2021 Freightliner Cascadia Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

21 safety recalls on file

The 2021 Freightliner Cascadia has 21 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 7 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Forward Collision Avoidance (8 reports).

21Recalls
16Owner complaints
1Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
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2021 Freightliner Cascadia recalls

Brakes May Pull to One Side During Stability Braking

Recall 26V583Sep 9, 20262,404 vehicles affected

Brake modulator valves on the front axle may corrode, causing the vehicle to pull to one side when braking is initiated by Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Roll Stability Control (RSC).

Trucks May Understeer in Turns, Raising Crash Risk

Recall 23V299Apr 26, 2023266 vehicles affected

Certain heavy trucks may understeer during a J-turn, a maneuver where the vehicle turns sharply to a stop or reverses direction.

Hazard Lights May Flash Improperly During Emergency Braking

Recall 23V208Mar 28, 202324,282 vehicles affected

The hazard warning lights on these heavy trucks may flash improperly when the Advanced Braking Assist system activates.

Brakes May Pull to One Side, Risking a Crash

Recall 23V073Feb 10, 202370,167 vehicles affected

Corroded front brake modulator valves can cause the vehicle to pull toward one side when the brakes are applied by Electronic Stability Control or Roll Stability Control.

Incompatible tires can reduce grip and raise crash risk

Recall 22V919Dec 12, 202249 vehicles affected

Certain heavy trucks are equipped with tires that are not compatible with their 8.25-inch rims.

Brakes May Pull to One Side During Adaptive Cruise Braking

Recall 22V817Nov 1, 2022219,390 vehicles affected

Corrosion can develop in the front-axle brake modulator valves on certain heavy trucks.

Brake lights may stay on after pedal release, raising crash risk

Recall 20V567Feb 16, 2022128,451 vehicles affected

Certain 2017-2021 Freightliner Cascadia trucks may have brake lights that remain illuminated after the brake pedal has been released.

Fuel Tubes May Crack and Leak, Creating Fire Risk

Recall 21V965Dec 13, 20212,843 vehicles affected

Certain diesel trucks may have fuel tubes between the fuel rail and the injectors for cylinders four, five, and six that can fatigue and crack over time.

Steering Link Can Detach, Causing Loss of Steering Control

Recall 21V689Sep 2, 2021113,085 vehicles affected

Certain Freightliner Cascadia trucks may have a drag link taper joint that was not tightened enough during assembly.

Battery Cable Can Break, Causing Sudden Engine Stall

Recall 21V481Jun 25, 2021122,056 vehicles affected

A battery cable terminal on certain heavy trucks may break, causing a loss of electrical power and an unintended engine stall.

Loose Steering Tie Rod Clamps Can Cause Steering Loss

Recall 21V369May 19, 20218,482 vehicles affected

Certain 2021 and 2022 Freightliner and Custom Chassis vehicles may have loose tie rod clamps.

Headlight Bulb Can Dislodge and Melt Nearby Parts, Raising Fire Risk

Recall 21V357May 14, 202172,510 vehicles affected

Certain Freightliner Cascadia trucks with halogen headlight assemblies may have a headlight bulb that dislodges during bulb replacement.

Steering bolts may fracture, risking loss of steering

Recall 21V256Apr 12, 202112,470 vehicles affected

Certain heavy-duty trucks have steering arm and tie rod bolts that may contain a defective seam, which can cause the bolt to fracture.

Clutch Flange May Break, Risking Loss of Drive Control

Recall 21V209Mar 24, 20212 vehicles affected

The clutch flange on certain 2021 heavy-duty trucks can break.

Engine Flywheel Can Detach, Causing Power Loss and Crash Risk

Recall 21V073Feb 12, 20217 vehicles affected

The capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may have been improperly torqued, allowing the flywheel to come loose.

Loose Brake Caliper Bolts May Reduce Braking

Recall 21V018Jan 20, 2021133 vehicles affected

On certain 2021 heavy trucks, one of the six brake caliper mounting bolts on the driver-side steer axle may have been incorrectly tightened.

Steer tires can separate or blow out, risking loss of control

Recall 21V007Jan 13, 20214,341 vehicles affected

Certain 2020-2022 Freightliner Cascadia sleeper trucks are equipped with Bridgestone R284, R268, or R283S ECOPIA steer axle tires used with a specific air dam.

Clutch Flange May Break, Causing Loss of Clutch Control

Recall 20V742Nov 30, 20201,233 vehicles affected

The clutch flange on certain 2021 Freightliner Cascadia trucks may break because of a flaw in the heat treating and stamping process.

Missing Spindle Lock Ring Can Cause Wheel Separation

Recall 20V660Oct 27, 20201,411 vehicles affected

A locking snap ring on the left steer axle spindle nut may be incorrectly installed or missing.

Brakes May Pull to One Side During Automatic Braking

Recall 20V390Jul 2, 2020164,326 vehicles affected

Corrosion in the single brake modulator valve can slow the valve's release timing.

Rear reflective tape may be hidden, reducing visibility to other drivers

Recall 20V214Apr 14, 202063,175 vehicles affected

On certain heavy trucks, the mudflap hanger bracket may partially cover the rear reflective tape.

Most common 2021 Freightliner Cascadia problems

Problem areas named in the 16 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Forward Collision Avoidance8
Tires6
Service Brakes3
Visibility2
Suspension2
Steering2
Electrical System2
Structure1
Engine1
Unknown Or Other1

What owners report

2026-09-17, Service Brakes
Without warning an Automatic breaking event occurred and the tractor slammed on its breaks while on open road with no one near on a sunny day. I was bobtailing south.. That event caused my AEB system to disable itself and I also lost cruise control. The funny thing is even after the system is disabled I’m still having automatic breaking events around curves..
2026-09-17, Electrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 438,861; however, service records listed the mileage at 742,227.
2024-02-01, Forward Collision Avoidance
While vehicle approached a hazard blocking the roadway the forward collision and automatic braking feature did not engage; apparently due to the vehicle sensors not recognizing the hazard. The object in the roadway was a 53 ft van trailer that was laid on it's side with the translucent roof facing the approaching vehicle.
2023-12-23, Steering
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.
2023-07-04, Service Brakes
My Emplyoer has not fixed anything on the truck, the truck shouldn’t be operating, doesn’t meet DOT Regulations, I was told not to go into any scales or weigh stations, loses air and the air doesn’t build back up properly, I lost all air in my breaks while driving on the road

2021 Freightliner Cascadia questions

Does the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 21 safety recalls for the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia: Brakes May Pull to One Side During Stability Braking; Trucks May Understeer in Turns, Raising Crash Risk; Hazard Lights May Flash Improperly During Emergency Braking; Brakes May Pull to One Side, Risking a Crash; Incompatible tires can reduce grip and raise crash risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia?

Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (8), Tires (6), Service Brakes (3).

How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Freightliner Cascadia has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Freightliner Cascadia years

Other 2021 Freightliner models