46 of the
400 complaints filed about the Freightliner Cascadia
are about the steering —
12% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2009.
It is hard to impossible to drive the truck in a straight line (compared to models without the smartvalves), and often drifts side to side randomly without any warning or feedback. The steering requires constant input, and the "feel" of the truck is not correct to allow intuitive steering. When driving in tight areas, I find that I need to stay at least a foot away from barriers or other objects to not be in danger of hitting them. When in width-limited areas, like construction zones, I often need to straddle the center line and block other vehicles from passing me, so as not to be in danger of collision. These controllability problems are induced by the "active" smartvalve system. This is the chassis leveling system that adjusts air to the suspension air springs (air bags). The smart valve system is there to allow a driver to adjust the suspension up or down as needed to assist in hooking in improperly positioned trailer (to prevent injuries). The system also actively interferes with what would be the normal operation of a suspension "leveling" valve, and adjusts and or blocks the normal flow of air in and out of the suspension when driving. This results in poor handling and control problems. I have asked to have the valve replaced with a normal "dumb" valve on my truck, since I have found that the trucks handle normally with a standard leveling valve. I have also found that in many curvy road situations, the truck is hard to keep from running off the road, even bobtail. There is severe apparent understeer, and it seems likely to be attributed to the smartvalve leveler interfering with the suspension. I see that there is a recall on Freightliners having to do with understeer problems on curves (Recall 234245 [USA]: Understeering during a j-turn may increase the risk of a crash.). The recall says that Freightliner will replace the tires; it is likely that this will not help in the case of models with an active "smartvalve" system.
NHTSA complaint #11633144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the steering wheel locked up, the vehicle became uncontrollable, and the vehicle flipped over. The vehicle was uncontrollable. All the warning lights illuminated. A police report was filed. The contact received injuries to her back and was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where medical attention was provided. The airbags deployed. There was an unknown substance leaking from the vehicle. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11626573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2024 Freight Liner PT. The contact stated while the driver was driving at 64 MPH, the driver heard a pop sound, and the vehicle veered off to the left and crashed into a cement guard rail. The contact stated that the driver was steering in the right direction, however, the vehicle independently veered to the left. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. In addition, the contact stated that the same vehicle experienced a similar failure in January 2024. The contact stated that the vehicle was jack-knifed, however, the video confirmed that the driver was driving at 48 MPH and did not depress the brake pedal. Also, the contact stated that before the January 2024 failure, the engine was rebuilt in the vehicle. The contact was concerned that the failure was due to manufacturer defects. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,500.
NHTSA complaint #11624756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving, there is a constant and very strong vibration throughout the entirety of the truck. This makes it difficult to steer and drive in a safe manner. I've replaced any parts that might be associated with this malfunction with brand new parts at the advice of professional mechanics (cost over $30,000) and it was to no avail. The truck is still malfunctioning and I have been left unable to work or barely working for 14 months. The vibration has caused many health concerns, like headaches, nausea, and stomach ulcers. I went to over 10 dealers and there has been no solutions that have worked.
NHTSA complaint #11561665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Multiple safety issues with truck #1 When driving & using cruise control (CC) at 60 mph & truck is at that speed (60 mph) truck is moving from top speed to E coast mode. Immediately RPM is down (from 1250 to 600) & steering wheel is much harder b/c reduced power from engine . Response time for driver to avoid potential hazardous situations on the road (i.e. animals, rocks, trees, etc.) is longer & not safe #2 This problem is related to when truck is in regen. In driving, and when truck is doing regen (visible on the dash: high temp light/ icon). CC set to (60 mph) when truck is at that speed (60 mph) truck goes to E coast mode. RPM is going down to 600 RPM which is not adequate engine speed to finish regen. With regen interrupted there is a lot of white smoke under the truck and red light for engine shut down is on the dash. There is 30 seconds time to override shut down but at the same time the driver needs to safely park the truck on the shoulder, on a busy highway, with reduced power and steering wheel (600 RPM or no power at all because engine shut down). With high DPF temperature,there is potential for fire (truck,grass,trees ). I am told engine shut down was caused by interrupted regen process. #3 Collision warning is coming with no reason, and can activate active brake, at high speed. Radar malfunction (snow, ice in the front)can cause malfunction to adaptive cruise control, active brake assist, & malfunction other safety features. Combination of malfunction (radar, active break assist, collision warning, IPM [intelligent powertrain management], engine break not engaging) can cause dangerous acceleration for heavy loaded truck. I contacted DTNA (Daimler Truck North America) in regard to these issues & am told in order to solve these issues the truck should be inspected where mechanics and programmers are involved. At the same time I spoke with the company I work for about safety issues with those trucks. You can contact me for further information.
NHTSA complaint #11505866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
______________________________________________________________________________ Last October 2021 I bought truck Freightliner Cascadia 2016. Vin # [XXX]. Mileage: 477400. Last my trip I made in May 2022 from Nogales, AZ to Boise, ID When I approaching Ely, NV about 5-8 miles I drive down from the mountain hill . I used speed 25-30 MPH, suddenly my steering wheel was locked and did not made right turn. I used hardly brake because my truck was out of control and pulled forward shoulder out of highway. Only because I hardly used brake I save my lives. When I stopped before roll over from highway I lightly make right turn steering wheel and left turn steering wheel was unlocked. When I reach Loves truck Stop in Ely, NV it is repeated 3 times. I just lightly made right turn steering wheel and left turn wheel unlocked again. Now I want to inform You Freightliner Cascadia 2016 is very danger truck to use on road in the USA. Inventors from freightliner must recall this truck and fined out mistakes in steering Column Why steering Column? Because from 2004 I used Volvo 780. Now my Volvo truck pass 2 000 000. ( two million miles) About after 950 000 I fined out power steering pump not working correctly. When I used steering wheel on low RPM , steering wheel unable made right or left, but when I increase RPM it worked correctly. I install new steering pump and forgot for this problem. In my case on low RPM Freightliner steering Wheel working good, and it happened because something wrong with steering column. In Ely, NV I made exchanged steering oil. After exchanged steering Oil I safety reached Boise, ID. In my Volvo truck I exchanged steering oil about 11-12 times just when my steering wheel worked tight on low RPM I checked Steering Oil filter and Chengde Oil, and Volvo steering wheel never locked steering wheel like on Freightliner Cascadia. I send N INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11476588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a new P4 through my employers Lease Purchase program, and when I ordered my new truck, I ordered it with the Hendrickson Air-Ride Suspension Package for the front axle, disc brakes front and rear, and a few other options. My truck required 14 all axle alignment’s before it was driving correctly, after destroying both left & right steer tires. One Freightliner dealer set the right front at 7/16” toe-in, after I threatened to bring legal action against the dealership, only to learn three weeks later, the toe-in was set at 7/16”, which destroyed the tire. I personally measured the rear axle alignment with a tape measure to find both drive axles are staggered approximately 1.3” to 1.75” causing my drive tires to wear abnormally fast, forcing me to buy new tires for $7,000+. The worst part is the Hendrickson Air Ride Suspension unit is extremely “sloppy” and noisy when driving and turning at all speeds, constantly making loud “clunking” sounds, which are all felt heavily while hold the steering wheel. Nobody seems to want anything to do with my new truck, and if I get killed while driving my truck, because of faulty manufacturing, at least you have a record of my case to investigate further. I just learned yesterday from another driver, that Freightliner just discovered their trucks with the Hendrickson Air Ride Suspension System option have all been issued a “Service Bulletin” to replace faulty, leaking ride-height control valves which can cause a catastrophic crash by suddenly dropping one or both sides of the front air suspension, causing a sudden swerving condition, which can be catastrophic. My truck cost me $180,000 plus, and I want my monies worth, before I’m killed by faulty craftsmanship. Please investigate this matter, as I know there are many more drivers and owners who are experiencing these same manufacturing defects.
NHTSA complaint #11471285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
:steering. Yes :was unable to steer properly into a curve in road, resulting in truck slamming into ditch. :no :yes :no incident occurred 10/29/2021. we never received any indication of issues until weeks after. upon looking further into the recall we saw that the notices were set to be sent out 10/30/2021. one day after incident. furthermore we also see another recall that was never fixed from 9/20, of which we never were sent any info on and remains not addressed per this website. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
NHTSA complaint #11440871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, OIL LEAKED FROM THE RACK AND PINION. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE REPAIR. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V514000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 784,969.
NHTSA complaint #11388312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER STEERING PUMP WAS BAD SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK. NOW IT TAKES A LOT OF STRENGTH TO TURN THE WHEELS WHEN I PARK ( LOW RPM) THE DEALER CHERGED ME OVER $ 350 AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD FIND THE PROBLEM. JUNK !! IT FEELS LIKE IS LOCKING UP EVEN ON HIGHWAYS WHEN ENGINE CRUISES AT LOW RPM 2 : HEADLIGHTS BAD DESIGN . THE LED / TURN SIGNAL : THE BULB ITSELF IS AN LED LIGHT, BUT IS WAY TO CLOSE TO THE PLASTIC BARS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT, AND THAT CAUSES BURNS IN THE PLASTIC , RESULTING IN A VERY DIM TURN LIGHT SIGNAL AND DAY LIGHT DRIVING LIGHTS . THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT IS TO BUY ANOTHER HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY CRAP ALSO
NHTSA complaint #11338342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY SPEED 65 MPH WHEAT ROAD SURFACE, SUDDENLY THE TRUCK STEER TO THE LEFT WHEN THE DRIVER TRIES TO CORRECT THE TRUCK IN A STRAIGHT POSITION THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT RESPONDING, AFTER A FRACTION OF THE SECOND THE TRUCK TURN TO RIGHT CROSSING 2 LINE TRAVELING HIT THE RAILS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND END UP INTO A TREE.
NHTSA complaint #11320459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES ON MY NEW 2020 CASCADIA. THE POWER STEERING BOX HAD AN EXTERNAL LEAK WHICH RESULTED IN A STEERING WHINE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING BOX WITH ONLY 24,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. I ALSO HAD A ROAD CALL INVOLVING A CHECK ENGINE AND STOP ENGINE LIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN A REPLACEMENT OF A CONTROL UNIT AND TEMPERATURE SENSOR. I AM STILL TRYING TO GET REIMBURSED FOR THIS REPAIR SINCE THE TRUCK IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN A DEF ISSUE CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER
NHTSA complaint #11309211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
[XXX], FORMER EMPLOYEE OF AUTOBAHN, OVERSEEING 8 DRIVER TRUCKS HAD ALL TRUCKS REQUIRE POWER STEERING BOXES DUE TO A LOSS OF ASSIST. HER TESTIMONY WILL BE ADDED AS AN ATTACHMENT SINCE IT IS LONGER THAN THE ALOTTED 2200 CHARACTERS *TT*JB ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).')
NHTSA complaint #11244671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ON 5-24-19, I WAS TRAVELING WEST ON HWY 56, 4 MILES EAST OF HERINGTON KS. SUDDENLY WITHOUT NOTICE, MY ENGINE SHUT OFF, I WAS LEFT WITH A DEAD TRUCK, TRAVELING AT 62 MPH, AND MY TANKER WAS FULLY LOADED, I COULD NOT HOLD THE TRUCK ON THE ROAD, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE CAUGHT THE SOFT EDGE OF THE ROAD, AND I WAS PULLED INTO THE DITCH, MY SEMI ROLLED AND I WAS PINNED INSIDE THE CAB, EMS PERSONAL WORKED FOR OVER 90 MINUTES TO FREE ME FROM THE WRECKAGE. IM VERY LUCKY TO BE ALIVE, RECOVERY WILL TAKE MONTHS. I WANT TO SEE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS PROBLEM, THIS MODEL HAS MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, BUT WHEN YOU LOOSE EVERYTHING, YOU CRASH. IF YOU ARE DRIVING A FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA I'M PRAYING FOR YOU, I HOPE THIS PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND, AND FIXED, GOING THROUGH WHAT I WENT THROUGH IS HORRIBLE. WHEN THE TOTAL LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED, MY DIGITAL VOLTAGE GAUGE WENT FROM 14.1 VOLTS TO 4.7 VOLTS
NHTSA complaint #11218765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HARD TO CONTROL TRUCK AT HIGHWAY SPEED COULDN'T KEEP IN LANE.PULLED OFF EXIT STEERING WOULD ONLY GO TO LEFT.LUCKY IT DIDN'T DO IT AT 70 MILES A HOUR OR I WOULDN'T BE FILLING THIS OUT.STEERING BOX LOCKED UP NO ABILITY TO TURN
NHTSA complaint #11195335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WORKED FOR A TRANSPORT FLEET THAT HAD NUMEROUS POWER STEERING GEARBOX ISSUES ON 2017 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA'S. DURING MY TENURE THERE I OVERSAW 8 TRUCKS THAT HAD STEERING BOX REPLACEMENTS DUE TO EITHER STEERING PULL OR LACK OF POWER ASSIST. I DIAGNOSED ANOTHER 5 UNITS AT THE MAIN OFFICE IN ROMULUS, MICHIGAN THAT NEEDED POWER STEERING BOXES. I HAVE ALSO WORKED CLOSELY WITH A FREIGHTLINER DEALER TO DETERMINE THE BOXES WERE FAILING DUE TO INCREASED HEAT BUILDUP, INTERNAL BEARING FAILURE AND FLUID DEGRADATION. I NOTED IN THE COMPLAINT OF 13 OCCURRENCES. THIS NUMBER WAS THE 8 REPLACED BOXES AND THE OTHER 5 I INSPECTED. THESE TRUCKS DEVELOPED STEERING PROBLEMS BETWEEN MAY 2018 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2018
NHTSA complaint #11195150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKING OIL AT 20.000 MILES. VERY HARD STEERING WHEN LOW RPM ( PARKING AND ECO - TRANSMISSION SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AT HIGH SPEED , RESULTING IN LOW RPM. SAFETY PROBLEM IF A TURN IS REQUIRED) BLUETHOOTH IS USELESS. VERY BAD RECEPTION ON THE OTHER END BRAKES : SHIFT SOMETIME TO LEFT OR TO RIGHT, WHEN APLLIED. FUEL GAUGE OFF BY 1/8 OF CAPACITY AND GETTING WORSE
NHTSA complaint #11166483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TRUCK FLOATS/SWAYS SIDE TO SIDE DOWN THE ROAD MAKING IT HARD TO CONTROL AND REQUIRING CONSTANT CORRECTION LEADING TO OVERCORRECTION AND ADDITIONAL SWAYING. TRUCK HANDLES CURVES POORLY. YOU CANNOT GOOD THE STEERING WHEEL IN ONE PLACE AROUND A CURVE, YOU MUST CONSTANTLY REPOSITION/CORRECT THE WHEEL THROUGHOUT THE CURVE. SUSPENSION IS POORLY DESIGNED, CAUSING TOO MUCH MOTION FOR THE DRIVER TO CONSINRESPOND TOO, LEADING TO FATIGUE AND MUSCLE ACHES. THIS IS SPECIFICALLY REGARDING ALL OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINE 2 AXKE DAYCAB 2019 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA'S.
NHTSA complaint #11132252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS UNABLE TO BE TURNED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AND THERE WAS POWER STEERING FLUID ON THE PAVEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED FOUR TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE BY THE SAME INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. A FREIGHTLINER DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000,000.
NHTSA complaint #11084800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BOOM NOISE BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF THE NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DRIFTED TO THE LEFT AND THEN INDEPENDENTLY DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO A GUARDRAIL AND BOUNCED INTO A WALL, WHICH DAMAGED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY AND BODY ACHES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V613000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 09/07/17*LJ
NHTSA complaint #11003726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.