2009 Freightliner Cascadia

On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a recall query, RQ20001, to investigate the allegations of water intrusion into the truck cab signal-detect and activation module (SAM cab).The investigation further evaluated the effectiveness of the original recall remedy, and the installation of an updated drip shield as it relates to continual water intrusion resulting in the loss of electrical functions and potential fire.The potential hazard was the increased risk of a crash and injury in certain model year (MY) 2007-2021 Freightliner Cascadia P3 vehicles manufactured by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). ODI sent DTNA an information request (IR) letter on September 29, 2020.DTNA's November 20, 2020, IR response detailed how the company had implemented various improvements through recall 09V024 and multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) to mitigate water intrusion.The effectiveness of new windshield seals and revisions to the drip shield is evident by the downward trend in claims rate from an average high of 7.64% in the beginning product life of Cascadia P3 (MYs 2007-2009), to 1.79% average for MYs 2011-2018, and down to 0.49% towards the end of the Cascadia P3 production.Moreover, the data shows that most failures occurred within the first three years of service with a significant downward trend thereafter. In view of the current overall low failure rate, the nature of early-life failure, and failure rate trending downward since model year 2017, this Recall Query (RQ) is closed.  The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On April 23, 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) opened Audit Query (AQ18002) to assess the timeliness and scope of four recalls filed by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (“DTNA”). NHTSA subsequently expanded AQ18002 to examine the timeliness and scope of three additional DTNA recalls and compliance with early warning reporting and manufacturer communications reporting requirements. NHTSA and DTNA entered into a Consent Order on December 29, 2020, to resolve NHTSA’s assertions that certain recalls within the scope of AQ18002 were untimely, DTNA failed to timely submit certain manufacturer communications to NHTSA, and DTNA failed to submit field reports to NHTSA as required. As part of the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to a total civil penalty of thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), of which ten million dollars ($10,000,000) was paid on January 12, 2021. Also, of that total civil penalty, DTNA agreed to spend five million dollars ($5,000,000) on the specific performance obligations to develop advanced data analytics capabilities to enhance its ability to detect and study emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles (“Safety Data Analytics infrastructure”) and an advanced data analytics and reporting platform that integrates data on emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles and recall lessons learned (“Safety Communications Platform”). The Consent Order also held fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) of the civil penalty in abeyance pending DTNA’s satisfactory completion of the requirements of the Consent Order, and its compliance with the Safety Act, and regulations thereunder. NHTSA and DTNA agreed to a two-year term for the Consent Order—with an option for NHTSA to extend the Consent Order for an additional year, if warranted. In the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to numerous performance obligations, including monthly meetings with NHTSA to discuss potential safety issues, recent manufacturer communications, and recall decision-making, among other things; quarterly meetings with NHTSA to discuss DTNA’s progress on the performance obligations under the Consent Order, including the Safety Data Analytics infrastructure and Safety Communications Platform, and any issues related to compliance with the Consent Order, Safety Act, or regulations; development of written procedures and employee training materials to help DTNA comply with its legal obligations to timely identify and report safety defects and noncompliances, submit complete and accurate recall filings, and timely submit manufacturer communications and field reports to NHTSA; and identifying and reporting previously unreported manufacturer communications and field reports. Also, via the Consent Order, DTNA acknowledged that the failure or inability to identify a specific root cause, develop an adequate remedy or repair, or confirm the affected population of vehicles are not bases for delaying filing a recall with NHTSA. On December 22, 2022, NHTSA extended the Consent Order for a term of one year due to concerns about DTNA’s compliance with its recall-related obligations. Specifically, NHTSA expressed concerns about the completeness of DTNA’s recall reports and issues identified with owner notification letters during the term of the Consent Order, as well as the length of time that DTNA took to consider a straightforward noncompliance issue before filing a recall and DTNA’s interactions with NHTSA during the term of the Consent Order. NHTSA addressed these concerns with DTNA during the third year of the Consent Order. The extended term of the Consent Order expired on December 28, 2023. Based on the Consent Order, this investigation, AQ18002, is closed. Closure of this AQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order or DTNA’s ongoing legal obligations, and it does not represent a determination by NHTSA as to DTNA’s performance under the Consent Order.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles had allegedly experienced a fracture of one or more support brackets resulting in an unsecured air brake reservoir.This could result in a loss of air pressure necessary for proper service brake application and a potential road hazard if the reservoir separates from the vehicle in operation.By letter dated August 15, 2012, Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) has notified ODI that it has initiated a safety recall (identified by NTHSA Recall No. 12V-405 and DTNA Recall No. FL-631) to address a safety defect in approximately 1,663 model year (MY) 2009 through 2012 Freightliner 114SD, Business Class M2, Cascadia, Coronado, Sterling 9500 and Western Star 4700 trucks manufactured from July 7, 2008 through December 15, 2011, originally equipped with a specific perpendicular oriented air brake reservoir support bracket (P/N 12-22981-000).To date ODI is unaware of any bracket failures that resulted in a complete separation of the reservoir from the vehicle.Affected owners will be notified by DTNA beginning October 15, 2012 and affected vehicles will have the subject air brake reservoir support brackets replaced with a more robust bracket.Repairs will be performed by DTNA authorized service facilities.Copies of DTNA's reimbursement plan for pre-notification remedies will be submitted to ODI as a supplemental report when available.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

A CONSUMER COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE AGENCY ON AUGUST 22, 2009, BY AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR LEASING A 2009 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA.THE COMPLAINT ALLEGES THAT IN APRIL OF 2009 AT APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES HE EXPERIENCED A SEAL RUPTURE IN THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY.A NEW SEAL WAS INSTALLED AND AT 56,000 MILES HE FOUND HIS RIGHT STEER TIRE COMPLETELY BALD.THE REPAIR SHOP IDENTIFIED AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE RAPID WEAR OF THE TIRE.ODI HAS IDENTIFIED EWR FIELD REPORTS RELATED TO FAILED RACK AND PINIONS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE REPORTS IDENTIFY EITHER AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY THAT RESULTED IN CRASHES OR A LOOSENESS OF THE INNER TIE ROD END OF THE RACK AND PINION RESULTING IN A POOR ALIGNMENT AND PREMATURE TIRE WEAR.INFORMATION RECEIVED DURING THIS INVESTIGATION FROM FREIGHTLINER DETAILED FAILURES OF THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLIES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THESE FAILURES WERE THE RESULT OF THE LEFT HAND INNER TIE ROD END BECOMING LOOSE OVER TIME.WHEN THE TIE ROD BECOMES LOOSE, IT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY AND MAKE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STEER.FRIEGHTLINER HAS CONCLUDED THAT A DEFECT RELATED TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY DOES EXIST ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND HAS INITIATED A SAFETY RECALL (09V-357) THAT WILL REMEDY ALL OF THEM.THIS RECALL INVOLVES REMOVING THE TIE ROD AND ADDING A COMPOUND TO IT THAT WILL PREVENT THE TIE ROD FROM COMING LOOSE OVER TIME.A COPY OF THE RECALL IS ATTACHED.FREIGHTLINER'S ACTION RESOLVES THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION AND, THEREFORE, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED AT TRIAD FREIGHTLINER OF GREENSBORO (LOCATED AT 6420 BURNT POPLAR RD, GREENSBORO, NC 27409, (336) 668-0911), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED BECAUSE THE SIGNAL ACQUISITION MODULE GOT WET AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V127000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,011,997. *DT *TR

NHTSA ID

11191455

Incident

Mar 23, 2019

Mileage

1,011,997 mi

FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA 2009 STERING RACK AND PINION PROBLEM. FREIGHTLINER DEALER A REDY FIXED TWICE, AND AGAIN START THE PROBLEM,THAT'S MEANS HAVE TO BE HAVE A REPLAYS AGAIN,JUST DELETE COMPANY CLOSE THE RECALL. DRIVING WITH THIS PROBLEM IS VERY DENGER SPECIALY IN WORK ZONE WITH NOT EVEN LANE.I DO SPENT A LOT MONEY FOR ALIGNMENT AND OTHER PARTS . THIS HAVE TO BE A LAW FOR RECALL. IF PROBLEM STILL COMING AGAIN AND AGAIN DEALER HAVE TO THE FIX.

NHTSA ID

10893625

Incident

Sep 9, 2015

STEERING COLUMN IS A PROBLEM. TRUCK DO NOT STAY IN THE ROAD STREIGHT.FOR MEN TIMES IN THE SHOP AND COUPLE ALIGNMENT, TRUCK HAS PROBLEM. VERY DENGER TO DRIVE. ELECTRICAL MIRRORS HEATED PROBLEM. WIRE AND EVERYTHING ELSE IT'S OK JUST NO POWER GO TO SWITCH. ELECTRIC CAN'T FIGEROUT WHAT'S IS HAPPENING.

NHTSA ID

10853400

Incident

Sep 10, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RIGHT TURN WAS ACTIVATED AND FAILED TO DEACTIVATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SIGNAL LIGHT WOULD BE COME INOPERABLE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SAM CAB FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT.THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V127000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

10780487

Incident

Jan 14, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE TO MAKE THE TURN AND THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS CORRODED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 11V514000 (STEERING) AND 09V357000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 307,000.

NHTSA ID

10775385

Incident

Aug 23, 2015

Mileage

307,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA TRACTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THE RACK AND PINION DETERIORATED AND FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 11V514000 (STEERING) AND 09V357000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN LESS THAN THIRTY DAYS. WHEN DRIVING OVER 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSIS. THE TWO RECALL REPAIRS DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 03-11-15 *BF UPDATED 9/21/2017*CN

NHTSA ID

10683154

Incident

Jul 15, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TIE ROD END HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 09V357000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 488,541.

NHTSA ID

10573243

Incident

Feb 28, 2014

Mileage

488,541 mi

THIS IS A FOLLOW-ON TO NHTSA COMPLAINT # 10525935 WHICH YOU CAN READ IN THE RECORD.......SINCE MAKING THAT FILING EVERY ENTITY CONNECTED WITH THIS COMPLAINT HAS EITHER DENIED RESPONSIBILITY OR IGNORED RESPONSE TO FINANCIAL CLAIMS. THE MANUFACTURER, THROUGH CORPORATE COUNCIL HAVE DENIED RESPONSIBILITY AS "THERE WAS NO INVESTIGATION" CONDUCTED. IN FACT THE MANUFACTURER CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION IN EARLY 2013 AT THE SITE WHERE THE REMAINS OF THE TRACTOR ARE STORED. THEY DID THIS WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR WHO REPORTED THAT DURING THIS INVESTIGATION HE NOTED RETAINING BOLTS MISSING ON THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM. MANUFACTURER CORPORATE COUNCIL ALSO CLAIMED THAT SINCE LESSER LEASING COMPANY PRESENTED THE VEHICLE FOR RE-LEASE WITHOUT DISCLOSING THAT IT HAD BEEN IN A COLLISION OUTBOARD OF THE FUELS CONTROL COMPONENTS (MANUFACTURER CLAIMED) THAT "THE PROBLEM IN SUCH INSTANCES WERE ALWAYS RELATED TO UNREPORTED COLLISIONS ". IN OTHER WORDS "NOT OUR PROBLEM". THE LEASING COMPANY MADE TOKEN PAYMENT ON THE CLAIMS MADE; SOUGHT AND RECEIVED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLES FROM THE FREIGHTLINER DEALER WHO SOLD THE VEHICLE AND TRANSFERRED THOSE PAYMENTS TO THE LEASEHOLDER WITH AN EMPTY "CALL US IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH OUR INSURANCE COMPANY (THEY ARE SELF INSURED) . INSURER HAS SINCE DECLINED RESPONSE TO LEASEHOLDER CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THEIR INSURANCE CARRIER/PROCESSOR SAYING THAT THERE WAS NO COVERAGE FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY. THIS, IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE CLAIMS WERE NOT FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY BUT FOR LOST REVENUE AND REPLACEMENT COSTS. THE POINT HERE IS NOT TO ATTEMPT TO HAVE NHTSA CONDUCT DISCOVERY BUT, IN THE SITUATION WHERE MANUFACTURER IS CLAIMING THAT NO INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED, AND THAT THEY HAD CONDUCTED SAME, THAT NHTSA HAS EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO DO THE SAME JUST A MANUFACTURER DID THEMSELVES THIS YEAR. *TR

NHTSA ID

10546854

Incident

Oct 16, 2011

Revised Freightliner Service Bulletin for ParkSmart Eberspaecher Auxiliary Heater Service. This bulletin replaces the version dated May 2015. The note in General Information has been revised to include New Cascadia. Espar information has been changed to reflect a company name change to Eberspaecher.

Revised Freightliner Service Bulletin for Hood-Mounted Splash Shield Rivet Replacement. Minor note: added an update of document previously submitted. The related VMRS codes are added

End of Production for the Freightliner P3 Cascadia Sales Cabs. Due to low production volumes, DTNA will be discontinuing the production of the Freightliner Cascadia P3 Sales Cabs.

Warranty Information letter announcing that DTNA is increasing the Standard Diagnostic Times (SDTs) shown. The updated after treatment system (ATS) diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) pump times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after April 12, 2021.

Warranty Information Letter announcing DTNA is adjusting the Standard Repair Times (SRTs) shown. The updated times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after April 5, 2021.

Warranty Information Letter for Detroit New Service Replacement Engine SRT Update. While validating Standard Repair Times (SRTs) for Detroit's new Gen 5 engine series, DTNA discovered an error in a pre-Gen 5 SRT for the New Service Replacement Engine Program. As a result, DTNA re-studied the SRT and concluded that time for removing/re-installing multiple components (e.g., exhaust manifold/turbo, engine sensor harness, rocker arm assemblies, etc.) should not be included.