2011 Freightliner Cascadia recalls and problems
The 2011 Freightliner Cascadia has 23 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Freightliner dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2011 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2011 Freightliner Cascadia recalls
Recall 20V-214: Exterior Lighting
Problem: 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 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."
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.
Recall 17V-810: Equipment
Problem: 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 from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
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.
Recall 17V-761: Exterior Lighting
Problem: 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.
Recall 15V-616: Trailer Hitches
Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Cascadia, Business Class M2, Coronado, and Columbia Glider vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to June 15, 2013. 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.
Risk: 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.
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.
Recall 15V-127: Electrical System
Problem: 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.
Recall 14V-680: Fuel System, Other, Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Daimler Trucks of North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Freightliner Cascadia and M2 trucks manufactured June 2, 2011 to October 23, 2014. The vehicles are not in compliance with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 303, "Fuel System Integrity Of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." Specifically, the tail pipe on these vehicles terminates under the compressed natural gas (CNG) tank and can overheat the fuel system.
Risk: 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.
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.
Recall 14V-080: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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 sensor.
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.
Recall 12V-405: Equipment
Problem: Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Freightliner, Sterling, and Western Star vehicles manufactured from July 7, 2008, through December 15, 2011, and equipped with perpendicular air tank mounting brackets. The air tank mounting brackets may develop cracks which can lead to the air tank brackets separating from the frame rail. The air tanks may also separate from the vehicle.
Risk: Air tanks that become separated from a moving vehicle may create a road debris hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2012. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks North America toll free at 1-800-547-0712.
Recall 12V-074: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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 cracking and a fuel leak.
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.
Recall 11V-514: Steering
Problem: 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.
Recall 11V-465: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Problem: 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 cause the ESC to perceive an over steering situation and therefore apply the outer wheel brake on the front axle until the vehicle is perceived to be stable.
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.
Recall 11V-330: Electrical System
Problem: 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 circuit.
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.
Recall 11V-287: Fuel System, Other
Problem: Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2009 through 2011 freightliner cascadia, century, columbia, coronado, m2, and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from february 19, 2009, through july 9, 2010, equipped with specific dd13 and dd15 engines assembled with a bosch high pressure fuel pump element which may develop a crack due to hydrogen induced stress corrosion. The crack may result in a diesel fuel leak.
Risk: If a diesel fuel leak continues undetected, fuel may spill onto the roadway increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Daimler trucks will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of a previous recall (See recall campaign 10v-339). The safety recall began on may 18, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712.
Recall 11V-289: Trailer Hitches
Problem: Dtna is recalling certain model year 2011 business class m2, and coronado, model year 2011-2012 cascadia vehicles equipped with fontaine ultra lt fifth wheels and manufactured from april 7, 2010, through march 7, 2011. During the coupling process on vehicles equipped with pre-modification fontaine ultra lt fifth wheels, it is possible for the driver to partially close the fifth wheel lock, and if relying on a tug test (Pull test), and not performing the required visual inspection, think that the fifth wheel lock is properly coupled to the trailer king pin, when in fact, it is not.
Risk: If the tractor is not fully connected to the trailer, the trailer may disengage while in use, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Fontaine notified owners in february 2011, and is handling the remedy for this campaign. Fontaine is in the process of retrofitting all affected vehicles, free of charge. Owners may contact fontaine at 1-800-874-9780 or dtna at 1-800-547-0712.
Recall 11V-257: Power Train
Problem: Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 freightliner cascadia, m2, and western star 4900 vehicles, manufactured from january 11, 2011, through february 21, 2011, and equipped with a meritor driveline. The tubing used to assemble the affected drivelines has a nonconforming seam weld with insufficient bonding of the material.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the drivelines free of charge. The safety recall began on june 27, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
Older recalls
| Recall | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11V-249 | Apr 20, 2011 | Service Brakes, Air | Dtna is recalling certain model year 2011 freightliner cascadia, columbia glider kit, coronado, m2, and western star4900 heavy trucks manufactured from october 16, 2010, through march 9, 2011, equipped with gunite… |
| 11V-146 | Mar 3, 2011 | Engine and Engine Cooling | 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… |
| 11V-110 | Feb 23, 2011 | Electrical System | Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2011 freightliner cascadia and conorado and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from april 22, 2010, through january 28, 2011, equipped with an epa10 isx engine. |
| 11V-109 | Feb 23, 2011 | Suspension | Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 argosy, cascadia, and cornoado heavy trucks manufactured from january 4, 2010, through november 30, 2010, equipped with 40k airliner suspensions. |
| 10V-551 | Nov 4, 2010 | Equipment | Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2011 freightliner coronado, columbia, fld military, business class m2, cascadia, century, and western star 4900 trucks manufactured from august 9, 2010, through october 27… |
| 10V-341 | Jul 27, 2010 | Engine and Engine Cooling | 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… |
| 10V-339 | Jul 27, 2010 | Fuel System, Other | Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2009 through 2011 freightliner cascadia, century, columbia, coronado, m2, and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from february 19, 2009 through july 9, 2010… |
| 10V-189 | May 7, 2010 | Fuel System, Other | 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… |
2011 Freightliner Cascadia problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 5 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | |
| Engine | 2 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Seats | 1 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 172,600 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2011 Freightliner Cascadia complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Freightliner Cascadia years
Compare all Freightliner Cascadia years · All Freightliner models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2011 Freightliner Cascadia have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 23 recalls for the 2011 Freightliner Cascadia: 20V-214 (exterior lighting), 17V-810 (equipment), 17V-761 (exterior lighting), 15V-616 (trailer hitches), 15V-127 (electrical system) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Freightliner Cascadia?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (5 reports), followed by power train (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 172,600 miles.
Are Freightliner recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Freightliner dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.