repaired · 2022 Q1
Exterior lighting
Risk. The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
2012 Freightliner CascadiaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 17 owner complaints about the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 19 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-810 the manufacturer reports only 1% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 14, 2020. Updated daily. Photo: order_242 from Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia has problems
17 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
4Engine1 crash/fire/injury
2Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
1Visibility
1Visibility/wiper
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Fuel system, diesel
1Service brakes
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 11 | 3 |
| Engine | 4 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 1 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
19 recalls
2012 Freightliner Cascadia recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Linkages: tie rod assembly
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.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Equipment
Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Exterior lighting: brake lights
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.
Show 15 more recalls
repaired · 2017 Q1
Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly
Risk. If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly…
repaired · 2016 Q1
Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Risk. 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.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2015 Q1
Electrical system: software
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2016 Q3
Electrical system: software
Risk. Failure of the DRLs to illuminate reduces visibility to other drivers and increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
no report yet
Equipment
Risk. If the door separates from the APU while the vehicle is being driven, it may create a road hazard for other drivers.
no report yet
Equipment
Risk. Air tanks that become separated from a moving vehicle may create a road debris hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Supply: quick release valve
Risk. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, INCREASED VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Seats
Risk. AN UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT COULD AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL AND VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Steering: column
Risk. 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.
no report yet
Engine: diesel
Risk. A FUEL LEAK COULD CREATE A ROAD HAZARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. 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.
no report yet
12v/24v/48v battery: cables
Risk. A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN AN UN-FUSED BATTERY CABLE AND CHASSIS GROUND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
no report yet
Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly
Risk. IF THE TRACTOR IS NOT FULLY CONNECTED TO THE TRAILER, THE TRAILER MAY DISENGAGE WHILE IN USE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Power train: driveline
Risk. A TUBE SEAM WELD THAT IS NOT PROPERLY BONDED CAN RESULT IN THE DRIVELINE ASSEMBLY FRACTURING ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE TUBE SEAM WELD.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Freightliner.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Cascadia year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Cascadia median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
5 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia, and the recalls they led to.
- Daimler Trucks North America RecallsNo recall
- Fontaine Ultra LT 5th Wheel False LatchLed to recall 11V-289
- Air Brake Reservoir Bracket FractureLed to recall 12V-405
- PNDB Electrical Power DistributionNo recall
- SAM Cab Water IntrusionNo recall
In owners' words
What Cascadia owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HAZARD LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NOT WORK, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOU BROCHORDT FREIGHTLINER (2840 CENTER PORT CIR #102,…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, FLAMES SUDDENLY APPEARED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED WATER TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. ALSO, WHILE…
SIGNAL DETECTION AND ACTIVATION MODULE (SAM) VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY,I DROPED MY TRL IN A DOC DOOR AT AMAZON, THEN I DROVE ABOUT A THOUSAND FEET TO PARK MY TRACTOR IN THE DESIGNATED AREA, AFTER PARKING I CUT THE TRUCK OFF AND AFTER ABOUT 10 MIN I STARTED IT UP THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE LITES ON…
Own a 2012 Cascadia?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.