compression braking will be ineffective. Additionally, large debris may land in the road. Both scenarios increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify the owners, and Detroit Axle dealers will replace the output shaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-738.

Tires:tread/beltNov 15, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V824000 · 863 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2017 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, and 122SD trucks manufactured January 24, 2016, to October 10, 2016 and equipped with Goodyear G399A LHS 295/75R22.5 Load Range G tires. The tires on the affected vehicles may have cured improperly, possibly resulting in a partial tread separation.

Risk: Partial tread separation can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Goodyear will notify the owners of the affected Freightliner vehicles and Goodyear dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2016. To find a Goodyear dealer, owners should contact Goodyear Consumer Relations at 1-800-592-3267. Consumers may also contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-728.

Electrical systemSep 13, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V656000 · 1,039 vehicles

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.

Power train:axle hubsAug 31, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V634000 · 156 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:dieselJun 9, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V416000 · 268 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2017 Freightliner Cascadia, 122SD, Western Star 4900SA and 4900FA, and FCCC XCM and XCP trucks manufactured from March 14, 2016, through May 18, 2016, equipped with a Cummins ISX12 or ISX15 engine using certain engine control modules (ECM). These ECM's may experience an internal electrical short that can cause a fuse to blow, resulting in an unexpected engine stall without the ability to restart the engine.

Risk: An engine stall without the ability to restart the engine can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Cummins will notify owners, and Cummins dealers will install a new ECM, and correct ECM calibrations, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or Cummins customer service at 1-800-343-7357. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-715.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Automatic Emergency Braking Errors (EA25006) — opened Oct 23, 2025, still open.
  • Automatic Emergency Braking Errors (PE23010) — opened May 26, 2023, closed Oct 23, 2025.
  • Engine Electrical Wiring Harness Chafe (PE21004) — opened Feb 25, 2021, closed Jan 14, 2025.
  • SAM Cab Water Intrusion (RQ20001) — opened Aug 31, 2020, closed Jun 26, 2025.
  • Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist (PE20006) — opened May 1, 2020, closed Mar 27, 2024.
  • Daimler Trucks North America Recalls (AQ18002) — opened Apr 23, 2018, closed Jul 11, 2024.
  • Steering Arm Capscrew Failures (RQ17001) — opened Apr 3, 2017, closed Dec 25, 2017.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Known - take over of slow lane from passing lane on freeway resulting in un lawful take over of slow lane please advise of all systems working properly on vin designated thank you

Unknown or Other · received Feb 16, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11643045

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 freightliner cascadia. The contact stated while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle braked without warning. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact sustained a pinched nerve in neck. The contact does not know if the vehicle was taken to local dealer…

Service Brakes · received May 5, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11415300

[xxx], former employee of autobahn, overseeing 8 driver trucks had all trucks require power steering boxes due to a loss of assist. Her testimony will be added as an attachment since it is longer than the alotted 2200 characters *tt*jb ('parts of this document have been redacted to protect…

Steering · received Aug 14, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11244671

Tl* the contact drove a 2017 freightliner cascadia. The contact stated that the vehicle had a crash mitigation system installed by a company called wabco. The system was a radar-based system set to apply the brakes automatically to avoid collisions. Within the past few months, there were some…

Forward Collision Avoidance · received May 28, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11210401

I worked for a transport fleet that had numerous power steering gearbox issues on 2017 freightliner cascadia's. During my tenure there i oversaw 8 trucks that had steering box replacements due to either steering pull or lack of power assist. I diagnosed another 5 units at the main office in…

Steering · received Apr 5, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11195150

Other Freightliner Cascadia years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia?

Owners most often report steering, air bags, forward collision avoidance problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia?

Yes, 20 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Cascadia model years, the 2017 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.