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
2012 Freightliner Cascadia electrical problems
11 complaints (65% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 585,000.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 65%
- typical mileage
- 585,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 3
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Freightliner Cascadia electrical problems in other years
Related recalls
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Cascadia and Coronado vehicles manufactured between November 21, 2011, and April 3, 2013. In the affected vehicles, when the ignition is off and the door is opened without the parking brake applied, the dashboard does not display the correct message of "Park Brake Off Door Open."
- Risk
- Without the proper warning, a driver may not be reminded to apply the parking brake which may lead to a vehicle roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update then display software. The safety recall began on June 6, 2013. Owners may contact DTNA at 1‑800‑547‑0712. Daimler's recall campaign number is FL-642.
Recall number 13V127000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Freightliner Cascadia tractors manufactured from April 12, 1210, through March 2, 2013, and equipped with a SAMCAB software version 6.2. On vehicles configured to have the turn signals operate as Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and the 'Turn-Tip' turn signal function activated, the DRLs may not illuminate properly after using the 'Turn-Tip' function while driving.
- Risk
- Failure of the DRLs to illuminate reduces visibility to other drivers and increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- DTNA sent notification to owners on May 6, 2015, instructing them to contact their dealers and arrange to have the free SAMCAB software updated to correct the operation of the DRLs and "Turn Tip" feature. Owners may contact DTNA at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 13V099000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- Dtna is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 freightliner; cascadia, century class, columbia, and coronado, certain model year 2008-2009 sterling; a-line and l-line and certain model year 2009-2012 western star constellation vehicles, manufactured from january 14, 2008, through june 15, 2011, built with detroit diesel 15 or 16 engines. The bolt attaching a rubber isolator to a support bracket may become loose and back out, potentially contacting an un-fused starter cable and creating a short circuit.
- Risk
- A short circuit between an un-fused battery cable and chassis ground could result in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new bolt and isolator and repair the recreational vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on december 21, 2011. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 11V330000 · Recall details
Related investigations
SAM Cab Water Intrusion
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
RQ20001
PNDB Electrical Power Distribution
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 the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
PE18004
What 2012 Freightliner Cascadia owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Same cab, problem dash lights went off, lights outside flashing with vehicle moving at 70 MPH took it to dealer they replace cab same which cost me $2635.35 to repair defective part dangerous problem if happen at night time because head lights don't work I hope you people do something about it very dangerous problem tanks [xxx] from california. ('parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).')
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 freightliner cascadia. The contact stated that there was a burning odor that emitted through the vent and under the sleeper where there was a storage compartment. The contact noticed that the harness was burned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it diagnosed that the harness needed to be replaced to prevent an electrical shortage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 670,000. Updated 08/22/16*lj the consumer stated there was a recall for 2016 models for the same failure; therefore, this vehicle should be included in the recall. Updated 11/30/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 freightliner cascadia. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle failed to start intermittently and all the warning lights on the instrument cluster illuminated. The contact also noticed a burning odor coming from the driver's side air vent. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the sam chassis needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v127000 (electrical system) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 583.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 freightliner cascadia. The contact stated that once the turn signals were activated and shut off, they would continue to blink. The signals would blink five times when the lever was barely touched. In addition, the daytime running lamps burned out multiple times and were replaced. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v099000 (electrical system, exterior lighting); however, the part needed for the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 426,000.
Questions about the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia electrical
Does the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the electrical of the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia, 65% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2012 Freightliner Cascadia electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 585,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia electrical?
Yes, 3 recalls: 13V127000, 13V099000, 11V330000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
Other 2012 Freightliner Cascadia problems
Engine 4Lights 2Visibility 2Brakes 1Driver assistance 1Fuel system 1
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