- The 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."
- The risk
- The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2016 Freightliner Cascadia Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2016 Freightliner Cascadia with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (4) and the steering (3). Those complaints describe 1 crash, 3 fires and 1 injury. It is covered by 12 recalls, the latest in April 2020 for the exterior lighting. For comparison, the 2015 has 16 and the 2017 has 9.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Cascadia year, for its age
#204 most complained-about 2016 vehicle
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2016 Freightliner Cascadia problems
Share of all 12 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2016 Freightliner Cascadia recalls 12
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2004-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Columbia, Classic, FL80, FLD 120SD, Business Class M2, Western Star 4700, 4900, 6900, Sterling Acterra, L7500, LT7500, L8500, LT8500, L9500, and LT9500 vehicles. The vehicles may have an insufficient service brake air reservoir capacity. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
- The risk
- An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.
- The fix
- DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will add air reservoir capacity to the affected vehicles. Owner letters were mailed on November 29, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-815.
- The problem
- Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles equipped with Hendrickson 5" drop axles. In certain front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations, braking may cause high vibrations, resulting in early failure of the tie-rod tube.
- The 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.
- The fix
- DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stamped brake spiders and the tie-rod, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-807.
- The 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
- The risk
- In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2016 Western Star 4900 and Freightliner Cascadia vehicles, equipped with certain Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.
- The risk
- If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. DTNA issued an interim to owners on December 4, 2017. The recall began on March 7, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-751.
- The problem
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC. (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured September 24, 2012, to May 27, 2015 and equipped with compressed natural gas (CNG) engines. The affected vehicles have a Power Distribution Module (PDM) that is mounted near the CNG fuel tank. Due to its location, the PDM may be sprayed with water and contaminants from the road, possibly causing the PDM to short circuit.
- The risk
- If the PDM short circuits, there would be an increased risk of a fire, especially if the nearby CNG tank leaks.
- The fix
- DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the PDM, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners on November 7, 2016. The recall began on March 3, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-721.
- The problem
- Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 108 SD, 114 SD, Cascadia, Coronado, Western Star 4700, 4800, and 5700 XE trucks manufactured March 15, 2013, to July 29, 2016 and equipped with Conmet aluminum non-high capacity hubs. These vehicles specify a front axle weight limit that may be greater than that of the hub capacity. As a result, the hub may fail and the wheel may separate from the axle.
- The risk
- If a wheel separates from the axle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- The fix
- DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle hubs, free of charge. The recall began during November 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-718.
- The problem
- Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured from March 24, 2014, through November 9, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with Bergstrom Parksmart HVAC auxiliary units. On these units, there may be inadequate contact between the electrical connector on the compressor and electrical pins causing a high electrical resistance resulting in excessive heat.
- The risk
- The overheated connection can increase the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector caps. Additionally, dealers will replace the harnesses if there is evidence of heat discoloration. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's recall number for this campaign is FL-703.
- The problem
- Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, and 122SD, Western Star 4700 and 4900, Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, and Freightliner MT55 vehicles manufactured August 7, 2015, to August 26, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Cummins ISB6.7, ISL9, ISX12 or ISX15 engines whose engine control module (ECM) may short circuit and blow a fuse resulting in the engine stalling without warning.
- The risk
- An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECM free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-690.
- The problem
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, and Western Star 4700 trucks manufactured January 4, 2015, to April 24, 2015, and equipped with Eaton Fuller FR 10-speed manual transmissions. In the affected vehicles, when the transmission shift lever is moved from reverse to neutral, the reverse gear may stay engaged. When the transmission shift lever is moved from reverse to a forward gear position, the transmission may mechanically lock because both the reverse gear and forward gear are simultaneously engaged.
- The risk
- Even though the transmission has been shifted out of reverse into neutral, the vehicle may unexpectedly move backwards, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the affected transmissions if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 24, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-693.
- The problem
- Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Coronado Glider, and Columbia Glider vehicles manufactured June 29, 2015, to September 7, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the steering arm bolts may not be properly tightened.
- The risk
- If the steering arm bolts are not properly tightened, the steering arm may separate from the knuckle causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- DTNA will notify owners, and Daimler Trucks North America or Detroit Diesel authorized service facilities will inspect the steering arm bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-691.
What owners say
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2 people checked this vehicle in the last 30 days. Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
12 complaints about the 2016 Freightliner Cascadia
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
There is a defect on the Freightliner Cascadia Oil Pump Manifold aka Oil Pickup Tube which causes engine failure and will go out without warning
Injector cup started leaking damaging injectors and causing cross contamination between fuel and coolant. This is a know problem for the isx and cummins should pay for the repair
The contact owns a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while a driver was attempting to exit parking lot, the S-Cam 2 and S-Cam support bracket independently detached. No warning light was illuminated. A local independent mechanic arrived on scene to inspect the vehicle and it was determined that the S-Cam bracket and S-Cam mount needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V338000 (Equipment) however,...
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the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 700,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while her worker was driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine control module (ECM), engine, and an unknown fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 600,000.
______________________________________________________________________________ Last October 2021 I bought truck Freightliner Cascadia 2016. Vin # [[redacted]]. 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...
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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).
Truck was parked for about 5-6 hours on yard and randomly catching fire and burns up , see similar year make and model had similar things happen and was recalled my truck was manufactured in the time period of the other recalls but I didn't get a letter please advise
I am a fire investigator with onondaga county ny recently I had two separate fires in similar vehicles (see nhtsa compliant # 11390543) both origin and cause investigations revealed a malfunction/failure in what has been described to me as a power distribution modular (pdm) both vehicles were totally destroyed by the resulting fire. Both vehicles were parked and not running at the time of event.*Dt*jb*jb*jb*jb consumer believes the melting snow which entered the electric components was contributing factor that caused the fire.*Jb
I am a fire investigator with onondaga county fire investigation unit. Recently I had two fires with similar vehicles both were 2016 freightliners cascadia 125 both were parked and not running at the time of the fire events. Both origin and cause investigations appeared to reveal a failure/malfunction at the what has been described to me as being the power distribution modular (pdm). Both resulted in the vehicles being destroyed by fire.*Dt*jb*jb*jb*jb*jb
In 01/2019 the arm from motor to wiper linkage failed and wipers stopped during a snow storm on i-79, outside of pittsburg, pa. Was able to safely get to an exit off ramp to park and investigate the issue. Replaced the motor and linkage as recommended to remedy the problem. Now 11 months later, wipers stop completely for no reason at all. When I turn the wipers back off, then back on, still nothing. Immediately I pull vehicle to shoulder to investigate, but could find nothing wrong. I restart vehicle and to my...
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surprise the wipers begin to work. This has happened twice in two weeks, both times in heavy rain. Once on new york thruway heading south just north of the mahwah rest area and then on i-87, northway at exit 4. Both times I was able to successfully correct the issue by turning off the truck for a few minutes then restarting. The wipers began working again after that. Very fortunate to be able to move vehicle to shoulder to investigate both times. Wipers are very important to the safe operation of a vehicle and should be taken seriously. The motor and linkage doesn't even have a year from the time it was installed. Everything looks good on linkage, nothing binding or catching, also fuses are good. All wiring good as well. Thank you
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...
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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 *cn
Multiple vehicle recalls that have costed me thousands from excessive operating cost , and have been endangering my life since the day I bought my tractor:-(
Jake brake handle falls from off position to on position over bumps. On rt 81 north cruise set at 60 hit bump make went full on threw me against seatbelt. Thankfully dry road
Freightliner Cascadia: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 26 | 21 | D |
| 2019 | 30 | 29 | F |
| 2018 | 9 | 26 | D |
| 2017 | 9 | 20 | C |
| 2016 | 12 | 12 | B |
| 2015 | 16 | 18 | C |
| 2014 | 12 | 21 | C |
| 2013 | 7 | 19 | C |
| 2012 | 17 | 19 | C |
2016 Freightliner Cascadia vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Freightliner Cascadia | 12 | 12 | B | |
| 2016 Freightliner M2 | 2 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2016 Freightliner Business Class M2 | 1 | 16 | C | Compare |
| 2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 | 1 | 9 | D | Compare |
| 2016 Freightliner MT55 | 1 | 1 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2016 Freightliner Cascadia
Does the 2016 Freightliner Cascadia have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2016 Freightliner Cascadia: exterior lighting (April 2020); reservoir / tank (May 2019); tie rod assembly (February 2019); equipment (December 2017) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Freightliner Cascadia?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (4), steering (3), electrical system (3).
How many complaints has the 2016 Freightliner Cascadia had?
12 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 9, 2016 and the latest on August 31, 2025. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2016 Freightliner Cascadia a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 63 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Freightliner Cascadia year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Freightliner Cascadia years have the most complaints?
2019 (30), 2020 (26), 2009 (19). See every Freightliner Cascadia year compared.
What should I do if my 2016 Freightliner Cascadia has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data