2013 Freightliner Cascadia recalls & complaints

1. Brakes

What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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."

What could happen: An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will add air reservoir capacity to the affected vehicles. Owner letters were mailed on November 29, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-815.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V370000 (manufacturer code FL-815).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

2. Steering

What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. In certain front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations, braking may cause high vibrations, resulting in early failure of the tie-rod tube.

What could happen: A tie-rod failure would cause a disconnect between the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering ability, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stamped brake spiders and the tie-rod, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-807.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V093000 (manufacturer code FL-807).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

3. Steering

What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. In certain front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations, braking may cause high vibrations, resulting in early failure of the tie-rod tube.

What could happen: A tie-rod failure would cause a disconnect between the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering ability, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake linings, brake spider, and tie-rod, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL782.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V503000 (manufacturer code FL782).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

4. Electrical system

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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 ca…

What could happen: If the PDM short circuits, there would be an increased risk of a fire, especially if the nearby CNG tank leaks.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the PDM, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners on November 7, 2016. The recall began on March 3, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-721.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V656000 (manufacturer code FL-721).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

5. Equipment

What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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 ful…

What could happen: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or contact Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Produ…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V810000 (manufacturer code FL-759).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

6. Brakes

What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. After hard brake applications, the brake light pressure switch may not activate the brake lights with a light application of the brake pedal.

What could happen: 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.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. Daimler issued interim notifications to owners on January 22, 2018. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-756.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V761000 (manufacturer code FL-756).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

7. Trailer Hitches

What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.

What could happen: If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and DTNA authorized service facilities will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-692.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 15V616000 (manufacturer code FL-692).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-745-8000.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

8. Transmission / drivetrain

What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. In the affected axles, the axle hub may be missing a locking snap ring.

What could happen: If the snap ring is missing, the rear wheels may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected wheel ends for the lock ring, and install them as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 26, 2014. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712. The manufacturer's number for this recall is FL-653.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V242000 (manufacturer code FL-653).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

9. Engine

What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. The affected vehicles have a tailpipe that allows hot exhaust to exit near the CNG tank pressure relief device (PRD).

What could happen: Hot exhaust in close proximity to the PRD may cause the PDR to activate and CNG to be unexpectedly released from the tank. Discharge of CNG in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix: All the vehicles involved in this recall campaign have been repaired. The recall is began on March 13, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-695.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 15V816000 (manufacturer code FL-695).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

10. Engine

What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.

What could happen: The sensor malfunction could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.

The fix: Cummins and Cummins Westport will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Customers may contact Daimler at 1-800-385-4357 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357. Daimler's number for this recall is FL-660.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V080000 (manufacturer code FL-660).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-385-4357.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

11. Engine

What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. " Specifically, the tail pipe on these vehicles terminates under the compressed natural gas (CNG) tank and can overheat the fuel system.

What could happen: Due to the area of its placement, the exhaust system forces heat around, and may overheat, the fuel system components, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will extend the tailpipe beyond the cabinet, free of charge. The recall began Feburary 12, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-671.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V680000 (manufacturer code FL-671).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-745-8000.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

12. Electrical system

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. In the affected vehicles, when the ignition is off and the door is opened without the parking brake applied, the dashboard does not display the correct message of "Park Brake Off Door Open."

What could happen: Without the proper warning, a driver may not be reminded to apply the parking brake which may lead to a vehicle roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update then display software. The safety recall began on June 6, 2013. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712. Daimler's recall campaign number is FL-642.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 13V127000.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

13. Suspension

What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. THE FRONT KNUCKLES ON THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MACHINING ERROR IN THE WHEEL BEARING AREA WHICH MAY LEAD TO PREMATURE SPINDLE FAILURE.

What could happen: IF THE SPINDLE FAILS, THE WHEEL MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

The fix: DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED COMPONENTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 10, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA TOLL FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 12V266000.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

14. Engine

What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. THE PUMP TO RAIL HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE SUPPORT SYSTEM USED ON THESE ENGINES IS SENSITIVE TO ASSEMBLY TORQUE AND MAY BE DAMAGED DURING SERVICE WORK. AS A RESULT OF OTHER REPAIRS, THE LINE SUPPORTS MAY LOOSEN, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO FUEL LINE CRACKING AND A FUEL LEAK.

What could happen: A FUEL LEAK COULD CREATE A ROAD HAZARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. ALSO A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

The fix: DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WHERE NECESSARY, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE SUPPORT SYSTEM WILL BE REPLACED BY DTNA AUTHORIZED SERVICE FACILITIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 12V074000.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

15. Lights

What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 2. On vehicles configured to have the turn signals operate as Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and the 'Turn-Tip' turn signal function activated, the DRLs may not illuminate properly after using the 'Turn-Tip' function while driving.

What could happen: Failure of the DRLs to illuminate reduces visibility to other drivers and increases the risk of a vehicle crash.

The fix: DTNA sent notification to owners on May 6, 2015, instructing them to contact their dealers and arrange to have the free SAMCAB software updated to correct the operation of the DRLs and "Turn Tip" feature. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 13V099000.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

16. Transmission / drivetrain

What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. In the affected vehicles, the wiring harnesses for the ECAS may have been reversed.

What could happen: If the wiring harnesses are connected in reverse, it may adjust the suspension axle height incorrectly, reducing driving traction and parking brake effectiveness. Either result increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: DTNA will notify the owners, and dealers will inspect the ECAS wiring, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 24, 2014. Owners may contact Daimler at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-656.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 13V627000 (manufacturer code FL-656).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

17. Brakes

What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE QUICK RELEASE VALVE COVER MAY NOT BE CORRECTLY MANUFACTURED, ALLOWING THE COVER TO BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE VALVE BODY. IF THE COVER SEPARATES FROM THE VALVE BODY, THE FRONT BRAKES MAY NOT FUNCTION.

What could happen: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, INCREASED VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

The fix: DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WHERE NECESSARY, THE QUICK RELEASE VALVE WILL BE REPLACED BY DTNA AUTHORIZED SERVICE FACILITIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BEFORE JUNE 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 12V178000.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

18. Transmission / drivetrain

What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. In the affected axles, the axle hub may be missing a locking snap ring.

What could happen: If the snap ring is missing, the rear wheels may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected wheel ends for the lock ring, and install them as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 26, 2013. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-503-745-6910. The manufacturer's recall number is FL-653.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 13V538000.
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-503-745-6910.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

19. Lights

What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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."

What could happen: The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 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.

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V214000 (manufacturer code FL848).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (2), Brakes (2), Fuel system (1), Engine (1), Vehicle Speed Control (1).

Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.