repaired · 2022 Q1
Exterior lighting
Risk. The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
2013 Freightliner CascadiaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2013 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 November 11, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: order_242 from Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Freightliner Cascadia has problems
7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Electrical system
2Service brakes
1Engine and engine cooling
1Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
1Vehicle speed control
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
19 recalls
2013 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 · 2023 Q1
Supply: reservoir/tank
Risk. An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.
repaired · 2021 Q1
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 · 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.
Show 15 more recalls
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.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Electrical system
Risk. If the PDM short circuits, there would be an increased risk of a fire, especially if the nearby CNG tank leaks.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Risk. Hot exhaust in close proximity to the PRD may cause the PDR to activate and CNG to be unexpectedly released from the tank.
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.
repaired · 2015 Q3
Power train: axle assembly
Risk. If the snap ring is missing, the rear wheels may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 Q2
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. If the wiring harnesses are connected in reverse, it may adjust the suspension axle height incorrectly, reducing driving traction and parking brake…
repaired · 2015 Q2
Power train: axle assembly
Risk. If the snap ring is missing, the rear wheels may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
Suspension: front
Risk. IF THE SPINDLE FAILS, THE WHEEL MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, 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
Engine: diesel
Risk. A FUEL LEAK COULD CREATE A ROAD HAZARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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
2013 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
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Freightliner Cascadia, and the recalls they led to.
- Daimler Trucks North America RecallsNo recall
- 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.
OCCURRING BOTH STATIONARY AND WHILE IN MOTION WHENEVER KEY IS TURNED ON. LEFT AND RIGHT UPPER VISOR LIGHTS WHILE THE OTHER 3 REMAIN OFF, DASH LIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF. SOME GAUGES NOT FUNCTIONING. HEADLIGHTS REMAIN ON WHILE KEY IN IGNITION REGARDLESS OF IF LIGHT SWITCH IS ON. EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM…
THE CAB READING LIGHTS NOT FUNCTIONING, DASHBOARD LIGHTS MALFUNCTION OR NOT WORKING. THEY STOP FUNCTIONING WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
Own a 2013 Cascadia?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.