2008 Freightliner Cascadia problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (6) · Wheels (1) · Visibility:windshield (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Freightliner Cascadia model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (14)
Exterior Lighting 2020-04-14 · campaign 20V214000 · 63,175 vehicles
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
Risk: The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Equipment 2017-12-15 · campaign 17V810000 · 24,860 vehicles
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2017 Freightliner Cascadia, Century Class, Columbia and Coronado trucks and Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, 5900 and 6900 trucks. 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 fr
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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 "Product Safety Recall" for more information. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-759.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch 2017-11-27 · campaign 17V761000 · 438,255 vehicles
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2008-2018 Freightliner Cascadia, Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, and 6900 trucks. After hard brake applications, the brake light pressure switch may not activate the brake lights with a light application of the brake pedal.
Risk: 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.
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.
Electrical System 2015-03-04 · campaign 15V127000 · 45,036 vehicles
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured March 26, 2007, to August 31, 2010. Water may leak into the Signal-detection and Activation Module (SAM) Chassis causing corrosion which may result in electrical shorts or possible intermittent operation of trailer lights.
Risk: Intermittent operation of the trailer lights may prevent other drivers from knowing that the truck is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, an electrical short in the SAM chassis may result in a a fire.
Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the SAM chassis for corrosion, replacing it as necessary. Any vehicle that does not have a drip shield mounted in the cab over the SAM chassis will receive one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim letter was sent to owners on May 4, 2015. The recall began on October 8, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-679.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 2014-02-21 · campaign 14V080000 · 3,258 vehicles
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2015 Freightliner 114SD, Cascadia, M2 Business Class, Sterling LT8500, and Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX vehicles manufactured February 19, 2008, through February 11, 2014, and equipped with Cummins Westport Model ISL G and Cummins Westport Model ISX12 G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure
Risk: 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.
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel 2012-02-28 · campaign 12V074000 · 103,437 vehicles
Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2013 FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT DIESEL EPA07 AND EPA10, DD13 AND DD15/16 ENGINES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 20, 2006, THROUGH FEBRUARY 20, 2012. 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 CRACK
Risk: 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.
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.
Steering:rack And Pinion 2011-10-13 · campaign 11V514000 · 9,689 vehicles
Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, COLUMBIA, CENTURY, CORONADO, AND CLASSIC XL TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2004, THROUGH JUNE 15, 2010 FOR THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM. THE LOWER PINION BEARING MAY CORRODE AND FAIL. A FAILED BEARING MAY LEAD TO DAMAGE OF THE SPOOL VALVE SEALS. A DAMAGE SPOOL VALVE SEAL MAY ALLOW HYDRAULIC FLUID TO FLOW TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT TURN PORT INSTEAD OF FLOWING TO THE RETURN PORT.
Risk: THE STEERING COULD UNEXPECTEDLY TURN LEFT OR RIGHT, MAKING THE VEHICLE MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER BEARING FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS FOUND, THE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM WILL BE REPLACED. IF NO CORROSION IS FOUND, ON THE BEARING, THE BEARING WILL BE PACKED WITH GREASE AND THE RUBBER BELLOWS WILL BE REPLACED WITH SEALANT ADDED BETWEEN THE BELLOWS AND THE RACK HOUSING. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED IN DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.
Fuel System, Diesel 2011-09-16 · campaign 11V478000 · 73,500 vehicles
Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 11, 2003, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH EPA04 MODEL MBE4000 ENGINES BUILT WITH PLASTIC LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINES AND FUEL FILTERS MOUNTED NEAR THE CENTER OF THE ENGINE ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE. THE PLASTIC LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINE BETWEEN ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL FILTER AND ENGINE BLOCK MAY DEVELOP A SUBSTANTIAL DIESEL FUEL LEAK.
Risk: THIS COULD CREATE A ROAD HAZARD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES. VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND THE PLASTIC LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A STEEL LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED TO OWNERS ON OCTOBER 28, 2011. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2011-09-08 · campaign 11V465000 · 4,444 vehicles
Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2, CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA, CORONADO AND STERLING A-LINE VEHICLES BUILT WITH MERITOR WABCO ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2011. UNDER CERTAIN ROAD AND DRIVING CONDITIONS, VEHICLE BODY ROLL AND ROAD INCLINATION CHARACTERISTICS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SLIP ANGLE CALCULATION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM. THIS MIGHT CAUS
Risk: IF THE DRIVER IS SLOW TO REACT DURING THIS ESC INTERVENTION, THE VEHICLE MAY DEVIATE FROM THE INTENDED LINE OF TRAVEL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ESC MODULE WITH THE APPROPRIATE SOFTWARE VERSION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE MAILED ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 21, 2011. THE DATE FOR AVAILABILITY OF THE FINAL REMEDY IS SUBJECT TO VALIDATION TESTING AND PARTS AVAILABILITY. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 28, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables 2011-06-21 · campaign 11V330000 · 48,170 vehicles
Defect: DTNA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 FREIGHTLINER; CASCADIA, CENTURY CLASS, COLUMBIA, AND CORONADO, CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 STERLING; A-LINE AND L-LINE AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 WESTERN STAR CONSTELLATION VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 15, 2011, BUILT WITH DETROIT DIESEL 15 OR 16 ENGINES. THE BOLT ATTACHING A RUBBER ISOLATOR TO A SUPPORT BRACKET MAY BECOME LOOSE AND BACK OUT, POTENTIALLY CONTACTING AN UN-FUSED STARTER CABLE AND CREATING A SHORT
Risk: A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN AN UN-FUSED BATTERY CABLE AND CHASSIS GROUND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW BOLT AND ISOLATOR AND REPAIR THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.
Engine And Engine Cooling 2011-03-03 · campaign 11V146000 · 2,073 vehicles
Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER, CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA FLD, AND M2, STERLING 9500, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 20, 2006, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC MBE4000 EPA07 MODEL ENGINES. THE INTAKE AIR GRID HEATER MAY SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.
Risk: A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Fix: DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL DURING MARCH 2011. ANOTHER NOTIFICATION WILL BE ISSUED ONCE THE REMEDY IS RELEASED. DTNA EXPECTS THE REMEDY TO BE AVAILABLE BY DECEMBER 1, 2011. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DTNA DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712. THIS RECALL IS ASSCOCIATED WITH A PREVIOUS RECALL, CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V-341.
Engine And Engine Cooling 2010-07-27 · campaign 10V341000 · 5,743 vehicles
Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER, FCCC, STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC MBE900 EPA04 AND EPA07 MODEL ENGINES. THE INTAKE AIR GRID HEATER MAY SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.
Risk: A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Fix: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 29, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.
Fuel System, Other 2010-05-07 · campaign 10V189000 · 30,704 vehicles
Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA, CASCADIA, CORONADO, CENTURY, M2, STERLING 9500, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DD 13 AND DD15/DD16 ENGINES AND MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1, 2007 THROUGH APRIL 5, 2010. SHOULD THE FUEL FILTER BECOME RESTRICTED, THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL FLANGE MAY DEVELOP A CRACK RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.
Risk: FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE ROADWAY MAY RESULT IN VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL FLANGE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A MORE ROBUST COMPONENT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.
Electrical System:software 2010-03-16 · campaign 10V102000 · 490 vehicles
Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 CASCADIA EQUIPPED WITH LIFEGUARD ROLLTEK ADVANCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM. THE LIFEGUARD ROLLTEK IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PROTECTION TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT AND IT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED.
Risk: REDUCED EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ADVANCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL RETAINERS TO ENSURE THE SYSTEM REMAINS FULLY FUNCTIONAL. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.
Service bulletins (494)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine And Engine Cooling 2022-03-02 · SB83-137 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
revised freightliner service bulletin for parksmart eberspaecher auxiliary heater service. this bulletin replaces the version dated may 2015. the note in general information has been revised to include new cascadia. espar information has been changed to reflect a company name change to eberspaecher.
Structure 2021-06-14 · P3SALESCABEND · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
end of production for the freightliner p3 cascadia sales cabs. due to low production volumes, dtna will be discontinuing the production of the freightliner cascadia p3 sales cabs.
Engine And Engine Cooling 2021-04-19 · WI21-009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
warranty information letter announcing that dtna is increasing the standard diagnostic times (sdts) shown. the updated after treatment system (ats) diesel exhaust fluid (def) pump times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after april 12, 2021.
Equipment 2021-04-06 · WI21-008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
warranty information letter announcing dtna is adjusting the standard repair times (srts) shown. the updated times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after april 5, 2021.
Equipment 2021-01-17 · WI21-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
warranty information letter for detroit new service replacement engine srt update. while validating standard repair times (srts) for detroit's new gen 5 engine series, dtna discovered an error in a pre-gen 5 srt for the new service replacement engine program. as a result, dtna re-studied the srt and
Power Train 2020-12-23 · SB35-036 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
revised freightliner service bulletin for axle flange gasket replaced with o-ring. revision removed steps instructing removal and installation of wheels. daimler trucks north america has released a new axle shaft to hub rubber o-ring (part number 11-30728-000) as a replacement for the paper gasket
Showing the 6 most recent of 494 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2021-01-15 · Steering · 784,969 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2008 freightliner cascadia. the contact stated that on two separate occasions, oil leaked from the rack and pinion. due to the failure, the contact was unable to maneuver the steering wheel while driving. the contact had the vehicle repaired by an independent mechanic however, the failure persisted after the repair. upon inve…”
2016-03-30 · Steering · 720,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2008 freightliner cascadia. the contact stated that the steering gear box failed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not …”
2015-03-30 · Wheels · 598,000 mi“the left tie rod end separated. *tr…”
2014-01-28 · Steering · 666,640 mi“tl* the contact owns 2008 freightliner cascadia. the contact stated that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number: 11v514000 (steering) and repaired. the contact was reversing when the power steering assist failed. the manufacturer was contacted and would not assist with repairs because the vehicle had been previously repaired under th…”
2011-08-26 · Steering · 42,080 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2008 freightliner cascadia. the contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local mechanic for a wheel alignment inspection, the mechanic found that the driver side rack pinion inner tie rod was separated due to defective material. the manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 09…”
2011-01-05 · Steering · 457,939 mi“i had made an observation that the rs steer tire was wearing very fast and wore a new tire down to the wear bars in 2 months. i brought the vehicle into a freightliner facility for an alignment. the service manager told me that the rack in the rack and pinion steering mechanisms was faulty and needed to be replaced but unfortunately they do not m…”
2009-10-02 · Steering · 8,000 mi“in november of 2008 we seen our first rack and pinion failure. we seen premature steer tire wear on the rightside. contacted freightliner and installed new racks and that didn't repair the problem. on the other 18 we incurred the same problem some worse the others. by july we compiled a average of steer tire wear on the cascadia was 8,000 miles to…”
2009-05-28 · Visibility:windshield · 4,000 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2008 freightliner cascadia. the vehicle was repaired according to nhtsa campaign id number 09v024000. however, the same chassis are still receiving water inside them from the windshield, which causes the vehicle to shut off. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer four times for this issue and they replaced the computer …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.