2012 Freightliner Cascadia recalls and problems
The 2012 Freightliner Cascadia has 19 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Freightliner dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 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 18V-503: Steering
Problem: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Freightliner Cascadia, Coronado, Business Class M2, 114SD, and Western Star 4900 trucks. In certain front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations, braking may cause high vibrations, resulting in early failure of the tie-rod tube.
Risk: 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.
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.
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 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 13V-127: Electrical System
Problem: Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Cascadia and Coronado vehicles manufactured between November 21, 2011, and April 3, 2013. In the affected vehicles, when the ignition is off and the door is opened without the parking brake applied, the dashboard does not display the correct message of "Park Brake Off Door Open."
Risk: 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.
Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update then display software. The safety recall began on June 6, 2013. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712. Daimler's recall campaign number is FL-642.
Recall 13V-099: Electrical System, Exterior Lighting
Problem: Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Freightliner Cascadia tractors manufactured from April 12, 1210, through March 2, 2013, and equipped with a SAMCAB software version 6.2. On vehicles configured to have the turn signals operate as Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and the 'Turn-Tip' turn signal function activated, the DRLs may not illuminate properly after using the 'Turn-Tip' function while driving.
Risk: Failure of the DRLs to illuminate reduces visibility to other drivers and increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: DTNA sent notification to owners on May 6, 2015, instructing them to contact their dealers and arrange to have the free SAMCAB software updated to correct the operation of the DRLs and "Turn Tip" feature. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712.
Recall 12V-601: Equipment
Problem: Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2012 Cascadia and Coronado tractor trailers manufactured from August 1, 2011, through December 30, 2011, equipped with Thermo King TriPac Auxiliary Power Units (APU), serial numbers 3000106335 to 3000127584, manufactured from July 29, 2011, through November 7, 2011. The maintenance access panel door on the bottom of the APU may dislodge and separate.
Risk: If the door separates from the APU while the vehicle is being driven, it may create a road hazard for other drivers.
Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and Thermo King dealers will inspect the APUs and replace any of the affected panel doors free of charge. The recall began February 25, 2013. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712.
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-178: Service Brakes, Air
Problem: Daimler trucks (Dtna) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 freightliner 108sd, business class m2, cascadia, coronado vehicles, equipped with a haldex quick release valve, and manufactured from february 3, 2012, through march 2, 2012. The quick release valve cover may not be correctly manufactured, allowing the cover to become separated from the valve body. If the cover separates from the valve body, the front brakes may not function.
Risk: If this condition occurs, increased vehicle stopping distance may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dtna will notify owners, and where necessary, the quick release valve will be replaced by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin before june 15, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712.
Recall 12V-138: Seats
Problem: Daimler trucks (Dtna) is recalling certain model year 2012 freightliner cascadia and western star 4900 vehicles, manufactured from december 22, 2011, through february 23, 2012. These vehicles may be equipped with certain national seat brand driverâs seats. These seat bases may have out-of-specification welds that may allow the seat to buckle unexpectedly.
Risk: An unexpected movement of the seat could affect vehicle control and visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dtna will notify owners, and affected vehicles will have replacement components installed by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on may 16, 2012. The recall to perform the final remedy began on november 21, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712.
Recall 12V-137: Steering
Problem: Daimler trucks (Dtna) is recalling one 2012 cascadia and certain model year 2012 and 2013 freightliner business class m2 vehicles, and model year 2013 108sd and 114sd vehicles manufactured from january 20, 2012, through february 17, 2012. Certain property class 04 (Pc04) steering wheel nuts with incompletely formed threads were supplied to dtna in lieu of the specified property class 05 nuts. The steering wheel nuts supplied may not provide the clamp load required to fully seat the steering wheel on the steering shaft when tightened to the specified torque.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Dtna will notify owners, and affected vehicles will have a new steering wheel nut installed by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. The safety recall began on may 21, 2012. Owners may contact dtna 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.
Older recalls
| Recall | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11V-465 | Sep 8, 2011 | Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 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)… |
| 11V-330 | Jun 21, 2011 | Electrical System | 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… |
| 11V-289 | May 18, 2011 | Trailer Hitches | 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. |
| 11V-257 | Apr 26, 2011 | Power Train | 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. |
2012 Freightliner Cascadia problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 11 | |
| Engine | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 4 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
- Visibility › Windshield — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 398,000 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 2012 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 2012 Freightliner Cascadia have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 19 recalls for the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia: 20V-214 (exterior lighting), 18V-503 (steering), 17V-810 (equipment), 17V-761 (exterior lighting), 15V-616 (trailer hitches) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (11 reports), followed by engine (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 398,000 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.