Freightliner Cascadia years to avoid (and the best years)
189 NHTSA owner complaints and 111 recalls across 12 model years, 2010 to 2024. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 189complaints
- 111recalls
- 17reported crashes
- 14reported fires
- 26reported injuries
- 5reported deaths
Which Freightliner Cascadia years should you avoid?
No Freightliner Cascadia model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Freightliner Cascadia year has 14 complaints on file.
What are the best Freightliner Cascadia years?
The Freightliner Cascadia years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2023 (12), 2016 (12) and 2014 (12). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 | 1.0× | 2 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Forward collision avoidance system |
| 2023 | 12 | 0.9× | 7 | 1 | 2 | Few red flags | Forward collision avoidance system |
| 2022 | 13 | 1.0× | 19 | 3 | 6 | Some concerns to check | Forward collision avoidance system |
| 2021 | 15 | 1.1× | 21 | 1 | 7 | Few red flags | Tires |
| 2020 | 26 | 1.9× | 21 | 2 | 1 | Few red flags | Forward collision avoidance system |
| 2019 | 28 | 2.1× | 29 | 4 | 4 | Some concerns to check | Brakes |
| 2016 | 12 | 0.9× | 12 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2015 | 16 | 1.2× | 18 | 1 | 2 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2014 | 12 | 0.9× | 21 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2012 | 17 | 1.3× | 19 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2011 | 12 | 0.9× | 23 | 1 | 2 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2010 | 12 | 0.9× | 23 | 1 | 0 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 104 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Brakes35 (34%)
- Steering, suspension & tires22 (21%)
- Engine & powertrain21 (20%)
- Electrical & infotainment14 (13%)
- Other systems9 (9%)
Recalls (111)
Brakes · 26V583000 · Sep 2026 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Brakes that pull to one side may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 24V093000 · Feb 2024 · model year 2024
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 23V299000 · Apr 2023 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Understeering during a J-turn may increase the risk of a crash.
Steering · 23V238000 · Apr 2023 · model year 2023
A detached steering arm can result in a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 23V208000 · Mar 2023 · model years 2020, 2021
Hazard warning lights that flash improperly may cause confusion for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 23V105000 · Feb 2023 · model year 2020
Drag link separation can cause a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 23V073000 · Feb 2023 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Brakes that pull to one side may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 22V919000 · Dec 2022 · model year 2021
Driving with tires that are not compatible with their rims can reduce tire performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 22V817000 · Nov 2022 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
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.
Engine · 22V554000 · Jul 2022 · model year 2023
Unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 22V468000 · Jun 2022 · model year 2022
A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 22V456000 · Jun 2022 · model year 2022
An ABS system that does not store fault codes may fail to warn the driver of an issue, or prevent proper repair. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 22V443000 · Jun 2022 · model year 2022
A loss of braking ability can increase the risk of a crash.
Steering · 22V405000 · Jun 2022 · model years 2022, 2023
A fractured steering gear can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 22V374000 · May 2022 · model year 2022
Brake component failure and increased stopping distance may increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 22V338000 · May 2022 · model year 2020
An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 22V339000 · May 2022 · model year 2022
Disabled ABS and ESC may lead to loss of braking or stability control, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 22V101000 · Feb 2022 · model year 2022
A loss of brakes increases the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 20V567000 · Feb 2022 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021
If the brake lights remain illuminated, drivers may be unaware when the truck is actually slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 21V965000 · Dec 2021 · model years 2021, 2022
A high pressure fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Engine · 21V715000 · Sep 2021 · model year 2022
The exhaust heat may melt the battery box, increasing the risk of a fire.
Steering · 21V689000 · Sep 2021 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021
Drag link separation can cause a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 21V481000 · Jun 2021 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Steering · 21V369000 · May 2021 · model years 2021, 2022
Detached or broken tie rod ends can result in steering loss, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 21V357000 · May 2021 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Melting components can increase the risk of fire.
Steering · 21V256000 · Apr 2021 · model years 2021, 2022
A fractured bolt may cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 21V209000 · Mar 2021 · model year 2021
If flange failure occurs, loose parts may fall into the clutch pressure plate assembly, resulting in clutch disengagement, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 21V073000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2021, 2022
A detached flywheel can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, driveline pieces may be ejected from the engine compartment, increasing the risk of injury.
Brakes · 21V018000 · Jan 2021 · model year 2021
The loose bolt could result in the other caliper bolts to loosen. Insufficiently tightened bolts may not provide adequate clamping force between the brake caliper and brake anchor plate, resulting in reduced brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tires · 21V007000 · Jan 2021 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
Tread separation and/or blow-outs while driving may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 20V742000 · Nov 2020 · model year 2021
If flange failure occurs, loose parts may fall into the clutch pressure plate assembly, resulting in clutch disengagement, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 20V660000 · Oct 2020 · model years 2020, 2021
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.
Transmission · 20V642000 · Oct 2020 · model year 2019
Unintended vehicle movement van increase the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 20V390000 · Jul 2020 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021
Brakes that pull to one side during automatic braking events may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 20V214000 · Apr 2020 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021
The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 20V127000 · Mar 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 19V803000 · Nov 2019 · model year 2020
A detached brake chamber can cause reduced brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 19V711000 · Oct 2019 · model years 2019, 2020
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.
Brakes · 19V548000 · Jul 2019 · model years 2019, 2020
Damage to the brake airlines can cause reduced brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 19V370000 · May 2019 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019
An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.
Brakes · 19V367000 · May 2019 · model year 2019
Loose brake caliper mounting bolts may reduce the brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.
Brakes · 19V136000 · Feb 2019 · model year 2019
Unknowingly operating a truck with an ABS malfunction may increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 19V137000 · Feb 2019 · model year 2020
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.
Steering · 19V093000 · Feb 2019 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016
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.
Airbags · 19V066000 · Feb 2019 · model years 2019, 2020
If the driver's frontal air bag deploys unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Steering · 18V913000 · Dec 2018 · model year 2019
Loose tie rod arm bolts may lead to separation of the tie rod arm, resulting in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 18V903000 · Dec 2018 · model year 2019
Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Steering · 18V699000 · Oct 2018 · model year 2019
If the steering wheel detaches, there would be a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 18V703000 · Oct 2018 · model year 2019
Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 18V581000 · Aug 2018 · model year 2019
If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 18V525000 · Aug 2018 · model year 2019
Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 18V522000 · Aug 2018 · model year 2019
If the pitman arm fractures there would be a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 18V503000 · Jul 2018 · model years 2012, 2014, 2015
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.
Electrical system · 18V491000 · Jul 2018 · model year 2019
Without an ABS or ESC bulb check, the operator may unaware that the warning light bulbs are not working. If the warning bulbs are not working, in the event of an ABS or ESC malfunction, the driver may not be notified, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tires · 18V478000 · Jul 2018 · model year 2019
Tires that have cords visible through the innerliner can have sudden air loss, causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tires · 18V479000 · Jul 2018 · model year 2019
Tires with visible cords through the innerliner may have a sudden loss of air, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 18V411000 · Jun 2018 · model year 2019
If the calipers detach, there would be reduced braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 18V353000 · May 2018 · model year 2019
If the brake caliper mounting bolts loosen, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 18V300000 · May 2018 · model year 2019
An incorrectly installed air bag may not function correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 17V810000 · Dec 2017 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Exterior lighting · 17V761000 · Nov 2017 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016
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.
Steering · 17V628000 · Oct 2017 · model year 2016
If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 16V656000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016
If the PDM short circuits, there would be an increased risk of a fire, especially if the nearby CNG tank leaks.
Transmission · 16V634000 · Aug 2016 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016
If a wheel separates from the axle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Safety · 16V143000 · Mar 2016 · model years 2015, 2016
The overheated connection can increase the risk of a fire.
Engine · 15V816000 · Dec 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
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.
Electrical system · 15V620000 · Oct 2015 · model year 2016
An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 15V616000 · Oct 2015 · model years 2011, 2012, 2014
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.
Transmission · 15V617000 · Oct 2015 · model years 2015, 2016
Even though the transmission has been shifted out of reverse into neutral, the vehicle may unexpectedly move backwards, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 15V613000 · Sep 2015 · model year 2016
If the steering arm bolts are not properly tightened, the steering arm may separate from the knuckle causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 15V185000 · Mar 2015 · model year 2015
While traveling at highway speeds, brake drag may cause loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 15V127000 · Mar 2015 · model years 2010, 2011
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.
Fuel system · 15V105000 · Feb 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
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.
Brakes · 14V717000 · Nov 2014 · model years 2014, 2015
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.
Engine · 14V680000 · Oct 2014 · model years 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015
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.
Safety · 14V588000 · Sep 2014 · model years 2014, 2015
An inverter fire may result in a vehicle fire.
Steering · 14V367000 · Jun 2014 · model year 2015
The axle weak spots could cause the axle beam to bend or cause wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 14V150000 · Mar 2014 · model year 2014
If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.
Engine · 14V080000 · Feb 2014 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015
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.
Suspension · 13V627000 · Dec 2013 · model year 2014
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.
Seat belts · 13V604000 · Nov 2013 · model year 2014
If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.
Brakes · 13V403000 · Sep 2013 · model year 2014
The bolts may not provide adequate clamping force between the brake caliper and brake anchor plate, resulting in the caliper detaching and thus reduced brake effectiveness. Reduced brake effectiveness increases the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 13V127000 · Apr 2013 · model years 2012, 2014
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.
Exterior lighting · 13V099000 · Mar 2013 · model years 2012, 2014
Failure of the DRLs to illuminate reduces visibility to other drivers and increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
Safety · 12V601000 · Dec 2012 · model year 2012
If the door separates from the APU while the vehicle is being driven, it may create a road hazard for other drivers.
Safety · 12V405000 · Aug 2012 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
Air tanks that become separated from a moving vehicle may create a road debris hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 12V178000 · Apr 2012 · model year 2012
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, INCREASED VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Steering · 12V137000 · Apr 2012 · model year 2012
A STEERING WHEEL THAT IS NOT FULLY SEATED ON THE STEERING SHAFT MAY WOBBLE AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Safety · 12V138000 · Apr 2012 · model year 2012
AN UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT COULD AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL AND VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Engine · 12V074000 · Feb 2012 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
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.
Steering · 11V514000 · Oct 2011 · model years 2010, 2011
THE STEERING COULD UNEXPECTEDLY TURN LEFT OR RIGHT, MAKING THE VEHICLE MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Safety · 11V465000 · Sep 2011 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
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.
Electrical system · 11V330000 · Jun 2011 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN AN UN-FUSED BATTERY CABLE AND CHASSIS GROUND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fuel system · 11V287000 · May 2011 · model years 2010, 2011
IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED, FUEL MAY SPILL ONTO THE ROADWAY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Safety · 11V289000 · May 2011 · model years 2011, 2012
IF THE TRACTOR IS NOT FULLY CONNECTED TO THE TRAILER, THE TRAILER MAY DISENGAGE WHILE IN USE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Transmission · 11V257000 · Apr 2011 · model years 2011, 2012
A TUBE SEAM WELD THAT IS NOT PROPERLY BONDED CAN RESULT IN THE DRIVELINE ASSEMBLY FRACTURING ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE TUBE SEAM WELD. THE FRACTURED TUBE CAN TWIST OR SEVER. THIS COULD RESULT IN ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE DRIVELINE, THE VEHICLE TO WHICH IT IS ATTACHED AND ANY ADDITIONAL NEARBY COMPONENTS. THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Brakes · 11V249000 · Apr 2011 · model year 2011
IF THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING WERE TO BREAK, THE WHEEL BRAKE TO WHICH THE SLACK ADJUSTER IS ATTACHED WOULD NO LONGER FUNCTION, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE REDUCED BRAKING CAPACITY AND, IF MOUNTED ON THE STEER AXLE, THE VEHICLE COULD PULL TO ONE SIDE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Engine · 11V146000 · Mar 2011 · model years 2010, 2011
A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Suspension · 11V109000 · Feb 2011 · model years 2010, 2011
IF UNDETECTED, OVER TIME THE REAR END OF THE SPRING MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING A HAZARDOUS ROAD DEBRIS SITUATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Electrical system · 11V110000 · Feb 2011 · model year 2011
A POSITIVE ALTERNATOR CABLE, WITH DAMAGED INSULATION, THAT MAY CONTACT A GROUNDED COMPONENT CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Safety · 10V551000 · Nov 2010 · model year 2011
FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER TIRE INFLATION RECOMMENDATIONS CAN RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Engine · 10V341000 · Jul 2010 · model years 2010, 2011
A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Fuel system · 10V339000 · Jul 2010 · model years 2010, 2011
IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED, FUEL MAY SPILL ONTO THE ROADWAY POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Fuel system · 10V189000 · May 2010 · model years 2010, 2011
FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE ROADWAY MAY RESULT IN VEHICLE CRASH.
Electrical system · 10V102000 · Mar 2010 · model year 2010
REDUCED EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ADVANCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
Steering · 10V053000 · Feb 2010 · model year 2010
INCOMPLETE INSTALLATION OF THE PITMAN ARM RETAINING MECHANISM MAY ALLOW UNTHREADING OF THE RETAINER. DISENGAGEMENT OF THE PITMAN ARM FROM THE STEERING BOX MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING AND CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Engine · 09V428000 · Nov 2009 · model year 2010
A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Engine · 09V400000 · Oct 2009 · model year 2010
A SHORT-CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Fuel system · 09V391000 · Oct 2009 · model year 2010
IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS FUEL MAY IGNITE ON A HOT ENGINE SURFACE AND/OR FUEL MAY SPILL ON THE ROAD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Steering · 09V357000 · Sep 2009 · model year 2010
A SEPARATED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Brakes · 09V220000 · Jun 2009 · model year 2010
MALFUNCTION OF THE AIR BRAKE SYSTEM COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.