2022 Freightliner Cascadia

On May 26, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23010) to assess reports of false positive activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2017-2022 Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) vehicles. The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. DTNA indicated that it received of a total of 315 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2017-2022 DTNA vehicles. DTNA stated that the vast majority of false positive activation of the subject systems occur in very limited durations and result in a five mile per hour deceleration. ODI considered four AEB systems offered by DTNA: Detroit Assurance 2.0, Detroit Assurance 4.0, Detroit Assurance 5.0, and Wabco OnGuard.  ODI’s analysis shows that of the Detroit Assurance versions, all are failing at similar rates. The OnGuard AEB systems equipped on the same model and model year vehicles have experienced a significantly lower claim rate. To date, ODI has received a total of 32 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of AEB in MY 2017-2022 DTNA vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 347 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include 24 reports involving a crash, 13 reports involving an alleged injury and one report with a fatality. PE23010 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2017-2022 DTNA vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On May 26, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23010) to assess reports of false positive activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2017-2022 Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) vehicles. The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in unexpected and sudden vehicle deceleration. ODI sent an information request letter to DTNA on June 15, 2023.In its September 1, 2023, response, DTNA indicated that it received of a total of 315 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2017-2022 DTNA vehicles. DTNA stated that the vast majority of false positive activation of the subject systems occur for very limited durations and result in a five mile per hour deceleration. ODI considered four AEB systems offered by DTNA: Detroit Assurance 2.0, Detroit Assurance 4.0, Detroit Assurance 5.0, and Wabco OnGuard. ODI’s analysis shows that of the Detroit Assurance versions, all fail at similar rates. The Wabco OnGuard AEB systems equipped on the same model and model year vehicles have experienced a significantly lower claim rate. To date, ODI has received a total of 32 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of AEB in MY 2017-2022 DTNA vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 347 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Number) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include 24 involving a crash, 13 reports involving an alleged injury and one report with a fatality. PE23010 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA25006) to further assess the scope, frequency, and nature of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2017-2022 Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star 5700 vehicles.In particular, this EA will assess the safety consequences likely to arise in the scenarios during which the AEB inadvertently and unexpectedly activates, such as the speeds and conditions during which the activation occurs. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

The contact's former employer owns a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia Commercial vehicle. The contact stated that while a company's technician was performing a preventative maintenance service on the vehicle, an exhaust leak was discovered; however, the technician informed the contact that the vehicle was safe to drive. While driving 65 MPH, the contact fell asleep, causing the vehicle to drift into the median. Another driver approached the vehicle and sounded the horn, waking the contact, who then pulled over to the side of the road. The contact reported the incident to a manager, who suspected potential carbon monoxide poisoning and advised the contact to seek medical attention; however, a senior manager instructed the contact's manager that the contact had to complete the delivery services or resign. The contact received medical treatment from a neurologist and a pulmonologist. The neurologist informed the contact that he sustained acute dementia because of the carbon monoxide inhalation. The contact also experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a fear of driving, and the contact was receiving Social Security Disability assistance. The contact associated the failure with Daimler Trucks North America Emission Recall Campaign Number: FL922, which was previously performed on the vehicle. A second technician inspected the vehicle, confirmed the exhaust leak, and informed the contact that it posed a life-threatening risk. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied responsibility. The failure mileage was approximately 128,113.

NHTSA ID

11759444

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

Mileage

128,113 mi

Premature failure of TPMS sensors in 3 tires. Battery alert on them. Only 23,000 miles on vehicle

NHTSA ID

11715921

Incident

Feb 5, 2026

ABS system is shutting causing all safety systems to shut down including cruise control. Freightliner is overlaying the harness for abs sensors at the owners expense. There should be a recall for them to fix this issue. They are very aware of what's going on and are doing nothing to fix the issue.

NHTSA ID

11631506

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

Illegal communication device on and inside truck harss and stalk driver across state lines divert driver attention while driving

NHTSA ID

11631164

Incident

Dec 17, 2024

The flex flang behind the turbocharger has broken off. This lets the hot exhaust gases blow directly onto the underside of the cab and onto electrical wires. And other parts of the truck

NHTSA ID

11622158

Incident

Oct 27, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V817000 (Service Brakes, Air, Forward Collision Avoidance) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the Axiomatic Braking System independently activated. The failure had occurred approximately 15 times and occurred intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that it was a known issue. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 115,629. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11550118

Incident

Nov 16, 2021

Mileage

115,629 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated while reversing at 10 MPH, the brake caliper seized and the two front driver’s side inside tires exploded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with front brake modulator failure. The contact was informed that the front brake modulator valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that she had contacted the dealer and the manufacturer about the failure and was informed by the manufacturer that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V817000 (Service Brakes, Air, Forward Collision Avoidance) however, the dealer would not honor the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 201,285.

NHTSA ID

11532293

Incident

Feb 14, 2023

Mileage

201,285 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the service brakes were applied without input from the driver. The Forward Collision-Avoidance warning light was illuminated. There was no object in the roadway to activate the feature. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE23010 (Forward Collision Avoidance). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

NHTSA ID

11529518

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

Mileage

148,000 mi

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