2021 Freightliner Cascadia Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 17, 2026 · 16 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Cascadia years
More complaints than other years 5th of 25 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia. That ranks 5th out of 25 Cascadia model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is tires (6 complaints, 38%), typically at around 326,168 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 7 injuries. There are 21 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations involving it.

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

Compare with another car

Most common 2021 Freightliner Cascadia problems

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

Tires6 · ~326,168 mi
Forward Collision Avoidance5 · ~215,000 mi
Service Brakes3
Electrical System2 · ~742,227 mi
Steering2
Suspension2
Engine1
Structure1
Unknown or Other1
Visibility1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Tires638%326,168——
Forward Collision Avoidance531%215,000——
Service Brakes319%———
Electrical System213%742,227——
Steering213%———
Suspension213%———
Engine16%———
Structure16%———
Unknown or Other16%———
Visibility16%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2022, with 9 complaints
2022: 9202292023: 4202342024: 1202412026: 220262

n = 16 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2021 Freightliner Cascadia recalls (21)

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

Electronic stability control (esc); service brakes, air:antilockSep 9, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V583000 · 2,404 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Freightliner Cascadia and 2022 Western Star 49X vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V073 or 22V817. The brake modulator valves on the front axle may corrode and cause the vehicle to pull to one 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 replace the brake modulator valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 8, 2026. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1039. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.

Electronic stability control (esc)Apr 26, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V299000 · 266 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain short wheelbase 2020-2024 Freightliner Cascadia, 2021-2024 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 2022 Western Star 4700, and 2020 Freightliner Classic Cascadia vehicles. The vehicle is equipped with an electronic stability control system and tire combination that may understeer during a J-turn. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 136, "Electronic Stability Control Systems on Heavy Vehicles."

Risk: Understeering during a J-turn may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL971.

Exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lightsMar 28, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V208000 · 24,282 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star 49X vehicles. The hazard warning lights may flash improperly during an Advanced Braking Assist event. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Hazard warning lights that flash improperly may cause confusion for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the software controlling the hazard warning lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL851.

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.

Tires; wheels:rimDec 12, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V919000 · 49 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Freightliner 114SD, 2023 Freightliner 122SD, 2020 Western Star 4700, 2019-2022 Western Star 4900, 2019-2023 Freightliner Business Class M2, and 2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with tires that are not compatible with their 8.25-inch rims. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."

Risk: Driving with tires that are not compatible with their rims can reduce tire performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-962.

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.

Fuel system, diesel:fuel injection system:fuel railDec 13, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V965000 · 2,843 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Western Star 4700, 2019-2022 Freightliner 114SD, 2021-2022 Western Star 49X, Freightliner Cascadia P4, 2022 Western Star 47X, 2021 Western Star WF110, 2020 Western Star WJ121, and 2019-2021 FCCC XCP Chassis vehicles. The fuel tubes between the fuel rail and the injectors for cylinders four, five, and six may fatigue and crack, which can result in a high pressure fuel leak.

Risk: A high pressure fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tubes, and install vibration isolators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-915.

Steering:linkages:drag:link:connectionSep 2, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V689000 · 113,085 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019 Freightliner Classic Cascadia and 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia trucks. The drag link taper joint may not have been tightened sufficiently and could come loose, resulting in a complete separation of the drag link from the steering arm.

Risk: Drag link separation can cause a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will inspect the drag link taper joint and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 29, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA's customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-900.

Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablesJun 25, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V481000 · 122,056 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Freightliner Cascadia P4, 2021 Western Star WH126, 2020 Western Star WJ121, and 2021-2022 Western Star 49X vehicles. The battery cable terminal may break, resulting in a loss of electrical power and unintended engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will repair or replace the battery cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 7, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-893.

Steering:linkages:tie rod assemblyMay 19, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V369000 · 8,482 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Freightliner 114SD, 122SD, Business Class M2, Cascadia, 108SD, Western Star 4900, 4700, 5700, Custom Chass RV Chassis, Custom Chass S2 Chassis, Custom Chass XC Chassis, Custom Chass XB Chassis, and Custom Chass MT Chassis. The tie rod clamps may be loose, which could result in loose tie rod ends that could break or detach.

Risk: Detached or broken tie rod ends can result in steering loss, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-888.

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.

Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly; steering:critical fastenersApr 12, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V256000 · 12,470 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 114SD, 108SD, 122SD, Custom Chass S2 Chassis, Custom Chass XB Chassis, Custom Chass XC Chassis, and Custom Chass MT Chassis Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700 vehicles. The steering arm and tie rod bolts may have a defective seam that can fracture.

Risk: A fractured bolt may cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tie rod arm and steering arm bolts, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-884.

Power train:clutch assemblyMar 24, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V209000 · 2 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021 Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star 4700 vehicles. The clutch flange may break.

Risk: If flange failure occurs, loose parts may fall into the clutch pressure plate assembly, resulting in clutch disengagement, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch on the affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-881.

EngineFeb 12, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V073000 · 7 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles equipped with a Cummins X15 engine. The capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may have been improperly torqued, allowing the flywheel to detach.

Risk: A detached flywheel can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, driveline pieces may be ejected from the engine compartment, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: DTNA will work with the engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. to notify owners, and Cummins dealers will properly torque the capscrews and inspect for possible damage and, if necessary, repair any damage found, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-875.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliperJan 20, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V018000 · 133 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling 2021 Western Star 4700 and 5700, Freightliner Business Class M2, Cascadia, and Custom Chassis XC Chassis vehicles manufactured with a certain steering arm configuration with air disc brakes identified by the axle assembly supplier. On certain vehicles, one of the six brake caliper mounting bolts on the driver side steer axle may have been incorrectly tightened.

Risk: The loose bolt could result in the other caliper bolts to loosen. Insufficiently tightened bolts may not provide adequate clamping force between the brake caliper and brake anchor plate, resulting in reduced brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-873.

Tires; tires:tread/beltJan 13, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V007000 · 4,341 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Freightliner Cascadia sleeper trucks equipped with Bridgestone R284, R268, or R283S ECOPIA steer axle tires in conjunction with a specific air dam. The steer tires may experience tread separation or blow-outs while driving.

Risk: Tread separation and/or blow-outs while driving may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steer tires, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL872.

Power train:clutch assemblyNov 30, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V742000 · 1,233 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The clutch flange may break due to the heat treating and stamping process.

Risk: If flange failure occurs, loose parts may fall into the clutch pressure plate assembly, resulting in clutch disengagement, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch on the affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-869.

Suspension:rear:axle:spindleOct 27, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V660000 · 1,411 vehicles

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Freightliner Cascadia, 2021 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD and Business Class M2 and Western Star 4700, 4900 and 5700 vehicles. The steer axle spindle nut snap-ring locking feature may be incorrectly installed or missing from the left spindle nut at the spindle.

Risk: A missing or improperly installed locking snap ring can result in wheel-end failure and potentially a wheel-off/separation condition, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the hub cap plug, and reinstall or replace of the snap-ring as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-866.

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.

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.

Recent owner reports

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

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 438,861; however, service records listed the mileage at 742,227.

Electrical System · received Sep 17, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11764951

Without warning an Automatic breaking event occurred and the tractor slammed on its breaks while on open road with no one near on a sunny day. I was bobtailing south.. That event caused my AEB system to disable itself and I also lost cruise control. The funny thing is even after the system is…

Service Brakes · received Sep 17, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11765034

While vehicle approached a hazard blocking the roadway the forward collision and automatic braking feature did not engage; apparently due to the vehicle sensors not recognizing the hazard. The object in the roadway was a 53 ft van trailer that was laid on it's side with the translucent roof facing…

Forward Collision Avoidance · received Feb 1, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11569193

When driving, there is a constant and very strong vibration throughout the entirety of the truck. This makes it difficult to steer and drive in a safe manner. I've replaced any parts that might be associated with this malfunction with brand new parts at the advice of professional mechanics (cost…

Steering · received Dec 23, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11561665

My Emplyoer has not fixed anything on the truck, the truck shouldn’t be operating, doesn’t meet DOT Regulations, I was told not to go into any scales or weigh stations, loses air and the air doesn’t build back up properly, I lost all air in my breaks while driving on the road

Service Brakes · received Jul 4, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11530297

Other Freightliner Cascadia years

← 2020 Cascadia · 2022 Cascadia →

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia?

Owners most often report tires, forward collision avoidance, service brakes problems. The top one, tires, accounts for 6 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia?

Yes, 21 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2021 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 2021 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.