2020 Freightliner Cascadia recalls & complaints

1. Airbags

What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. The driver's frontal air bag may deploy unexpectedly.

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

The fix: 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…

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V066000 (manufacturer code FL806).
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. Brakes

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

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

The fix: 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.

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V803000 (manufacturer code FL-837).
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. 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.

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

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

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V689000 (manufacturer code FL-900).
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. Brakes

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

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

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front left and right single brake modulator valves will be replaced and spacers added, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-855.

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V390000 (manufacturer code FL-855).
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. 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 2020 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.

6. Electrical system

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. When the transmission is shifted out of the Neutral (N) position, the instrument cluster will continue to display the "N" position.

What could happen: 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.

The fix: 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 rec…

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V137000 (manufacturer code FL-808).
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.

7. Electrical system

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The battery cable terminal may break, resulting in a loss of electrical power and unintended engine stall.

What could happen: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

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

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V481000 (manufacturer code FL-893).
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.

8. Brakes

What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The brake airlines may be damaged due to inadequate clearance between the ride height control valve and the brake airlines.

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

The fix: 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.

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V548000 (manufacturer code FL-820).
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. Brakes

What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The brake lights may remain illuminated after the brake pedal has been released.

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

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 3-pin brake pressure switch with a 2-pin brake pressure switch along with a jumper harness, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on November 17, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 21, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA cus…

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V567000 (manufacturer code FL-863).
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. Brakes

What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.

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

The fix: 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.

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V127000 (manufacturer code FL-845).
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.

11. Lights

What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. The halogen headlight bulb may dislodge during replacement and contact other vehicle components, possibly causing them to melt.

What could happen: Melting components can increase the risk of fire.

The fix: Dealers will install a foam grommet, cut a 4-inch access hole into the inner fender, and add a warning label on both fenders, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 9, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-887.

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V357000 (manufacturer code FL-887).
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.

12. 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. The steer axle spindle nut snap-ring locking feature may be incorrectly installed or missing from the left spindle nut at the spindle.

What could happen: 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.

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

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V660000 (manufacturer code FL-866).
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. Brakes

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

What could happen: 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.

The fix: 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.

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V711000 (manufacturer code FL-830).
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. Wheels / tires

What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. The steer tires may experience tread separation or blow-outs while driving.

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

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

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V007000 (manufacturer code FL872).
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. Equipment

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

What could happen: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 22V338000 (manufacturer code FL-933).
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. Brakes

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

What could happen: 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.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake modulator valves, as necessary. Some vehicles will have a software update which will alert driver when a replacement is required. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 16, 2023. DTNA's number for this…

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 22V817000 (manufacturer code FL-958).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

17. Electronic Stability Control (esc)

What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. 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).

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

The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake modulator valves, as necessary. Some vehicles will have a software update which will alert driver when a replacement is required. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 13, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA…

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V073000 (manufacturer code FL966).
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. Steering

What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. 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.

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

The fix: 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.

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V105000 (manufacturer code FL967).
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.

19. Lights

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

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

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

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V208000 (manufacturer code FL851).
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.

20. Electronic Stability Control (esc)

What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. 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."

What could happen: Understeering during a J-turn may increase the risk of a crash.

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

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V299000 (manufacturer code FL971).
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.

21. Brakes

What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The brake modulator valves on the front axle may corrode and cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking initiated by Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Roll Stability Control (RSC).

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

The fix: Dealers will replace the brake modulator valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 8, 2026. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1039. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.

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 2020 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V583000 (manufacturer code F1039).
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: Forward Collision Avoidance (11), Brakes (8), Wheels / tires (5), Unknown Or Other (4), Electrical system (4).

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