2012 Freightliner Cascadia Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 24%of 17 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 398,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia, 24% of the 17 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 398,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2012 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that after stopping the vehicle, it was discovered that coolant leaked from the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was determined that the coolant reservoir had cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the surge tank had failed and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 398,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10924605, filed 2016-11, 398,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11020043, filed 2017-08“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11193880, filed 2019-04Related service bulletins
- 10163421Aug 7, 2019This service kit includes all necessary parts to replace the high pressure fuel rail feed lines, mounting bracket, P-clips and mounting hardware in the event one of these parts…
- 10154916Dec 31, 2018Service Information Bulletin- Exhaust Gas Recirculation Crossover Pipe
- 10154914Dec 31, 2018Service Information Bulletin- Oil Present at the Turbocharger Compressor Housing
- 10156468Nov 30, 2018Letter to customer on Coverage Extension GHG17 After Treatment
- 10153409Sep 18, 2017New Detroit Diesel Cylinder Liner Upper O-Ring Leak Test Standard Repair Time
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 6% |
| 2020 | 1 | 4% |
| 2019 | 3 | 10% |
| 2016 | 4 | 33% |
| 2015 | 1 | 6% |
| 2014 | 2 | 17% |
| 2012 | 4 | 24% |
| 2011 | 2 | 17% |
| 2010 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia
11 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology