VehicleVerdict

2020 Freightliner Cascadia problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2020 Freightliner Cascadia carries two red flags at once: 47 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.6× the Cascadia norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Automatic Emergency Braking Errors). It is one of the Cascadia years to avoid.

Driver Assistance leads the complaint categories with 16 reports (34% of the total).

47

NHTSA complaints

20

Recalls

5

Investigations · 1 open

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Cascadia years?

See all Cascadia years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Freightliner Cascadia problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance1634%
Brakes817%
Tires & Wheels511%
Other511%
Electrical System49%
Engine36%
Speed Control24%
Steering24%
Fuel System12%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2020 Freightliner Cascadia have recalls?

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

23V299000Electrical SystemApril 26, 2023 · 266 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

23V208000LightingMarch 28, 2023 · 24,282 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

23V105000SteeringFebruary 20, 2023 · 60,604 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Columbia, Coronado, Business Class M2, and 2020 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. 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 April 21, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL967. This recall expands recall number 21V-689.

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.

22V338000OtherMay 16, 2022 · 185 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020 Freightliner Cascadia, 2020-2022 Western Star 4700 and 5700, 2022 Western Star 4900, and 2020-2023 Freightliner New Cascadia vehicles. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Federal Certification Label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence

An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will be replace the GAWR labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-933.

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.

21V007000Tires & WheelsJanuary 13, 2021 · 4,341 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

20V660000SuspensionOctober 27, 2020 · 1,411 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

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.

19V803000BrakesNovember 7, 2019 · 4 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. Due to inadequate clearance between the brake chambers and the frame rail, the brake chambers can contact the frame rail and cause brake chamber to detach or be damaged.

Consequence

A detached brake chamber can cause reduced brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA reports that all affected vehicles have been remedied, therefore owner notifications will not be sent. The recall began on November 7, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-837.

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.

19V137000Electrical SystemFebruary 27, 2019 · 43 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles equipped with an ICU3S Instrument Cluster and a DT12 automated manual transmission. When the transmission is shifted out of the Neutral (N) position, the instrument cluster will continue to display the "N" position.

Consequence

The incorrect gear selection display may cause the operator to falsely assume that the truck is in neutral, possibly resulting in the truck moving unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain controller so that the correct gear selection displays in the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began August 7,2019. Owners can contact DTNA's customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-808.

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.

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.

Semi was traveling on the highway and transporting a 48,000 pound steel coil. The steel coil was secured with 4 chains. The automatic emergency braking system engaged with nothing in front of the vehicle, causing it to suddenly come to a dead stop in traffic. This caused the steel coil to break…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 15, 2023 · crash

Semi was traveling on the highway and transporting a 48,000 pound steel coil. The steel coil was secured with 4 chains. The automatic emergency braking system engaged with nothing in front of the vehicle, causing it to suddenly come to a dead stop in traffic. This caused the steel coil to break…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 15, 2023 · crash

The contact owns a 2020 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the low tire pressure alarm sounded at 120 PSI. The contact stated that there was an abnormal buzzing sound detected. The contact stated that the air pressure alert should engage at 60 PSI. The…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 1, 2022

Semi was traveling on the highway and transporting a 48,000 pound steel coil. The steel coil was secured with 4 chains. The automatic emergency braking system engaged with nothing in front of the vehicle, causing it to suddenly come to a dead stop in traffic. This caused the steel coil to break…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 15, 2023 · crash

WHEN MY TRUCK DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY WITH 70 MILES PER HOUR. THE CLUTCH FAN KICK IN - CRUISE CONTROL AUTOMATICALLY CANCEL - GEAR IN AND OUT. RPM ROSE UP AND DOWN FAST FROM IDLE TO THE CURRENT SPEED. IT BROUGHT TO DEALER TWICE BUT THEY SAID MY TRUCK IS RUNNING FINE. THERE IS NO LIGHT COME ON. 1ST…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 20, 2020

2020 Freightliner Cascadia — common questions

Is the 2020 Freightliner Cascadia reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 47 complaints put the 2020 model at #2 of 25 Cascadia years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Cascadia years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 Cascadia problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (16 complaints), brakes (8 complaints), other (5 complaints).

Does the 2020 Freightliner Cascadia have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Freightliner Cascadia. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 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.