VehicleVerdict

2017 Freightliner Cascadia problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2017 Freightliner Cascadia carries two red flags at once: 11 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Automatic Emergency Braking Errors). It is one of the Cascadia years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include 6 deaths and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

11

NHTSA complaints

20

Recalls

7

Investigations · 1 open

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

6

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Cascadia years?

See all Cascadia years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Freightliner Cascadia problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering327%
Brakes19%
Driver Assistance19%
Fuel System19%
Other19%
Speed Control19%
Tires & Wheels19%
Airbags19%
Visibility & Wipers19%

Does the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia have recalls?

20 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V073000Electrical SystemFebruary 10, 2023 · 70,167 units

Defect

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).

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

22V817000BrakesNovember 1, 2022 · 219,390 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

20V567000LightingFebruary 16, 2022 · 128,451 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

21V357000LightingMay 14, 2021 · 72,510 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Melting components can increase the risk of fire.

Remedy

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.

20V390000BrakesJuly 2, 2020 · 164,326 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

20V214000LightingApril 14, 2020 · 63,175 units

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."

Consequence

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.

19V370000BrakesMay 14, 2019 · 741 units

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."

Consequence

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.

18V913000SuspensionDecember 19, 2018 · 501 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

18V742000LightingOctober 19, 2018 · 6,326 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

18V581000EngineAugust 30, 2018 · 4,500 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

18V491000Electrical SystemJuly 20, 2018 · 43,584 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

18V353000BrakesMay 29, 2018 · 8,741 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

17V810000OtherDecember 15, 2017 · 24,860 units

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

Consequence

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.

17V761000LightingNovember 27, 2017 · 438,255 units

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.

Consequence

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.

17V629000SteeringOctober 6, 2017 · 138 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

17V315000TransmissionMay 11, 2017 · 698 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

16V824000Tires & WheelsNovember 15, 2016 · 863 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Partial tread separation can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

16V656000Electrical SystemSeptember 13, 2016 · 1,039 units

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.

Consequence

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.

16V634000TransmissionAugust 31, 2016 · 156 units

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.

Consequence

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.

16V416000EngineJune 9, 2016 · 268 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA25006

Automatic Emergency Braking Errors

On May 26, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23010) to assess reports of false positive activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2017-2022 Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) vehicles. The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. DTNA indicated that it received of a total of 315 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2017-2022 DTNA vehicles. DTNA stated that the vast majority of false positive activation of the subject systems occur in very limited durations and result in a five mile per hour deceleration. ODI considered four AEB systems offered by DTNA: Detroit Assurance 2.0, Detroit Assurance 4.0, Detroit Assurance 5.0, and Wabco OnGuard.  ODI’s analysis shows that of the Detroit Assurance versions, all are failing at similar rates. The OnGuard AEB systems equipped on the same model and model year vehicles have experienced a significantly lower claim rate. To date, ODI has received a total of 32 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of AEB in MY 2017-2022 DTNA vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 347 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include 24 reports involving a crash, 13 reports involving an alleged injury and one report with a fatality. PE23010 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2017-2022 DTNA vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE BACK AND FORTH VIOLENTLY. THE WHEELS SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE RIGHT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FRACTURED, BUT DID NOT DETACH FROM THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 23, 2016 · crash

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 16, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE BACK AND FORTH VIOLENTLY. THE WHEELS SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE RIGHT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FRACTURED, BUT DID NOT DETACH FROM THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 23, 2016 · crash

WHEN USING WIPERS THEY WILL QUIT WORKING PERIODICALLY I CAN SWITCH TO HIGH SPEED OR TO INTERMITTENT AND THEY WILL WORK I CAN ALSO PUSH THE WASHER FLUID BUTTON IN REAL QUICK AND THEY WILL START WORKING AGAIN THEY MAY WORK FOR A FEW SECONDS AND QUIT AGAIN AND THEY MAY WORK A FEW MINUTES AND QUIT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 1, 2017

WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AND BEGIN TO SMELL FUEL SO PULLED OVER AND FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM HIGH PRESSURE LINE GOING TO PUMP

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 16, 2018

2017 Freightliner Cascadia — common questions

Is the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 11 complaints put the 2017 model at #15 of 25 Cascadia years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Cascadia years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Cascadia problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (3 complaints), other (1 complaints), driver assistance (1 complaints).

Does the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Automatic Emergency Braking Errors). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Freightliner Cascadia years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cascadia years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2018, 2017. The cleanest record among Cascadia years belongs to 2004.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.