no report yet
Electronic stability control (ESC)
NewRisk. Brakes that pull to one side may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Freightliner CascadiaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia, most often about the tires. It is covered by 21 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-919 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 17, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia has problems
16 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Tires
5Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
3Service brakes
2Suspension
2Electrical system
2Steering
1Visibility
1Engine
1Structure
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | 6 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 5 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
21 recalls
2021 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 Q1
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. Understeering during a J-turn may increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Exterior lighting
Risk. Hazard warning lights that flash improperly may cause confusion for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Show 17 more recalls
repaired · 2025 Q1
Tires
Risk. Driving with tires that are not compatible with their rims can reduce tire performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 Q4
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A high pressure fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Link: connection
Risk. Drag link separation can cause a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
12v/24v/48v battery: cables
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. Detached or broken tie rod ends can result in steering loss, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Headlights: bulbs
Risk. Melting components can increase the risk of fire.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Steering: critical fasteners
Risk. A fractured bolt may cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Power train: clutch assembly
Risk. If flange failure occurs, loose parts may fall into the clutch pressure plate assembly, resulting in clutch disengagement, thereby increasing the risk of a…
repaired · 2022 Q4
Engine
Risk. A detached flywheel can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Disc: caliper
Risk. The loose bolt could result in the other caliper bolts to loosen.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Tires
Risk. Tread separation and/or blow-outs while driving may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Power train: clutch assembly
Risk. If flange failure occurs, loose parts may fall into the clutch pressure plate assembly, resulting in clutch disengagement, thereby increasing the risk of a…
repaired · 2022 Q3
Axle: spindle
Risk. A missing or improperly installed locking snap ring can result in wheel-end failure and potentially a wheel-off/separation condition, increasing the risk of…
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.
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
2021 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
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia, and the recalls they led to.
- Automatic Emergency Braking ErrorsOpen
- Engine Electrical Wiring Harness ChafeNo recall
- Automatic Emergency Braking ErrorsNo recall
- SAM Cab Water IntrusionNo recall
In owners' words
What Cascadia owners report
Recent tires complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TIRE SIZE: 275/80 R22.5 MICHELIN ENERGY LINE Z Component that failed is drivers side steer front tire. The tire blew out and resulted in loss of vehicle control. This failure DID cause an accident putting others safety at risk. Both Freightliner Corp. and Michelin Tire Co. are aware of this…
TIRE SIZE: 275/80 R22.5 MICHELIN ENERGY LINE Z Component that failed is passenger side steer front tire. The outside edge decoupling groove/sidewall failed. Risks include potential tire blow resulting in loss of vehicle control. This failure could cause an accident putting others safety at risk.…
TIRE SIZE: 275/80 R22.5 MICHELIN ENERGY LINE Z Component that failed is the passenger steer front tire. The outside edge decoupling groove/sidewall failed. Risks include potential tire blow resulting in loss of vehicle control. This failure could cause an accident putting others safety at risk.…
Own a 2021 Cascadia?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.