repaired · 2022 Q1
Exterior lighting
Risk. The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
2016 Freightliner CascadiaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2016 Freightliner Cascadia, most often about the engine. It is covered by 12 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 August 31, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Freightliner Cascadia has problems
12 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Engine2 crash/fire/injury
3Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
3Steering1 crash/fire/injury
2Structure2 crash/fire/injury
1Service brakes, air
1Air bags
1Visibility/wiper
1Equipment
1Forward collision avoidance
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 3 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 |
| Structure | 2 | 2 |
| Service brakes, air | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2016 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 · 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.
Show 8 more recalls
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 · 2019 Q2
Steering
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.
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 · 2018 Q1
Power train: axle hubs
Risk. If a wheel separates from the axle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Appliance: air conditioner
Risk. The overheated connection can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Ignition: module
Risk. An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Power train: manual transmission
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.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Arm: idler and attachment
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…
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
2016 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
8 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Freightliner Cascadia, and the recalls they led to.
- Daimler Trucks North America RecallsNo recall
- Windshield Wiper Motor FailureNo recall
- Wiper Motor FailureNo recall
- PNDB Electrical Power DistributionNo recall
- Intermittent Loss of Power Steering AssistNo recall
- Steering Arm Capscrew FailuresNo recall
- RQ17 - 008 ClosingNo recall
- SAM Cab Water IntrusionNo recall
In owners' words
What Cascadia owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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 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…
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…
Own a 2016 Cascadia?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.