Owners have filed 20 complaints
about the 2014 Freightliner Cascadia with NHTSA between 2014 and 2022.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 15 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 40
Against the median year of the Freightliner Cascadia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 26
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2014 compares with every other Freightliner Cascadia
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2014 Freightliner Cascadia
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
630.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 397,570 mi
Brakes
315.0%
Median failure at 495,989 miles
Engine & Cooling
315.0%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 407,061 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
210.0%
Median failure at 842,000 miles
Body & Structure
210.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 173,554 mi
Stability & Traction Control
15.0%
Median failure at 519,140 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
15.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.0%
Median failure at 1,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.0%
Median failure at 519,140 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
215.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
17.7%
150,000+ miles
1076.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2014peak 4Jun 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 Freightliner Cascadia
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ20001Opened 31 Aug 2020Closed 26 Jun 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SAM Cab Water Intrusion
On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a recall query, RQ20001, to investigate the allegations of water intrusion into the truck cab signal-detect and activation module (SAM cab).The investigation further evaluated the effectiveness of the original recall remedy, and the installation of an updated drip shield as it relates to continual water intrusion resulting in the loss of electrical functions and potential fire.The potential hazard was the increased risk of a crash and injury in certain model year (MY) 2007-2021 Freightliner Cascadia P3 vehicles manufactured b...
On April 23, 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) opened Audit Query (AQ18002) to assess the timeliness and scope of four recalls filed by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (“DTNA”). NHTSA subsequently expanded AQ18002 to examine the timeliness and scope of three additional DTNA recalls and compliance with early warning reporting and manufacturer communications reporting requirements. NHTSA and DTNA entered into a Consent Order on December 29, 2020, to resolve NHTSA’s assertions that certain recalls within the scope of AQ18002 were untimely, DTNA failed to timely sub...
PE18004Opened 23 Apr 2018Closed 22 Nov 2020ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PNDB Electrical Power Distribution
On April 23, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-004) to investigate certain alleged defects affecting the Powernet Distribution Box (PNDB) and associated wiring on certain model year (MY) 2011-2016 Freightliner Cascadia (P3 platform) truck tractors that may result in disruption or loss of electrical power to the PNDB itself and other electrical circuits, thermal events, and/or vehicle fires.On May 7, 2018, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA). On June 19, 2018, ODI received an IR response fr...
On February 26, 2016, Bergstrom Inc. notified NHTSA of a safety defect in approximately 10,819 of its ParkSmart auxiliary electrical temperature management units. These units were installed on Freightliner Cascadia Class 8 trucks that may overheat due to high resistance, resulting in possible fires. One of the contributing factors which led to this recall was a plastic vented cap covering the compressor connectors allowing increased flow of air to the overheated connectors, which increased the risk of a fire.ParkSmart units equipped with non-vented caps, according to Bergstrom, were not affect...
Recalls on the 2014 Freightliner Cascadia
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2020158873 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain trucks equipped with "Fleet Engineer" mud flaps, the bracket for the mud flaps may partially cover the rear reflective tape. Canadian regulations require that reflective tape must be visible on the rear of the truck. Safety Risk: Reflective tape that is covered may make the truck less visible to others and could create an increased risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Daimler Trucks of North America (DTNA) will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your truck to an authorized DTNA Service Facility to inspect the reflective tape. It will be moved as necessary to meet the regulations.
Recall 201839532 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain trucks, a combination of brake vibrations and corrosion could cause the tie-rod tube to fatigue and break. This may lead to a disconnect between the front wheels and reduce the ability to steer the vehicle, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Daimler Trucks of North America Service Facilities will replace brake linings, brake spiders and tie rods as necessary.
Recall 201758341,763 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles with air brakes, after several hard brake applications, the brake light pressure switch may not activate the brake lights with a light application of the brake pedal. If the brake lights do not illuminate, following road users would be unaware of the intent of the driver to slow the vehicle, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities will repair the brake light pressure switch.
Recall 2016419149 units in Canada
Wheels
On certain vehicles, the specified front axle weight limit may be greater than the hub capacity. If the axle load exceeds the maximum weight capacity of the hub, there is an increased risk of hub fatigue, which could cause a complete separation of the wheel(s) and a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the incorrectly specified front axle hubs.
Recall 20132994 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened during vehicle assembly. Loose bolts may allow a caliper to detach from its mount, which could result in partial loss of brake function. This could increase stopping distances, possibly resulting in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts to the specified torque.
Recall 201311015 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the instrument panel may show an incorrect park brake message. If the ignition is switched OFF and the driver’s door opened (before the park brake is applied), the message “Park Brake On” may be incorrectly displayed instead of “Park Brake off Door Open”. Should the vehicle be parked on a sufficient slope, failure to apply the park brake could allow unintended vehicle movement, which could cause a crash resulting in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will update the Instrument Cluster Module software.
Recall 20130863,549 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles with turn signals configured to act as Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), the DRL may not reactivate following turn signal operation. A loss of DRL illumination could render the vehicle less visible to other motorists and to pedestrians during daylight hours, possibly resulting in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will reprogram vehicles with updated software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 538,123 milesBrunswick, GAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED TOM NEHL TRUCK COMPANY (417 EDGEWOOD AVE S, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32254, (904) 389-3653) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 538,123.
NHTSA complaint #11162468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 276,000 milesBoulder, COFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
WE WERE ASLEEP IN THE TRUCK WITH THE CURTAINS CLOSED. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS BLOWING COLD AIR. WE WERE AWAKENED BY SOMEONE POUNDING ON OUR DOOR. WHEN I OPENED THE CURTAIN, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS A SHEET OF FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. FLAMES WERE ALSO COMING OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE HOOD LATCH ACCESS HOLE AND COVERING THE LEFT SIDE WING WINDOW. WE EXITED THE TRUCK BY THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR AND TOOK A PICTURE OF THE FIRE WITHIN TWO MINUTES OF GETTING OUT. THIS PICTURE IS AVAILABLE. ANOTHER PICTURE WAS TAKEN BETWEEN 4 AND 6 MINUTES AFTER THE FIRST PICTURE. THIS PICTURE IS ALSO AVAILABLE. MY WIFE WAS DEEPLY ASLEEP, BUT I WAS SLEEPING LIGHTLY HAVING GONE TO BED SHORTLY BEFORE THE FIRE. MY WIFE AND I WERE BOTH AWAKENED BY LOUD VOICES OUTSIDE THE TRUCK. OUR DOG WAS ALSO AWAKENED BY THE LOUD VOICES. OUR DOG GAVE TWO SHARP BARKS OF WARNING, AND THE VOICES STOPPED. WE THOUGHT IT WAS A PARKING LOT ALTERCATION. WE ALL LAY OUR HEADS BACK DOWN TO RETURN TO SLEEP. OUR DOG IS QUITE FRIGHTENED OF FIRE, OR THE SMELL OF SMOKE. NONE OF US DETECTED ANYTHING AMISS AT ALL; NO ALTERATION IN THE ENGINE SOUND, VARIATION IN THE TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING, OR OTHER NOISES OR ODORS. IN THE COURSE OF ABOUT 30 MINUTES, THE TRUCK BURNED, LITERALLY TO THE GROUND. PICTURES OF THE BURNED OUT CARCASS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. THE COMPANY'S INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH OF THE TRUCK LEFT FROM WHICH TO DRAW ANY FORENSIC CONCLUSIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10704799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 276,000 milesBoulder, COFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WE WERE ASLEEP IN THE TRUCK WITH THE CURTAINS CLOSED. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS BLOWING COLD AIR. WE WERE AWAKENED BY SOMEONE POUNDING ON OUR DOOR. WHEN I OPENED THE CURTAIN, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS A SHEET OF FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. FLAMES WERE ALSO COMING OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE HOOD LATCH ACCESS HOLE AND COVERING THE LEFT SIDE WING WINDOW. WE EXITED THE TRUCK BY THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR AND TOOK A PICTURE OF THE FIRE WITHIN TWO MINUTES OF GETTING OUT. THIS PICTURE IS AVAILABLE. ANOTHER PICTURE WAS TAKEN BETWEEN 4 AND 6 MINUTES AFTER THE FIRST PICTURE. THIS PICTURE IS ALSO AVAILABLE. MY WIFE WAS DEEPLY ASLEEP, BUT I WAS SLEEPING LIGHTLY HAVING GONE TO BED SHORTLY BEFORE THE FIRE. MY WIFE AND I WERE BOTH AWAKENED BY LOUD VOICES OUTSIDE THE TRUCK. OUR DOG WAS ALSO AWAKENED BY THE LOUD VOICES. OUR DOG GAVE TWO SHARP BARKS OF WARNING, AND THE VOICES STOPPED. WE THOUGHT IT WAS A PARKING LOT ALTERCATION. WE ALL LAY OUR HEADS BACK DOWN TO RETURN TO SLEEP. OUR DOG IS QUITE FRIGHTENED OF FIRE, OR THE SMELL OF SMOKE. NONE OF US DETECTED ANYTHING AMISS AT ALL; NO ALTERATION IN THE ENGINE SOUND, VARIATION IN THE TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING, OR OTHER NOISES OR ODORS. IN THE COURSE OF ABOUT 30 MINUTES, THE TRUCK BURNED, LITERALLY TO THE GROUND. PICTURES OF THE BURNED OUT CARCASS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. THE COMPANY'S INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH OF THE TRUCK LEFT FROM WHICH TO DRAW ANY FORENSIC CONCLUSIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10704799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 276,000 milesBoulder, COFire
ENGINE
WE WERE ASLEEP IN THE TRUCK WITH THE CURTAINS CLOSED. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS BLOWING COLD AIR. WE WERE AWAKENED BY SOMEONE POUNDING ON OUR DOOR. WHEN I OPENED THE CURTAIN, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS A SHEET OF FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. FLAMES WERE ALSO COMING OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE HOOD LATCH ACCESS HOLE AND COVERING THE LEFT SIDE WING WINDOW. WE EXITED THE TRUCK BY THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR AND TOOK A PICTURE OF THE FIRE WITHIN TWO MINUTES OF GETTING OUT. THIS PICTURE IS AVAILABLE. ANOTHER PICTURE WAS TAKEN BETWEEN 4 AND 6 MINUTES AFTER THE FIRST PICTURE. THIS PICTURE IS ALSO AVAILABLE. MY WIFE WAS DEEPLY ASLEEP, BUT I WAS SLEEPING LIGHTLY HAVING GONE TO BED SHORTLY BEFORE THE FIRE. MY WIFE AND I WERE BOTH AWAKENED BY LOUD VOICES OUTSIDE THE TRUCK. OUR DOG WAS ALSO AWAKENED BY THE LOUD VOICES. OUR DOG GAVE TWO SHARP BARKS OF WARNING, AND THE VOICES STOPPED. WE THOUGHT IT WAS A PARKING LOT ALTERCATION. WE ALL LAY OUR HEADS BACK DOWN TO RETURN TO SLEEP. OUR DOG IS QUITE FRIGHTENED OF FIRE, OR THE SMELL OF SMOKE. NONE OF US DETECTED ANYTHING AMISS AT ALL; NO ALTERATION IN THE ENGINE SOUND, VARIATION IN THE TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING, OR OTHER NOISES OR ODORS. IN THE COURSE OF ABOUT 30 MINUTES, THE TRUCK BURNED, LITERALLY TO THE GROUND. PICTURES OF THE BURNED OUT CARCASS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. THE COMPANY'S INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH OF THE TRUCK LEFT FROM WHICH TO DRAW ANY FORENSIC CONCLUSIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10704799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Gaston, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Freightliner cascadia shuts off while traveling on the highway at highway speeds this is due to a faulty main pndb
NHTSA complaint #11467491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Point, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION SWITCH TURN SIGNAL HEATER BLOWER BRAKE LIGHTS TURNED SIGNALS ALL STOP WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. I'VE BEEN TOLD IT'S THE SAM CAB MODULAR ELECTRICAL WENT BAD. SHOULD I SAY A VERY BAD DESIGN😒 I'M HOPING IT'S A RECALL ON THIS PART. I MUST ADD EVERYTHING STOPPED WORKING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION
NHTSA complaint #11383898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Point, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
IGNITION SWITCH TURN SIGNAL HEATER BLOWER BRAKE LIGHTS TURNED SIGNALS ALL STOP WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. I'VE BEEN TOLD IT'S THE SAM CAB MODULAR ELECTRICAL WENT BAD. SHOULD I SAY A VERY BAD DESIGN😒 I'M HOPING IT'S A RECALL ON THIS PART. I MUST ADD EVERYTHING STOPPED WORKING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION
NHTSA complaint #11383898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Point, NC
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
IGNITION SWITCH TURN SIGNAL HEATER BLOWER BRAKE LIGHTS TURNED SIGNALS ALL STOP WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. I'VE BEEN TOLD IT'S THE SAM CAB MODULAR ELECTRICAL WENT BAD. SHOULD I SAY A VERY BAD DESIGN😒 I'M HOPING IT'S A RECALL ON THIS PART. I MUST ADD EVERYTHING STOPPED WORKING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION
NHTSA complaint #11383898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 495,989 milesRochester, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
FOR 1 1/2 YEARS I HAVE GONE TO THE LOCAL DEALER WITH THE COMPLAINT THAT IF THE ROADWAY IS WET AND IT'S NECESSARY TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE STEERING WILL PULL SHARPLY AND HARD TO THE LEFT. THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE "FIXES"; NONE HAVE SOLVED THE ISSUE. FREIGHTLINER CORP HAS BEEN DIRECTING THE DEALER WITH PROCEDURES TO TRY AND NONE OF THEM SOLVE THE ISSUE. CURRENTLY, MY TRUCK HAS BEEN AT FREIGHTLINER NW, OLYMPIA, WA FOR NEARLY 10 DAYS WHILE I PAY FOR A RENTAL TRUCK TO MEET MY CUSTOMER'S NEEDS. AS OF TODAY, FREIGHTLINER IS BAFFLED AND IS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER IDEA TO TRY. APPARENTLY THIS IS NOT THE ONLY INSTANCE OF THIS SITUATION. LAST MONTH WHEN I SPOKE WITH A REP, IT WAS STATED THAT "THERE WAS A RECENT DIRECTIVE" FOR ANOTHER PROCEDURE TO USE FOR THIS COMPLAINT. I'M NOT NEW TO THIS OCCUPATION AS I'VE DRIVEN AND/OR OWNED MY OWN TRACTOR FOR OVER 50 YEARS. I'VE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE HAVE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM AND NOT BE SOLVABLE. THE INTENSITY OF THE STEERING WHEEL BEING PULLED TO THE LEFT IS SUCH THAT I WILL NOT ALLOW MY WIFE TO DRIVE THE TRUCK IF IT IS RAINING. I BELIEVE IT WOULD JERK IT FROM HER CONTROL. IT IS NOT A STEERING MECHANISM ISSUE AS IT ONLY DOES THIS WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND WET ROADWAY. I'VE LOOKED BACK IN MY RECORDS AND I SEE MY INITIAL COMPLAINT WAS MADE IN MAY, 2019
NHTSA complaint #11382765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 650,000 milesST Joseph, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SPRINGS OF THE BRAKES WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE OUTSIDE OF THE HUBS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BAKERSFIELD TRUCK CENTER (8140 GOLDEN STATE HWY, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93308, (661) 393-6950) WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED THE HUBS, BRAKE SHOES, AND DRUMS FOR A TOTAL COST OF OVER $1,900. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE SPRINGS WERE INSTALLED THAT WAY ORIGINALLY FROM THE MANUFACTURER; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD NOT SEEN THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED BY THE DEALER WHILE BEING REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE FRONT AXLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO CONCERNED IF THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITH OTHER CUSTOMERS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 650,000.
NHTSA complaint #11242518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 842,000 milesNaples, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL HIGH PRESSURE PUMP FAILED AND CONTAMINATED ALL SYSTEM AND REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND FILTERS SYSTEM ALL LINES, CLEANING FUEL TANKS BECAUSE DEBRIS FROM FUEL PUMP!
NHTSA complaint #11195609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 519,140 milesPulaski, IL
POWER TRAIN
IMMEDIATE STALLS WITH NO RESTART. DOWNSHIFTING AS APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT, DASH LIGHTS AND GAUGES STARTED FLICKERING.TRUCK LOST ALL ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION POWER, INCLUDING POWER STEERING WHILE TRUCK IS IN MOTION. TRUCK THEN SHOWS ICU FAULT. AFTER APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR FAULT WILL NO LONGER SHOW AND TRUCK WILL START WITHOUT PROBLEM. PROBLEM HAS ALSO OCCURRED APPROACHING STOP SIGNS. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK INSPECTED TODAY AND TOLD IT MAY HAVE BEEN PNDB. *DT
NHTSA complaint #11191031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 519,140 milesPulaski, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IMMEDIATE STALLS WITH NO RESTART. DOWNSHIFTING AS APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT, DASH LIGHTS AND GAUGES STARTED FLICKERING.TRUCK LOST ALL ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION POWER, INCLUDING POWER STEERING WHILE TRUCK IS IN MOTION. TRUCK THEN SHOWS ICU FAULT. AFTER APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR FAULT WILL NO LONGER SHOW AND TRUCK WILL START WITHOUT PROBLEM. PROBLEM HAS ALSO OCCURRED APPROACHING STOP SIGNS. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK INSPECTED TODAY AND TOLD IT MAY HAVE BEEN PNDB. *DT
NHTSA complaint #11191031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 519,140 milesPulaski, IL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
IMMEDIATE STALLS WITH NO RESTART. DOWNSHIFTING AS APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT, DASH LIGHTS AND GAUGES STARTED FLICKERING.TRUCK LOST ALL ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION POWER, INCLUDING POWER STEERING WHILE TRUCK IS IN MOTION. TRUCK THEN SHOWS ICU FAULT. AFTER APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR FAULT WILL NO LONGER SHOW AND TRUCK WILL START WITHOUT PROBLEM. PROBLEM HAS ALSO OCCURRED APPROACHING STOP SIGNS. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK INSPECTED TODAY AND TOLD IT MAY HAVE BEEN PNDB. *DT
NHTSA complaint #11191031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 538,123 milesBrunswick, GAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED TOM NEHL TRUCK COMPANY (417 EDGEWOOD AVE S, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32254, (904) 389-3653) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 538,123.
NHTSA complaint #11162468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eugene, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EXPERIENCE AN IMMEDIATE STALL WITH NO RESTART IN THE 45 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL DRIVING. I WAS JUST BEGINNING TO GO DOWN HILL AT MM138 ON INTERSTATE 5, WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN THE DASH LIGHTS AND GAUGES STARTED TO QUIVER AS IF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS LOOSING CURRENT. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE TRUCK LOST ALL ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FUNCTIONS TO INCLUDE JAKE AND POWER BRAKING, LOSS OF POWER STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL ALL THE WAY DOWN TILL THE ROAD LEVELED OUT. AFTER WAITING SEVERAL MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND CONTINUE DRIVNING. ON SATURDAY I HAD THE TRUCK INPSECTED AND ADVISED THE DEALER I HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH NHTSA WHO ADVISED THE DEALER TO INPSECT ALL FUSES AND THE PNDB FOR ANY LOOSE CONNECTIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10838295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eugene, OR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
THIS SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES OCCURS EVERY TIME I PASS UNDER THE RAILROAD OVERPASS, GOING SOUTHBOUND, ON A WEEK DAY (BETWEEN 10 AND 20 TIMES SO FAR). FREIGHTLINER ALWAYS ACTED LIKE THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE. WHEN I TOLD THEM TO CHECK THE GPS AND THEY WOULD SEE THAT IT ALWAYS OCCURS IN THE EXACT SAME LOCATION THEY'D GIVE ME SOME MUMBO JUMBO. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FREIGHTLINER OVERRODE THE FAULT CODES AS I WAS TALKING TO THEM. BUT CERTAIN THINGS WERE CHANGED BY FREIGHTLINER. AFTER ABOUT THE FIRST 10 OF THE EVENTS I NO LONGER RECEIVED EMAILS FROM VIRTUAL TECHNICIAN REGARDING THEM. THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN LIGHT NO LONGER CAME ON AND THE DERATE BEGAN DISAPPEARING WITHIN 30 MINUTES. THAT WAS THE CASE UNTIL THE EVENING OF MONDAY, 6/22/15. AS I PASSED UNDER THE OVERPASS THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. 15 MILES LATER THE ENGINE DERATED. THE LIGHTS AND DERATED STAYED ON UNTIL THE EVENING 6/23 AT WHICH TIME THE SHUTDOWN LIGHT CAME ON AND, ON THE HIGHWAY 99 FREEWAY, IN THE DARK, I WAS REDUCED TO A MAXIMUM OPERATING SPEED OF 5 MPH. I CALLED VIRTUAL TECHNICIAN AND THEY TOLD ME THE ONLY COURSE I HAD WAS TO GET TOWED TO A FREIGHTLINER SHOP. I WENT TO SLEEP FOR THE NIGHT AND CALLED MC & SONS TOWING OUT OF PIXLEY, CA, NEXT MORNING. AS I AWAITED THEIR ARRIVAL I CALLED DETROIT DAIMLER AND DESCRIBED MY SITUATION. JUST AS THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED DETROIT OVERRODE THE CODES
NHTSA complaint #10733153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eugene, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
THIS SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES OCCURS EVERY TIME I PASS UNDER THE RAILROAD OVERPASS, GOING SOUTHBOUND, ON A WEEK DAY (BETWEEN 10 AND 20 TIMES SO FAR). FREIGHTLINER ALWAYS ACTED LIKE THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE. WHEN I TOLD THEM TO CHECK THE GPS AND THEY WOULD SEE THAT IT ALWAYS OCCURS IN THE EXACT SAME LOCATION THEY'D GIVE ME SOME MUMBO JUMBO. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FREIGHTLINER OVERRODE THE FAULT CODES AS I WAS TALKING TO THEM. BUT CERTAIN THINGS WERE CHANGED BY FREIGHTLINER. AFTER ABOUT THE FIRST 10 OF THE EVENTS I NO LONGER RECEIVED EMAILS FROM VIRTUAL TECHNICIAN REGARDING THEM. THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN LIGHT NO LONGER CAME ON AND THE DERATE BEGAN DISAPPEARING WITHIN 30 MINUTES. THAT WAS THE CASE UNTIL THE EVENING OF MONDAY, 6/22/15. AS I PASSED UNDER THE OVERPASS THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. 15 MILES LATER THE ENGINE DERATED. THE LIGHTS AND DERATED STAYED ON UNTIL THE EVENING 6/23 AT WHICH TIME THE SHUTDOWN LIGHT CAME ON AND, ON THE HIGHWAY 99 FREEWAY, IN THE DARK, I WAS REDUCED TO A MAXIMUM OPERATING SPEED OF 5 MPH. I CALLED VIRTUAL TECHNICIAN AND THEY TOLD ME THE ONLY COURSE I HAD WAS TO GET TOWED TO A FREIGHTLINER SHOP. I WENT TO SLEEP FOR THE NIGHT AND CALLED MC & SONS TOWING OUT OF PIXLEY, CA, NEXT MORNING. AS I AWAITED THEIR ARRIVAL I CALLED DETROIT DAIMLER AND DESCRIBED MY SITUATION. JUST AS THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED DETROIT OVERRODE THE CODES
NHTSA complaint #10733153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 276,000 milesBoulder, COFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
WE WERE ASLEEP IN THE TRUCK WITH THE CURTAINS CLOSED. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS BLOWING COLD AIR. WE WERE AWAKENED BY SOMEONE POUNDING ON OUR DOOR. WHEN I OPENED THE CURTAIN, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS A SHEET OF FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. FLAMES WERE ALSO COMING OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE HOOD LATCH ACCESS HOLE AND COVERING THE LEFT SIDE WING WINDOW. WE EXITED THE TRUCK BY THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR AND TOOK A PICTURE OF THE FIRE WITHIN TWO MINUTES OF GETTING OUT. THIS PICTURE IS AVAILABLE. ANOTHER PICTURE WAS TAKEN BETWEEN 4 AND 6 MINUTES AFTER THE FIRST PICTURE. THIS PICTURE IS ALSO AVAILABLE. MY WIFE WAS DEEPLY ASLEEP, BUT I WAS SLEEPING LIGHTLY HAVING GONE TO BED SHORTLY BEFORE THE FIRE. MY WIFE AND I WERE BOTH AWAKENED BY LOUD VOICES OUTSIDE THE TRUCK. OUR DOG WAS ALSO AWAKENED BY THE LOUD VOICES. OUR DOG GAVE TWO SHARP BARKS OF WARNING, AND THE VOICES STOPPED. WE THOUGHT IT WAS A PARKING LOT ALTERCATION. WE ALL LAY OUR HEADS BACK DOWN TO RETURN TO SLEEP. OUR DOG IS QUITE FRIGHTENED OF FIRE, OR THE SMELL OF SMOKE. NONE OF US DETECTED ANYTHING AMISS AT ALL; NO ALTERATION IN THE ENGINE SOUND, VARIATION IN THE TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING, OR OTHER NOISES OR ODORS. IN THE COURSE OF ABOUT 30 MINUTES, THE TRUCK BURNED, LITERALLY TO THE GROUND. PICTURES OF THE BURNED OUT CARCASS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. THE COMPANY'S INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH OF THE TRUCK LEFT FROM WHICH TO DRAW ANY FORENSIC CONCLUSIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10704799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 276,000 milesBoulder, COFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WE WERE ASLEEP IN THE TRUCK WITH THE CURTAINS CLOSED. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS BLOWING COLD AIR. WE WERE AWAKENED BY SOMEONE POUNDING ON OUR DOOR. WHEN I OPENED THE CURTAIN, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS A SHEET OF FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. FLAMES WERE ALSO COMING OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE HOOD LATCH ACCESS HOLE AND COVERING THE LEFT SIDE WING WINDOW. WE EXITED THE TRUCK BY THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR AND TOOK A PICTURE OF THE FIRE WITHIN TWO MINUTES OF GETTING OUT. THIS PICTURE IS AVAILABLE. ANOTHER PICTURE WAS TAKEN BETWEEN 4 AND 6 MINUTES AFTER THE FIRST PICTURE. THIS PICTURE IS ALSO AVAILABLE. MY WIFE WAS DEEPLY ASLEEP, BUT I WAS SLEEPING LIGHTLY HAVING GONE TO BED SHORTLY BEFORE THE FIRE. MY WIFE AND I WERE BOTH AWAKENED BY LOUD VOICES OUTSIDE THE TRUCK. OUR DOG WAS ALSO AWAKENED BY THE LOUD VOICES. OUR DOG GAVE TWO SHARP BARKS OF WARNING, AND THE VOICES STOPPED. WE THOUGHT IT WAS A PARKING LOT ALTERCATION. WE ALL LAY OUR HEADS BACK DOWN TO RETURN TO SLEEP. OUR DOG IS QUITE FRIGHTENED OF FIRE, OR THE SMELL OF SMOKE. NONE OF US DETECTED ANYTHING AMISS AT ALL; NO ALTERATION IN THE ENGINE SOUND, VARIATION IN THE TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING, OR OTHER NOISES OR ODORS. IN THE COURSE OF ABOUT 30 MINUTES, THE TRUCK BURNED, LITERALLY TO THE GROUND. PICTURES OF THE BURNED OUT CARCASS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. THE COMPANY'S INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH OF THE TRUCK LEFT FROM WHICH TO DRAW ANY FORENSIC CONCLUSIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10704799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 276,000 milesBoulder, COFire
ENGINE
WE WERE ASLEEP IN THE TRUCK WITH THE CURTAINS CLOSED. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS BLOWING COLD AIR. WE WERE AWAKENED BY SOMEONE POUNDING ON OUR DOOR. WHEN I OPENED THE CURTAIN, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS A SHEET OF FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. FLAMES WERE ALSO COMING OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE HOOD LATCH ACCESS HOLE AND COVERING THE LEFT SIDE WING WINDOW. WE EXITED THE TRUCK BY THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR AND TOOK A PICTURE OF THE FIRE WITHIN TWO MINUTES OF GETTING OUT. THIS PICTURE IS AVAILABLE. ANOTHER PICTURE WAS TAKEN BETWEEN 4 AND 6 MINUTES AFTER THE FIRST PICTURE. THIS PICTURE IS ALSO AVAILABLE. MY WIFE WAS DEEPLY ASLEEP, BUT I WAS SLEEPING LIGHTLY HAVING GONE TO BED SHORTLY BEFORE THE FIRE. MY WIFE AND I WERE BOTH AWAKENED BY LOUD VOICES OUTSIDE THE TRUCK. OUR DOG WAS ALSO AWAKENED BY THE LOUD VOICES. OUR DOG GAVE TWO SHARP BARKS OF WARNING, AND THE VOICES STOPPED. WE THOUGHT IT WAS A PARKING LOT ALTERCATION. WE ALL LAY OUR HEADS BACK DOWN TO RETURN TO SLEEP. OUR DOG IS QUITE FRIGHTENED OF FIRE, OR THE SMELL OF SMOKE. NONE OF US DETECTED ANYTHING AMISS AT ALL; NO ALTERATION IN THE ENGINE SOUND, VARIATION IN THE TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING, OR OTHER NOISES OR ODORS. IN THE COURSE OF ABOUT 30 MINUTES, THE TRUCK BURNED, LITERALLY TO THE GROUND. PICTURES OF THE BURNED OUT CARCASS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. THE COMPANY'S INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH OF THE TRUCK LEFT FROM WHICH TO DRAW ANY FORENSIC CONCLUSIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10704799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,108 milesAtlanta, GA
STRUCTURE
I PUT THE TRUCK IN THE SHOP ON 07/22/14 FOR SEVERAL REASONS ON THIS DAY BUT THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT REASONS WERE: 1) TRUCK LEANING VERY NOTICEABLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND 2) TRUCK POPS UNDER THE FLOORBOARD BENEATH THE DRIVER (AND NOW ON PASSENGER SIDE AS WELL) WHEN HAULING A LOADED TRAILER. IT'S BEEN POPPING/TWISTING SINCE APRIL 2014. IT SOUNDS LIKE FRAME IS POPPING AND TWISTING. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHEN THE TRUCK WAS SITTING STILL, PARKED. I POINTED OUT TO THE FREIGHTLINER SERVICE WRITEUP THAT I NOTICED THAT A FRAME MOUNT WAS LOOSE AND SHOWED IT SPECIFICALLY TO HIM BUT THEY "SAY" THEY CHECKED IT OUT BUT I'M STILL HEARING THE POPPING/TWISTING WHEN CARRYING A LOADED TRAILER. THE FRAME MOUNT/BRACKET IS STILL LOOSE AND I'VE ACTUALLY TURNED THE BOLT IN THE MOUNT A COUPLE OF TIMES BY HAND. THE SAME EXACT MOUNT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS NOT LOOSE AND THE BOLTS SIT PROPERLY IN THE MOUNT GROOVES LIKE THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO WITH NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF LOOSENESS OR MOVEMENT AS OPPOSED TO THE DRIVERS SIDE. IT EVEN HAS A VISIBLE RUST TRAIL OF WHERE IT SEEMS LIKE WATER IS GETTING IN BETWEEN THE LOOSE PARTS. I'VE ALSO NOTICED SOME VERY UNUSUAL SIGNS OF TIRE WEAR ESPECIALLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND MOST IMPORTANTLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT STEER TIRE WHICH (IN MY OPINION) COULD POSSIBLY BE RELATED TO THE LOOSE FRAME MOUNT AND THE POPPING/TWISTING. FREIGHTLINER DID REPLACE A SPACER UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SIDE LEAF SPRING IN THE FRONT TO HELP CORRECT THE "LEAN" ON THAT SIDE BUT THE TRUCK STILL LEANS TO THE DRIVERS SIDE THE SAME AS WHEN I PUT IT IN THE SHOP WITH NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE. I DO KNOW ONE OR TWO PEOPLE WITH THE SAME MODEL, MAKE AND YEAR OF TRUCK THAT HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING OF THE SAME POPPING/TWISTING SOUND WHEN LOADED AS WELL. I AM TRULY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY, AS WELL AS THE PUBLICS AND THAT IS THE REASON WHY I'M TAKING THE TIME TO ADDRESS MY CONCERNS IN THIS MANNER.
NHTSA complaint #10630909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesMarietta, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WITH MERITOR WABCO ONGUARD CRUISE CONTROL EQUIPPED FROM THE FACTORY. THE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT OFTEN TIMES SLAMS ON THE BRAKES AFTER ERRONEOUSLY DETECTING AN IMMINENT COLLISION. IT FREQUENTLY HARD BRAKES AFTER DETECTING ITEMS THAT ARE WELL OUT OF THE TRAVEL PATH OF THE VEHICLE. THIS BEHAVIOR IS NOT PREDICTABLE TO EITHER THE DRIVER OR NEARBY VEHICLES, AND WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A CRASH OR A DANGEROUS SHIFTED LOAD. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS IN 4 DIFFERENT FREIGHTLINER CASCADIAS OF RECENT VINTAGE (2012 OR NEWER), ALL EQUIPPED WITH THE ONGUARD CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN A CASCADIA THAT DID NOT EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10578648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesMarietta, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
WITH MERITOR WABCO ONGUARD CRUISE CONTROL EQUIPPED FROM THE FACTORY. THE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT OFTEN TIMES SLAMS ON THE BRAKES AFTER ERRONEOUSLY DETECTING AN IMMINENT COLLISION. IT FREQUENTLY HARD BRAKES AFTER DETECTING ITEMS THAT ARE WELL OUT OF THE TRAVEL PATH OF THE VEHICLE. THIS BEHAVIOR IS NOT PREDICTABLE TO EITHER THE DRIVER OR NEARBY VEHICLES, AND WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A CRASH OR A DANGEROUS SHIFTED LOAD. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS IN 4 DIFFERENT FREIGHTLINER CASCADIAS OF RECENT VINTAGE (2012 OR NEWER), ALL EQUIPPED WITH THE ONGUARD CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN A CASCADIA THAT DID NOT EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10578648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.