The contact, a mobile technician from All Fleet Inc Truck and Trailer Repair was contacted to provide roadside assistance for a 2025 Freightliner Cascadia that had a check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while driving. Upon arrival, the technician discovered a radiator leak. The radiator lines run along the back of the auxiliary power unit and the upper radiator hose was designed to lay on top of the electrical connector. The electrical connector rubbed a hole in the radiator line while driving, causing the leak. The technician removed the electrical connector from the bracket and secured it with a zip tie. The vehicle was then towed to the facility, where another technician replaced the radiator hose. The failure mileage was 225,546.
Freightliner Cascadia check engine light comes on
10 of the 254 owner complaints about the Freightliner Cascadia describe check engine light, most of them for the 2012 model year.
- owner complaints
- 10
- worst model year
- 2012
- typical mileage
- 585,000
By model year
- 20251
- 20231
- 20201
- 20161
- 20131
- 20122
- 20111
- 20101
- 20091
Often reported together
What owners say
Malfunction check engine lights on and show faults 520349. 14
The contact owns a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while her worker was driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine control module (ECM), engine, and an unknown fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 600,000.
I have had several issues on my new 2020 cascadia. The power steering box had an external leak which resulted in a steering whine. The dealer replaced the steering box with only 24,000 miles on the truck. I also had a road call involving a check engine and stop engine light which resulted in a replacement of a control unit and temperature sensor. I am still trying to get reimbursed for this repair since the truck is still under warranty. There has also been a def issue causing a loss of power
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
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 freightliner cascadia. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact coasted to the side of the road and the vehicle's computer was activated by roadside assistance. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the regeneration system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 414,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 freightliner cascadia. The contact stated that while in park, the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the stability control, check engine, fuel and oil pressure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 600,000.
I started traveling down the road and the speedometer dropped to 5 MPH, and stayed there for about 100 miles while I was on the way to take it to a shop. Before I made it to the shop it started working properly again. The company im leased on to informed me they are having this same issue with their cascadias also. The speedometer will just stop working for a little bit and then just start back again, it will also have a check engine light come on after about 40 miles.
It appears that a leak in the windshield has caused the computer/electronics to go haywire while driving in a rain storm. Wipers would stop working, engine shut down lights would come on and off, windshield washers just started shooting fluid onto the windshield, check engine light came on and didn't go off. Several other electrical components stopped working. The computer and fuse block was replaced. Prior to the major problems they tried to repair the leak 4 times. The 5th time they thought they found the leak in a marker light above the windshield however that may have been just another leak because the leak is still there after driving in a storm yesterday.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM)
- What is wrong
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2023 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, Business Class M2, Cascadia, 2023 Freightliner FCCC MC, MT45, S2C 106CAB, XCM, S2RV 106CAB, XCR, XCS, and 2023 Western Star 4700, 49X, and 47X vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) may experience an internal short-circuit, which can result in an unexpected engine shut down.
- Risk
- Unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Cummins will replace the ECM, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-949.
Recall number 22V554000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system
- What is wrong
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2022 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The exhaust pipe outlet may have been improperly installed with the tip facing towards the battery box mounted directly above the frame rail.
- Risk
- The exhaust heat may melt the battery box, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and rotate exhaust pipe tip as required. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 14, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA's customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-901.
Recall number 21V715000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles equipped with a Cummins X15 engine. The capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may have been improperly torqued, allowing the flywheel to detach.
- Risk
- A detached flywheel can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, driveline pieces may be ejected from the engine compartment, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- DTNA will work with the engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. to notify owners, and Cummins dealers will properly torque the capscrews and inspect for possible damage and, if necessary, repair any damage found, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-875.
Recall number 21V073000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel
- What is wrong
- Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Freightliner Cascadia, Coronado and 122SD, and Western Star 4900 trucks, equipped with Cummins ISX15 or X15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.
- Risk
- If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the affected nylon fuel line with a steel fuel line, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712 or Cummins customer service at 1‑800‑286‑6467. DTNA's number for this recall is FL789.
Recall number 18V581000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel
- What is wrong
- Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2017 Freightliner Cascadia, 122SD, Western Star 4900SA and 4900FA, and FCCC XCM and XCP trucks manufactured from March 14, 2016, through May 18, 2016, equipped with a Cummins ISX12 or ISX15 engine using certain engine control modules (ECM). These ECM's may experience an internal electrical short that can cause a fuse to blow, resulting in an unexpected engine stall without the ability to restart the engine.
- Risk
- An engine stall without the ability to restart the engine can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Cummins will notify owners, and Cummins dealers will install a new ECM, and correct ECM calibrations, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712, or Cummins customer service at 1‑800‑343‑7357. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-715.
Recall number 16V416000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
- What is wrong
- Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured March 27, 2015, to November 4, 2014, and powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). The affected vehicles have a tailpipe that allows hot exhaust to exit near the CNG tank pressure relief device (PRD).
- Risk
- Hot exhaust in close proximity to the PRD may cause the PDR to activate and CNG to be unexpectedly released from the tank. Discharge of CNG in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- All the vehicles involved in this recall campaign have been repaired. The recall is began on March 13, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-695.
Recall number 15V816000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2015 Freightliner 114SD, Cascadia, M2 Business Class, Sterling LT8500, and Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX vehicles manufactured February 19, 2008, through February 11, 2014, and equipped with Cummins Westport Model ISL G and Cummins Westport Model ISX12 G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.
- Risk
- The sensor malfunction could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.
- Remedy
- Cummins and Cummins Westport will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Customers may contact Daimler at 1‑800‑385‑4357 or Cummins Inc. at 1‑800‑343‑7357. Daimler's number for this recall is FL-660.
Recall number 14V080000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel
- What is wrong
- Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006-2013 freightliner, sterling, and western star vehicles, equipped with detroit diesel epa07 and epa10, dd13 and dd15/16 engines, manufactured from january 20, 2006, through february 20, 2012. The pump to rail high pressure fuel line support system used on these engines is sensitive to assembly torque and may be damaged during service work. As a result of other repairs, the line supports may loosen, potentially leading to fuel line cracking and a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak could create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Also a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dtna will notify owners, and where necessary, the high pressure fuel line support system will be replaced by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 27, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 12V074000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 freightliner, cascadia, century, columbia fld, and m2, sterling 9500, and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from march 20, 2006, through june 30, 2010, equipped with specific mbe4000 epa07 model engines. The intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail due to excessive internal temperatures.
- Risk
- A short circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.
- Remedy
- Dtna will notify owners of the recall during march 2011. Another notification will be issued once the remedy is released. Dtna expects the remedy to be available by december 1, 2011. Repairs will be performed by dtna dealers free of charge. Owners may contact dtna toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712. This recall is asscociated with a previous recall, campaign number 10v‑341.
Recall number 11V146000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 freightliner, fccc, sterling, and western star heavy trucks manufactured from september 5, 2006, through june 30, 2010, equipped with specific mbe900 epa04 and epa07 model engines. The intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail due to excessive internal temperatures.
- Risk
- A short circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.
- Remedy
- Daimler trucks will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. Repairs will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 29, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 10V341000 · Recall details
Questions about the Freightliner Cascadia check engine light
Why does the check engine light come on in the Freightliner Cascadia?
Owners who report it most often also describe windshield wiper failure, sudden loss of power and whining or grinding noise.
Which Freightliner Cascadia years have check engine light problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2012 (2 complaints), 2009 (1 complaints) and 2010 (1 complaints).
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