2012 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.

On April 23, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-004) to investigate certain alleged defects affecting the Powernet Distribution Box (PNDB) and associated wiring on certain model year (MY) 2011-2016 Freightliner Cascadia (P3 platform) truck tractors that may result in disruption or loss of electrical power to the PNDB itself and other electrical circuits, thermal events, and/or vehicle fires.On May 7, 2018, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA). On June 19, 2018, ODI received an IR response from DTNA that included vehicle production, consumer complaint, field report, warranty, manufacturer actions, changes and other data related to the alleged defects. On April 8, 2019, ODI received a supplemental IR response from DTNA that included their assessment of the alleged defects. Furthermore, ODI engaged in discussions with the manufacturer about the alleged defects on multiple occasions during the course of this investigation. ODI analysis of all available data indicates there is not an apparent defect trend. The most recent field report data reviewed was from 2017Q1 and the most recent complaint data was received by ODI in 2019Q1. The complaint rate is low. Most warranty claims occurred early in the vehicles' service life, and with the newest of the subject vehicles being over four years old, they are all now beyond that point. The warranty claim rates for loose input or output terminals (0.16%), loose fuses (0.25%), PNDB power (B+) supply cable corrosion or improper PNDB power (B+) supply cable routing and/ or securement (0.00%) are all low.The most serious consequence in the warranty claim data alleged engine shutoff with a vehicle in motion. While some vehicles did experience a loss of electrical power resulting in loss of motive power with no immediate restart capability, the bulk of the warranty claims were for vehicles equipped with an optional cab power disconnect switch solenoid with an automatic reset feature that may exhibit a brief, intermittent loss of power. If the input and output voltages differ by an unacceptable amount, potentially due to foreign object debris or corrosion on the solenoid's contacts, the PNDB senses the difference and enters an auto-reset mode in an attempt to correct the condition. The internal contacts open for one second, stopping the flow of electricity, and then close, restoring the flow for two seconds. This cycle is repeated for up to five times; after a maximum of thirteen seconds, the PNDB defaults to the on position and electrical power is restored. This condition exhibits a transient loss of power but it does not cause any permanent engine disablement. As a precaution, the solenoid-equipped PNDB part was modified in August 2017 to eliminate the auto-reset feature. Since 2010, there has been only 1 report of vehicle fire and zero reports of crash, injury or death. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

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.

I,M A DRIVER WITH A CDL DRIVER LICENSE ,IN THE DATE OF CRASH I'M WORKING FOR THIS COMPANY HUL,MC 101946,US DOT 3145531,THE PERSON WHO GIVE ME THIS JOB SAY HE IS THE OWNER AND HE HAVE AN ACTIVE INSURANCE FOR THE VEHICLE,WHEN THE DATE OF THE CRASH ,HE NEVER SAY TO ME THE VEHICLE HAVE SOME PROBLEM WITH BRAKES,THEN THAT HAPPENED,NOW MY DRIVER LICENSE IS SUSPENDED FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT I'M NOT THE OWNER AND I TRY TO CONTACT HIM SEVERAL TIMES AND HE NEVER ANSWER IN FACT HE OWN ME THE JOB ,AND THE INJURIES ,IM SENT MY INSURANCE ALREADY TO THE FLHSMV,BUT STILL SUSPENDED IS MY WAY TO LIVE MY JOB DEPEND OF MY DRIVER LICENSE .

NHTSA ID

11309638

Incident

Oct 20, 2019

STORAGE ADRESS 979 LINDBERG LN PETALUMA CA

NHTSA ID

11297153

Incident

Dec 26, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HAZARD LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NOT WORK, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOU BROCHORDT FREIGHTLINER (2840 CENTER PORT CIR #102, POMPANO BEACH, FL 33064, (954) 545-1000), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 662,371. *TT *TR

NHTSA ID

11241759

Incident

Aug 5, 2019

Mileage

662,371 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, FLAMES SUDDENLY APPEARED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED WATER TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED 12 MPH LESS THAN THE ACTUAL SPEED TRAVELED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A COMPUTER FAILURE. ALSO, THERE WAS AN ENGINE WATER PUMP LEAK THAT PRODUCED WHITE SMOKE. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE GASKET IN THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THERE WERE AIR LEAKS IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE VEHICLE STALLED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 650,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11193880

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

Mileage

650,000 mi

SIGNAL DETECTION AND ACTIVATION MODULE (SAM) VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ,I DROPED MY TRL IN A DOC DOOR AT AMAZON, THEN I DROVE ABOUT A THOUSAND FEET TO PARK MY TRACTOR IN THE DESIGNATED AREA, AFTER PARKING I CUT THE TRUCK OFF AND AFTER ABOUT 10 MIN I STARTED IT UP THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE LITES ON DASHBOARD STARTED BLINKING OFF AND ON MY HEADLITES CAME ON AND MARKER LITES STARTED BLINKING WITHOUT EVER TURNING THEM ON. MY MECHNAIC DID EXTENSIVE SCANNING AND TESTING OF THE ACTIVE FAULT CODES THAT CAME UP (RESULTS ENCLOSED)

NHTSA ID

11130344

Incident

Sep 17, 2018

Mileage

543,546 mi

CASCADIA 2012 CONSTANTLY IN AND OUT OF SHOP EVERY SINGLE WEEK SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK. NOT EVEN 5 MONTHS YET AND ITS BEEN IN THE SHOP AND DEALER EVERY WEEK OR OTHER WEEK WITH THE SAME PROBLEM EVERY SINGLE TIME. REGEN DPF IS NOT COMPLETING AND EVERYTIME I GO TO DEALER THEY CHANGE ONE BOX AGAIN STILL PROBLEM. DEALER CHARGES EVERYTIME WHICH DOESN'T MAKE SENSE BECAUSE THIS IS MANUFACTURES PROBLEM AND I ALWAYS HAVE TO PAY FOR IT.

NHTSA ID

11074391

Incident

Feb 20, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PREMATURE FAILURE WITH THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY CAMPBELL FREIGHTLINER (1015 CRANBURY SOUTH RIVER RD, MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ 08831, (732) 287-1500) AND THE DPF UNIT WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY MORE THAN ONE MECHANIC AT THE DEALER, BUT THERE WAS NO SOLUTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT SOLUTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11074278

Incident

Aug 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE AND VARIOUS OTHER WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DEF ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 585,000.

NHTSA ID

11020043

Incident

Dec 28, 2015

Mileage

585,000 mi

Important Campaign Information Letter for DDC D21M1 Termination Date Extended. This letter is to inform you that a revised bulletin for Detroit Diesel Field Service Campaign D21M1, DT12 Transmission Drive Shaft Cover Plug Reseal has been EXTENDED for an additional three months. Please use the extended termination date for all work under D21M1 from this point forward. REVISION: D21M1 termination date extended to July 1, 2022.

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

Revised Freightliner Service Bulletin for Braces for Cascadia Cab-Mounted Splash Shields. Minor note: added an update of document previously submitted. The related VMRS codes are added

Revised Freightliner Service Bulletin for Insulating Pad for Solid Cast-Aluminum Rear Hood Support. 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.