Vehicles › Freightliner › Freightliner Cascadia
2012 Freightliner Cascadia
NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns for the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia, covering exterior lighting, steering and equipment, and 14 consumer complaints received since 2012.
The component named most often is electrical system: 416.7 of every 1,000 component mentions for this year, above the 134.9 per 1,000 across all 2012 model-year vehicles and against 177.9 per 1,000 for the Freightliner Cascadia line as a whole.
That is more than the average of 4.4 complaints per model year across the 25 Freightliner Cascadia model years on this register; 0 complaints reported a crash and 3 a fire.
Complaints were received in the largest number in 2016 (3); the most recent in the file is dated 4 Apr 2019.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation has opened 5 investigations naming this model year.
Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA. Recall text is the manufacturer's Part 573 report as filed with NHTSA. Complaint file through 15 May 2019; recall file through 29 Sep 2026.
Recalls by model year:
Recall campaigns
Defect, as filed: 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."
Consequence: The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by Daimler Trucks North America LLC (manufacturer campaign FL848).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by Daimler Trucks North America LLC (manufacturer campaign FL782).
Defect, as filed: 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
Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by Daimler Trucks North America LLC (manufacturer campaign FL-759).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by Daimler Trucks North America LLC (manufacturer campaign FL-756); components: exterior lighting:brake lights:switch; exterior lighting:brake lights.
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by Daimler Trucks North America LLC (manufacturer campaign FL-692).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by Daimler Trucks North America LLC (manufacturer campaign FL-671); components: fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly; engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by Daimler Trucks North America (manufacturer campaign FL-660).
Defect, as filed: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by Daimler Trucks North America (manufacturer campaign FL-642).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: Failure of the DRLs to illuminate reduces visibility to other drivers and increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by Daimler Trucks North America (manufacturer campaign FL-641); components: electrical system:software; exterior lighting.
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: If the door separates from the APU while the vehicle is being driven, it may create a road hazard for other drivers.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by Daimler Trucks North America (manufacturer campaign FL-637).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: Air tanks that become separated from a moving vehicle may create a road debris hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (manufacturer campaign FL-631).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: If this condition occurs, increased vehicle stopping distance may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (manufacturer campaign FL-625).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (manufacturer campaign FL-623).
Defect, as filed: 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 driverâ’s seats. These seat bases may have out-of-specification welds that may allow the seat to buckle unexpectedly.
Consequence: An unexpected movement of the seat could affect vehicle control and visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (manufacturer campaign FL-624).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (manufacturer campaign 12C-2).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (manufacturer campaign FL-612).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: A short circuit between an un-fused battery cable and chassis ground could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (manufacturer campaign FL-609).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: If the tractor is not fully connected to the trailer, the trailer may disengage while in use, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (manufacturer campaign FL-608).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (manufacturer campaign FL-606).
Each entry links to the NHTSA record. NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are free of charge at an authorised dealer; check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Component mentions per 1,000 for the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia (black) against all 2012 model-year vehicles in the file (yellow). A complaint can name more than one component.
| Per 1,000 component mentions | 2012 | Cascadia line | All 2012 vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 416.7 | 177.9 | 134.9 |
| Engine | 166.7 | 67.5 | 127.7 |
| Visibility | 83.3 | 30.7 | 11.3 |
| Exterior Lighting | 83.3 | 36.8 | 24.5 |
| Unknown or Other | 83.3 | 24.5 | 60.4 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 41.7 | 24.5 | 18.7 |
| Component | Mentions | Per 1,000 | Line | All 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 10 | 416.7 | 177.9 | 134.9 |
| Engine | 4 | 166.7 | 67.5 | 127.7 |
| Visibility | 2 | 83.3 | 30.7 | 11.3 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 83.3 | 36.8 | 24.5 |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | 83.3 | 24.5 | 60.4 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | 41.7 | 24.5 | 18.7 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | 41.7 | 18.4 | 1.6 |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 1 | 41.7 | 30.7 | 24.2 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 41.7 | 79.8 | 55.5 |
14 unique complaints, 24 component mentions; 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported by complainants. Complaint narratives are not republished.
Complaints by year received
Investigations
| Action | Type | Subject | Component | Opened | Closed | Recall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RQ20001 | Recall query | SAM Cab Water Intrusion | electrical system | 31 Aug 2020 | 26 Jun 2025 | — |
| PE18004 | Preliminary evaluation | PNDB Electrical Power Distribution | electrical system | 23 Apr 2018 | 22 Nov 2020 | — |
| AQ18002 | Audit query | Daimler Trucks North America Recalls | exterior lighting:brake lights:switch | 23 Apr 2018 | 11 Jul 2024 | — |
| PE12018 | Preliminary evaluation | Air Brake Reservoir Bracket Fracture | service brakes, air:supply:reservoir/tank | 25 Jun 2012 | 20 Sep 2012 | 12V405000 |
| PE11012 | Preliminary evaluation | Fontaine Ultra LT 5th Wheel False Latch | trailer hitches:fifth wheel assembly | 15 Apr 2011 | 27 Jun 2011 | 11V289000 |
Other Freightliner Cascadia model years
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Units in campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 24,860 |
| 2003 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 24,860 |
| 2004 | 2 | 0 | 98,360 |
| 2005 | 3 | 1 | 108,049 |
| 2006 | 8 | 1 | 237,070 |
| 2007 | 12 | 1 | 320,097 |
| 2008 | 22 | 7 | 905,756 |
| 2009 | 24 | 19 | 851,916 |
| 2010 | 23 | 12 | 840,192 |
| 2011 | 23 | 11 | 817,013 |
| 2012 | 19 | 14 | 759,423 |
| 2013 | 19 | 5 | 698,307 |
| 2014 | 21 | 8 | 621,784 |
| 2015 | 18 | 12 | 548,627 |
| 2016 | 12 | 3 | 548,373 |
| 2017 | 20 | 5 | 1,248,689 |
| 2018 | 26 | 1 | 1,267,163 |
| 2019 | 29 | 8 | 1,058,949 |
| 2020 | 21 | 1 | 1,052,845 |
| 2021 | 21 | 0 | 1,011,083 |
| 2022 | 19 | 0 | 521,245 |
| 2023 | 7 | 0 | 299,676 |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | 277 |
| 2025 | 8 | 0 | 5,841 |
| 2026 | 3 | 0 | 2,713 |
Model years with a single campaign and fewer than 25 complaints have no page here; the NHTSA link opens the agency's record for that year.
All Freightliner Cascadia model years · Freightliner: 77 model lines
Questions and answers
How many recalls does the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia have?
19 NHTSA recall campaigns name this model year; the most recent, 20V214000, was reported to NHTSA on 14 Apr 2020 and concerns exterior lighting. Across all model years the Freightliner Cascadia line has 137 campaigns.
Is there an open NHTSA investigation into the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia?
NHTSA's investigation file lists 5 actions naming this model year; the table above shows each action's opening and closing dates. An action with no closing date was still open when the file was produced.
What component do owners of the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia complain about most?
Electrical System: 10 of 24 component mentions (416.7 per 1,000). Next is engine with 4. Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA.
How do I get a recall repaired?
NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by the manufacturer's authorised dealers. Each campaign's remedy text above is the manufacturer's statement as filed with NHTSA. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation recall, complaint and investigation flat files, public domain, downloaded 29 Sep 2026. Complaint counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; component figures count each component a complaint names. The NHTSA record linked from each campaign is authoritative.
Provenance
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation flat files (recalls, complaints, investigations), public domain, files dated 29 Sep 2026 (recalls) and 15 May 2019 (complaints). Complaints since 1 Jan 1995. Counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; per-1,000 rates divide a component's mentions by all mentions for the same group. Errors in processing are corrected at the next daily build; see corrections and the methodology.