repaired · 2025 Q3
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. Brakes that pull to one side may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
2017 Freightliner CascadiaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia, most often about the steering. It is covered by 20 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 February 16, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia has problems
9 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Steering1 crash/fire/injury
1Forward collision avoidance
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
1Vehicle speed control
1Visibility/wiper
1Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
1Wheels1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
20 recalls
2017 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 · 2025 Q3
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control
Risk. Brakes that pull to one side during an ACC braking event may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. If the brake lights remain illuminated, drivers may be unaware when the truck is actually slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Headlights: bulbs
Risk. Melting components can increase the risk of fire.
Show 16 more recalls
repaired · 2022 Q2
Supply: quick release valve
Risk. Brakes that pull to one side during automatic braking events may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q1
Exterior lighting
Risk. The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Supply: reservoir/tank
Risk. An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Steering
Risk. Loose tie rod arm bolts may lead to separation of the tie rod arm, resulting in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. If the brake lights remain activated, other drivers may be unaware that the vehicle is actually slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Engine: diesel
Risk. If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. Without an ABS or ESC bulb check, the operator may unaware that the warning light bulbs are not working.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Disc: caliper
Risk. If the brake caliper mounting bolts loosen, braking performance may be reduced, 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.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Steering
Do not driveRisk. A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Power train: axle assembly
Risk. If output shaft fractures while descending a grade, the compression braking will be ineffective.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Tires: tread/belt
Risk. Partial tread separation can increase 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 Q4
Engine: diesel
Risk. An engine stall without the ability to restart the engine can increase 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
2017 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
7 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia, and the recalls they led to.
- Daimler Trucks North America RecallsNo recall
- Automatic Emergency Braking ErrorsOpen
- Intermittent Loss of Power Steering AssistNo recall
- Engine Electrical Wiring Harness ChafeNo recall
- Automatic Emergency Braking ErrorsNo recall
- Steering Arm Capscrew FailuresNo recall
- SAM Cab Water IntrusionNo recall
In owners' words
What Cascadia owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
[XXX], FORMER EMPLOYEE OF AUTOBAHN, OVERSEEING 8 DRIVER TRUCKS HAD ALL TRUCKS REQUIRE POWER STEERING BOXES DUE TO A LOSS OF ASSIST. HER TESTIMONY WILL BE ADDED AS AN ATTACHMENT SINCE IT IS LONGER THAN THE ALOTTED 2200 CHARACTERS *TT*JB ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT…
I WORKED FOR A TRANSPORT FLEET THAT HAD NUMEROUS POWER STEERING GEARBOX ISSUES ON 2017 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA'S. DURING MY TENURE THERE I OVERSAW 8 TRUCKS THAT HAD STEERING BOX REPLACEMENTS DUE TO EITHER STEERING PULL OR LACK OF POWER ASSIST. I DIAGNOSED ANOTHER 5 UNITS AT THE MAIN OFFICE IN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE BACK AND FORTH VIOLENTLY. THE WHEELS SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE RIGHT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FRACTURED, BUT DID NOT DETACH FROM THE…
Own a 2017 Cascadia?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.