2015 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 2015 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 2015 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. 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 2015 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.

4. 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, when the transmission shift lever is moved from reverse to neutral, the reverse gear may stay engaged. When the transmission shift lever is moved from reverse to a forward gear position, the transmission may mechanically lock because both the reverse gear and forward gear are simultaneously engaged.

What could happen: Even though the transmission has been shifted out of reverse into neutral, the vehicle may unexpectedly move backwards, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the affected transmissions if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 24, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-693.

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 2015 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 15V617000 (manufacturer code FL-693).
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.

5. 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 2015 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.

6. 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. These vehicles specify a front axle weight limit that may be greater than that of the hub capacity. As a result, the hub may fail and the wheel may separate from the axle.

What could happen: If a wheel separates from the axle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle hubs, free of charge. The recall began during November 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-718.

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 2015 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V634000 (manufacturer code FL-718).
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. 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 2015 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.

8. 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 2015 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.

9. 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 2015 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.

10. 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 2015 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.

11. Brakes

What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The affected vehicles may experience brake drag due to an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber.

What could happen: While traveling at highway speeds, brake drag may cause loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake chambers, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices at the end of May 2015. The recall began on September 25, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL676.

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 2015 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 15V185000 (manufacturer code FL676).
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. Fuel system

What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 23736011, manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 21, 2014 and Motion Industries T1700-06 flexible fuel hoses. The stainless steel braid hose reinforcement may corrode prematurely near the fitting crimp inside the slave tank enclosure.

What could happen: If the corrosion progresses and goes undetected, the hose could begin to leak CNG, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners and dealers will replace the defective hose, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-678.

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 2015 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 15V105000 (manufacturer code FL-678).
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.

13. 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 2015 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.

14. Electrical system

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain 1100W, 1500W, or 2000W inverters sold as a standalone option with both the Thermo King TriPac EVOLUTION and TriPac-e Auxiliary Power Units ("APU"). The Thermo King inverters provide 120V AC household power to a tractor cabin. The inverters may spark or overheat, resulting in a potential fire.

What could happen: An inverter fire may result in a vehicle fire.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and Thermo King will either replace the inverter free of charge or refund the full purchase price. The recall began on November 14, 2014. Owners may contact Thermo King customer service at 1-866-766-2708. Owners may also contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for th…

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 2015 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V588000 (manufacturer code FL-668).
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: 1-866-766-2708.
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 affected vehicles are equipped with Bergstrom Parksmart HVAC auxiliary units. On these units, there may be inadequate contact between the electrical connector on the compressor and electrical pins causing a high electrical resistance resulting in excessive heat.

What could happen: The overheated connection can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector caps. Additionally, dealers will replace the harnesses if there is evidence of heat discoloration. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's re…

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 2015 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V143000.
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. 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 2015 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.

17. Steering

What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. Due to an axle manufacturing error, there may be weak spots in the beam of the affected axle assemblies.

What could happen: The axle weak spots could cause the axle beam to bend or cause wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the axle beams for certain manufacturing dates, and replace the ones manufactured within a certain date range, free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2014. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-385-4357. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-662.

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 2015 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V367000 (manufacturer code FL-662).
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.

18. Brakes

What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The affected vehicles may have been produced with a defective valve seat installed.

What could happen: Improper seating can result in the valves improperly adjusting air pressure levels, thereby reducing the braking performance of the vehicles and increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Daimler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and replace the valves, free of charge. The recall began on December 30, 2015. Owners may contact Daimler customer service at 1-800-745-8000. Daimler's number for this recall is FL-673.

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 2015 CASCADIA.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V717000 (manufacturer code FL-673).
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.

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (4), Brakes (3), Steering (3), Wheels / tires (2), Equipment (1).

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