While driving on the highway on cruise at 70mph the right front brakes locked up. The day was clear. I was driving across a bridge. The truck pulled to the right and I fought to pull it back on to the road. My company has the incident on camera. I was pulling a loaded tanker. Had the pavement been wet or snowy I could have easily jack knifed. If a vehicle would have been next to me I would have struck them. The vehicle was inspected by our mechanic and was told the system was within specs. The truck has also hard braked and pulled to the right when vehicles in the lane next to it are turning.
2020 Freightliner Cascadia driver assistance problems
11 complaints (42% of all complaints for this car). 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 42%
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Automatic emergency braking9
- Warnings6
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 driver assistance problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Freightliner Cascadia driver assistance
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electronic stability control (ESC)
- What is wrong
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain short wheelbase 2020-2024 Freightliner Cascadia, 2021-2024 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 2022 Western Star 4700, and 2020 Freightliner Classic Cascadia vehicles. The vehicle is equipped with an electronic stability control system and tire combination that may understeer during a J-turn. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 136, "Electronic Stability Control Systems on Heavy Vehicles."
- Risk
- Understeering during a J-turn may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- DTNA will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL971.
Recall number 23V299000 · Recall details
Electronic stability control (ESC)
- What is wrong
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Freightliner Cascadia, 2020-2023 Western Star 49X, 2021-2023 Western Star 47X, and 2022 Freightliner 114SD vehicles. The brake modulator valves on the front axle may corrode and cause the vehicle to pull to the affected side during braking initiated by Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Roll Stability Control (RSC).
- Risk
- Brakes that pull to one side may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake modulator valves, as necessary. Some vehicles will have a software update which will alert driver when a replacement is required. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 13, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL966.
Recall number 23V073000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Automatic Emergency Braking Errors
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. ODIâs 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
EA25006
Automatic Emergency Braking Errors
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. ODIâs 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
PE23010
What 2020 Freightliner Cascadia owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
A collision avoidance system (CAS), also known as a pre-crash system, forward collision warning system (FCW), or collision mitigation system, is an advanced driver-assistance system designed to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. System applied brakes bringing our Unit to a complete stop traveling 55 MPH on an Interstate while making a lane change, Because of this our Unit was rear-ended by another CMV, On board cameras video on both V1 and V2 clearly show incident. A print out of the DDEC shows code for braking system control at exact time of incident. In our fleet we have the same 2020 Freightliner Cascadia with this system and in trying to maintain the safety of our drivers and equipment no to mention our Insurance cost and CSA scores, This is a major issue as you can see on the Web the many cases and stories of these same incidents happening. Direction is needed Thank You
Semi was traveling on the highway and transporting a 48,000 pound steel coil. The steel coil was secured with 4 chains. The automatic emergency braking system engaged with nothing in front of the vehicle, causing it to suddenly come to a dead stop in traffic. This caused the steel coil to break free of its bounds, crash through the trailer and into the vehicle cab, trapping the driver.
Ascending Tehachapi Pass CA Hwy 58 Eastbound in the left lane grossing 45,000lbs and traveling at 55mph with cruise control ON. I was passing another slower moving truck(~35-40mph). Before I came along the other vehicle the highway curved to the left. The Collision Aviodance System(CAS) didn't alarm, however the cruise control cut power and Automatic Emergency Braking(AEB) hardbraked my truck reducing the speed from 55mph to 40-45mph. This was sudden and unexpected. Once I determined the issue, I applied throttle overriding the AEB/CAS. However my forward momentum was lost and accelerating uphill was slow. It was midday and clear skies. No one was following me fortunately, but sudden and unexpected braking could have had a vehicle tailing too closely(It was an uphill grade with a speed limit of 65 mph for POV) rear-end my trailer(48 foot stepdeck trailer). Please explain to me how CAS/AEB are safety systems for a CMV?!? This is the 4th report I have filed with the federal safety agency about the same Freightliner Cascadia tractor. According to the vehicle operating Manual that this occurrence of unexplained and unwarranted braking is a "feature" of this "safety system". Meaning that the CAS/AEB was functioning as designed(A flawed designed in my professional opinion). I have been contacted by the federal safety agency about previous filed report about an ongoing investigation with the manufacturer. What action is this agency going to take? Will there be an investigation when the system performs as designed causing an avoidable accident, injury, or death? Will I be a defendant, witness, or victim? Sincerely, [XXX] Junction City, Oregon INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
On Off ramp I-40 W Segliman, AZ there was a cattle guard 10 feet before Stop sign. I was braking for Stop Sign. AEB(aka CAS Collision Aviodance System) detected the cattle guard grate as obstruction, not something flat of the pavement, and apply maximum braking(Note: I was already braking). It had been snowing that night thou at this location the road was dry. Unnecessary panic braking by automated system can cause lose of control of vehicles on wet and icy surfaces. How is it safe for the AEB/CAS system to over ride the operator's action? Doesn't the CDL driver who is a trained and licensed professional have the ability to identify and take appropriate action, in this case a cattle guard grate wasn't a safety concern, whether to brake or avoid the obstacle? I have had numerous instances that I have and haven't reported to the federal safety agency of the deficiencies of the AEB/CAS falsely reading the conditions and taking the incorrect action. Sincerely, [XXX] AX Transportation INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Multiple safety issues with truck #1 When driving & using cruise control (CC) at 60 mph & truck is at that speed (60 mph) truck is moving from top speed to E coast mode. Immediately RPM is down (from 1250 to 600) & steering wheel is much harder b/c reduced power from engine . Response time for driver to avoid potential hazardous situations on the road (i.e. animals, rocks, trees, etc.) is longer & not safe #2 This problem is related to when truck is in regen. In driving, and when truck is doing regen (visible on the dash: high temp light/ icon). CC set to (60 mph) when truck is at that speed (60 mph) truck goes to E coast mode. RPM is going down to 600 RPM which is not adequate engine speed to finish regen. With regen interrupted there is a lot of white smoke under the truck and red light for engine shut down is on the dash. There is 30 seconds time to override shut down but at the same time the driver needs to safely park the truck on the shoulder, on a busy highway, with reduced power and steering wheel (600 RPM or no power at all because engine shut down). With high DPF temperature,there is potential for fire (truck,grass,trees ). I am told engine shut down was caused by interrupted regen process. #3 Collision warning is coming with no reason, and can activate active brake, at high speed. Radar malfunction (snow, ice in the front)can cause malfunction to adaptive cruise control, active brake assist, & malfunction other safety features. Combination of malfunction (radar, active break assist, collision warning, IPM [intelligent powertrain management], engine break not engaging) can cause dangerous acceleration for heavy loaded truck. I contacted DTNA (Daimler Truck North America) in regard to these issues & am told in order to solve these issues the truck should be inspected where mechanics and programmers are involved. At the same time I spoke with the company I work for about safety issues with those trucks. You can contact me for further information.
CAS actived with a Collision Warning and applied hard braking for about 1/2 second for a vehicle that stopped in a paved turnout. The stopped vehicle was not in the travel lane. There was a slight left curve and I could see the stopped vehicle. I thought the CAS May trip because I had experience FALSE Collision Warnings many times in the 88,000 miles I have driving this truck. Before the CAS Collison Warning alerted, I was not in cruise control and was accelerating with the throttle. As stated before the CAS applied hard braking for 1/2 second. I have read the Driver’s Manual about the Driver Assist, Active Braking Assist(CAS) Section 5. On page 5.6 Table 5.2 is says that the above situation can trigger Collision Warning and braking. This may be so, however this has on numerous occasions FALSE Warnings, applied partial braking, and 3 times emergency braking for vehicles that were not traveling in my lane. Earlier this year, Freightliner had a road service mechanic in my company yard to verify that current software and working Driver Assistance Systems on our fleet of trucks. Mechanic determined that this truck was up to date and no recalibration was required. I’m very concerned that the CAS will activate in poor weather conditions, causing a lost of control of the vehicle OR I maybe rear ended by a following vehicle when there is no reason for my vehicle to be stopping. I cannot have the CAS deactivated because it would violate manufacturer, company, and insurance policies.
Wednesday 13 July, 2022 6:45pm PDT. Location US395 Lakeview, OR. Collision Avoidance System(CAS) applied maximum AEB braking for a false detection of obstruction in my travel lane. I was following a pickup and horse trailer at about 45mph. The pickup signaled a left turn and slowed. I applied minimum braking. The pickup and trailer turned clearing my travel lane(the tail end of the trailer was in the opposing lane). At this moment the CAS detected a collision warning(I was still applying some braking) and the AEB slammed on the brakes for about half second then canceled. The CAS has falsely detects numerous incidents a day for the 7 months I have driven this truck. The above incident has been the most severe. Other false incidents range from warning(without braking), cutting power to engine, to applying some amount of braking. At NO TIME during this period did the CAS detected a true obstruction. Manufacturer has checked that truck's system software is current and properly calibrated.
The contact state that the Detroit Assurance Safety System radar failed. When the contact drove a Freightliner Cascadia at 65 to 68mph south on the New York state freeway howling two 48-foot trailers. The contact stated that the Detroit Assurance Safety System detected an object and locked the brake and steering pushed the tractor and trailers abruptly swing to the right causing the trailers Tai to whiplash. The contact was able to keep the unit from crashing into the guard rail and tipping over. The contact was able to press the camera button and the red light went off. The contact doesn’t remember the Freight liner Cascadia year truck he was driving the truck was put out of service. The contact also wanted to state that the Detroit Assurance Safety System radar failure occurred twice.
I drive a 2020 freightliner cascadia equipped with the meritor wabco on guard collision mitigation system. This system routinely signals an impending collision and applies the brakes, sometimes in a very aggressive way, for no reason whatsoever. It happens at least once every single day. The system takes complete control of the vehicle braking system and there is no way for the driver to stop the hard application of the brakes. I have complained to my local dealership about this problem and have been told that all on guard cms systems do this occasionally. I believe this system is unsafe and meritor wabco should be compelled to fix this issue.
Questions about the 2020 Freightliner Cascadia driver assistance
Does the 2020 Freightliner Cascadia have driver assistance problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the driver assistance of the 2020 Freightliner Cascadia, 42% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2020 Freightliner Cascadia driver assistance problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Freightliner Cascadia driver assistance?
Yes, 2 recalls: 23V299000, 23V073000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Freightliner Cascadia have the most driver assistance problems?
The Freightliner Cascadia model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2019 (11 complaints) and 2020 (11 complaints).
Other 2020 Freightliner Cascadia problems
Brakes 7Electrical 5Tires 5Acceleration 2Engine 2Steering 2Body 1Fuel system 1
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