VehicleVerdict

2019 Freightliner Cascadia problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2019 Freightliner Cascadia carries two red flags at once: 53 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.9× the Cascadia norm — 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 2 deaths and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Driver Assistance leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (32% of the total).

53

NHTSA complaints

29

Recalls

6

Investigations · 1 open

7

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

9

Injuries

2

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other Cascadia years?

See all Cascadia years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Freightliner Cascadia problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance1732%
Brakes1019%
Steering611%
Body & Structure48%
Lighting36%
Engine36%
Speed Control36%
Fuel System24%
Suspension24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Electrical System12%
Other12%

Does the 2019 Freightliner Cascadia have recalls?

29 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.

21V689000SteeringSeptember 2, 2021 · 113,085 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

21V481000Electrical SystemJune 25, 2021 · 122,056 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

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.

20V642000TransmissionOctober 16, 2020 · 4,329 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD and 122SD and Western Star 4700, 4900 and 5700 vehicles. An internal component within the clutch assembly may fail, which in certain circumstances could allow the vehicle to move unexpectedly.

Consequence

Unintended vehicle movement van increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software and replace the clutches, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on December 7, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-865.

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.

20V127000BrakesMarch 3, 2020 · 2,585 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, Cascadia, Business Class M2, Western Star 4700 and 5700, Freightliner Custom Chassis S2, Custom Chassis XB, and Custom Chassis XC vehicles equipped with air disc brakes. The brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.

Consequence

Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 1, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-845.

19V711000BrakesOctober 7, 2019 · 12 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The ABS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may not detect an incorrectly functioning solenoid valve for the ABS/ESC module during certain low voltage start conditions, potentially causing the ABS/ESC Malfunction indicator not to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems" and number 136, "Electronic Stability Control Systems on Heavy Vehicles."

Consequence

Without the alert, an operator may not be aware of an active ABS/ESC malfunction and unknowingly operate the vehicle with reduced ABS/ESC function, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ABS/ESC module, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-830.

19V548000BrakesJuly 24, 2019 · 183 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles equipped with a certain 40K Light Weight Extra Duty Airliner suspension and 51 inch axle spacing configuration. The brake airlines may be damaged due to inadequate clearance between the ride height control valve and the brake airlines.

Consequence

Damage to the brake airlines can cause reduced brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a new bracket for the height control valve to add additional clearance for the brake airlines, free of charge. The recall began September 16, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-820.

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.

19V367000BrakesMay 14, 2019 · 253 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, Business Class M2, Cascadia, Western Star 5700, and FCCC XC Chassis vehicles equipped with air disc brakes. The brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.

Consequence

Loose brake caliper mounting bolts may reduce the brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify the owners and affected vehicle manufacturers, and DTNA dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 12, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-816.

19V136000BrakesFebruary 27, 2019 · 14 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Anti-Lock Braking system (ABS) malfunction warning light may not reactivate after the ignition has been turned off and then switched back on. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence

Unknowingly operating a truck with an ABS malfunction may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ABS module, free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. The DTNA number for this recall is FL-810.

19V066000AirbagsFebruary 7, 2019 · 3,365 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles equipped with an optional steering wheel air bag. The driver's frontal air bag may deploy unexpectedly.

Consequence

If the driver's frontal air bag deploys unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) will notify owners, and dealers will remove the air bag as an the interim remedy, free of charge. DTNA is developing a remedy program, which when available, will be communicated to customers and dealers. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on April 5, 2019. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL806. This recall supersedes recall 18V-787.

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.

18V903000TransmissionDecember 19, 2018 · 6,795 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Business Class M2, Western Star 4700, 4900, and 5700 vehicles, equipped with certain Eaton ECA heavy-duty truck clutches. An internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.

Consequence

Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software, and repair any physical components, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on February 16, 2019. The recall began July 31, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-803.

18V703000BrakesOctober 5, 2018 · 5,534 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, Cascadia, Business Class M2, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation S2C 106 Cab, S2G Cab Chassis, XCL, XCM, XBS, XCP, XCR, Western Star 4700, 4900 and 5700 trucks. The brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.

Consequence

Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will check and tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-794.

18V699000SteeringOctober 5, 2018 · 622 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019 Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star 5700 vehicles. The steering wheel on these vehicles may loosen over time and the steering wheel may detach from the steering column.

Consequence

If the steering wheel detaches, there would be a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the steering wheel installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL796.

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.

18V525000BrakesAugust 9, 2018 · 4,155 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Columbia, Coronado, and Business Class M2 vehicles. During manufacturing, the brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.

Consequence

Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will check and tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began October 5, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-783.

18V522000SteeringAugust 8, 2018 · 116 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. Over time, the pitman arms may crack and fracture.

Consequence

If the pitman arm fractures there would be a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pitman arms, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 6, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-784.

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.

18V478000Tires & WheelsJuly 18, 2018 · 10 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019 Freightliner Cascadia trucks, equipped with certain Continental Coach HA3 tires, size 315/80R22.5 157/154 L. The cords on these tires may be visible through the innerliner.

Consequence

Tires that have cords visible through the innerliner can have sudden air loss, causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and Continental authorized service facilities will inspect and replace the tires, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or Continental customer service at 1-888-799-2168. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-778.

18V479000Tires & WheelsJuly 18, 2018 · 425 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles, equipped with certain Continental Hybrid HS3 tires, size 11R22.5 Load Range G. The tire cords may be visible through the innerliner.

Consequence

Tires with visible cords through the innerliner may have a sudden loss of air, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and Continental authorized service facilities will inspect and replace the tires, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or Continental customer service at 1-888-799-2168. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-779.

18V411000BrakesJune 15, 2018 · 18,105 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The brake caliper mounting bolts on these vehicles may not been properly tightened, potentially resulting in the caliper detaching.

Consequence

If the calipers detach, there would be reduced braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper mounting bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 13, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-775.

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.

18V300000AirbagsMay 8, 2018 · 1,219 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The fasteners that secure the driver's air bag module within the steering wheel may not have been installed to specification, possibly affecting the frontal air bag deployment in the event of a crash.

Consequence

An incorrectly installed air bag may not function correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the frontal air bag fasteners, tightening them to the proper specification, free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-771.

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.

My truck just came to a screeching halt on the interstate with no obstacles in front of it. It nearly caused a major accident. I could not override it. I was approaching an overpass approximately 100 yards away. Collision warning lights went on. Horn started beeping and brakes engaged immediately.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 5, 2023

Reference no, 11354207. I called the US department of transportation on September 10, 2022 to report the braking failure on my truck that cost my driver his life. I've since called them a couple of times, but have not heard back from them. There have been multiple other reports where the same brake…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 28, 2020 · crash

THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY SPEED 65 MPH WHEAT ROAD SURFACE, SUDDENLY THE TRUCK STEER TO THE LEFT WHEN THE DRIVER TRIES TO CORRECT THE TRUCK IN A STRAIGHT POSITION THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT RESPONDING, AFTER A FRACTION OF THE SECOND THE TRUCK TURN TO RIGHT CROSSING 2 LINE TRAVELING HIT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 23, 2020 · crash

THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY SPEED 65 MPH WHEAT ROAD SURFACE, SUDDENLY THE TRUCK STEER TO THE LEFT WHEN THE DRIVER TRIES TO CORRECT THE TRUCK IN A STRAIGHT POSITION THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT RESPONDING, AFTER A FRACTION OF THE SECOND THE TRUCK TURN TO RIGHT CROSSING 2 LINE TRAVELING HIT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 23, 2020 · crash

VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKING OIL AT 20.000 MILES. VERY HARD STEERING WHEN LOW RPM ( PARKING AND ECO - TRANSMISSION SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AT HIGH SPEED , RESULTING IN LOW RPM. SAFETY PROBLEM IF A TURN IS REQUIRED) BLUETHOOTH IS USELESS. VERY BAD RECEPTION ON THE OTHER END BRAKES : SHIFT SOMETIME TO LEFT OR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 8, 2019

2019 Freightliner Cascadia — common questions

Is the 2019 Freightliner Cascadia reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 53 complaints put the 2019 model at #1 of 25 Cascadia years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Cascadia years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Cascadia problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (17 complaints), brakes (10 complaints), steering (6 complaints).

Does the 2019 Freightliner Cascadia have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 29 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Freightliner Cascadia. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 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.