2020 Freightliner Cascadia: adaptive cruise control problems

Filed May 18, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NV

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).

Filed Feb 6, 2023 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · WA

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.

Filed Sep 22, 2022 · Driver assistance · OR

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.

Filed Jun 20, 2020 · Electrical · 20 miles · CA

When my truck driving on the high way with 70 miles per hour. The clutch fan kick in - cruise control automatically cancel - gear in and out. Rpm rose up and down fast from idle to the current speed. It brought to dealer twice but they said my truck is running fine. There is no light come on. 1st time took to dealer at 54000 mile, 2nd at 63000. Now it is 70,000 miles.

Filed Apr 4, 2019 · Acceleration, Electrical · 4,766 miles · ID

Tl* the contact owns a 2020 freightliner cascadia. While driving with the cruise control engaged, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated. Also, the crash warning icon illuminated although there was no object in front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to penske truck rental (1405 glendale ave, sparks, nv 89431, (775) 359-6226) to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failures could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 4,766. Contact also alleged loss of power steering assist when turning left at a lower speed that required additional steering effort.