- The problem
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019 Freightliner Classic Cascadia and 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia trucks. The drag link taper joint may not have been tightened sufficiently and could come loose, resulting in a complete separation of the drag link from the steering arm.
- The risk
- Drag link separation can cause a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- DTNA will inspect the drag link taper joint and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 29, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA's customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-900.
Steering
2021 Freightliner Cascadia Steering problems
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia's steering with NHTSA - 12% of all its complaints, most recently on December 23, 2023. Loss of power steering, stiff or loose steering, wandering, column and rack problems.
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Steering recalls for the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia
- The problem
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Freightliner 114SD, 122SD, Business Class M2, Cascadia, 108SD, Western Star 4900, 4700, 5700, Custom Chass RV Chassis, Custom Chass S2 Chassis, Custom Chass XC Chassis, Custom Chass XB Chassis, and Custom Chass MT Chassis. The tie rod clamps may be loose, which could result in loose tie rod ends that could break or detach.
- The risk
- Detached or broken tie rod ends can result in steering loss, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-888.
- The problem
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 114SD, 108SD, 122SD, Custom Chass S2 Chassis, Custom Chass XB Chassis, Custom Chass XC Chassis, and Custom Chass MT Chassis Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700 vehicles. The steering arm and tie rod bolts may have a defective seam that can fracture.
- The risk
- A fractured bolt may cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tie rod arm and steering arm bolts, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-884.
Steering complaints
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.
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...
Read the full complaint
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.
Freightliner Cascadia steering complaints by year
Cascadia steering problems, every yearSource: 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