2020 FREIGHTLINER Cascadia Problems & Complaints

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.

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

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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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).

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.

TIRE SIZE: 275/80 R22.5 MICHELIN ENERGY LINE Z Component that failed is passenger side steer front tire. The inside edge decoupling groove/sidewall failed. Risks include potential tire blow resulting in loss of vehicle control. This failure could cause an accident putting others safety at risk. Both Freightliner Corp. and Michelin Tire Co. are aware of this failure. No one has inspected the tire. I have the tire in my possession. There are/were no warning, messages or symptoms of this problem prior to. This truck was built with a 6X4X6 front air fairing. Mileage on tire at the time of failure was 68,686 miles. This truck is a test with Con Met Corp. and Freightliner Corp. New tires were installed at 474,452 miles along with heat sensors to monitor the heat temperature under the truck. At 526,168 miles I reported the passenger side, inside edge steer was starting to wear a decoupling groove. This was very slight. Tire was not changed. Pursuant to the Michelin Technical Bulletin of 1-2-2022 the tire was inspected every Monday when truck returns to our terminal. On July 13, 2022 the tire psi was checked to verify 110 psi as recommended by Michelin Corp. At 543,148 miles the tire failed. 2 new steer tires installed and the air fairings were removed as recommended by DTNA engineers. Side wall of tire shows excessive heat. Tire was close to blowing. Please review pictures.

TIRE SIZE: 275/80 R22.5 MICHELIN ENERGY LINE Z Component that failed is passenger side steer front tire. The inside edge decoupling groove/sidewall failed. Risks include potential tire blow resulting in loss of vehicle control. This failure could cause an accident putting others safety at risk. Both Freightliner Corp. and Michelin Tire Co. are aware of this failure. No one has inspected the tire. I have the tire in my possession. There are/were no warning, messages or symptoms of this problem prior to. This truck was built with a 4X4X4 front air fairing that was removed after this failure by the request of Freighliner Corp. Mileage on tire at the time of failure was 85,982 miles.

The contact owns a 2020 Freightliner Cascadia equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Ecopia M760, Tire Size: 295/75/R22.5, DOT Number: Y7BT3MJ3719. The contact stated while driving approximately 72 MPH, he looked in the rearview mirror and noticed the tire was shredded from the passenger’s side second axle inside. The tire had experienced a blowout. The contact drove safely to the side of the highway. The contact then drove a little further to an area to park the vehicle safely. The contact changed the tire himself and drove to an independent mechanic where the tire was replaced. The contact kept the blowout tire. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire was the original tire. The approximate failure mileage was 245,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE R284 TIRES, TIRE LINE: ECOPIA, TIRE SIZE: 295/75/R22.5, DOT NUMBER: 2572652. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT CAUSING THE DRIVER TO NEARLY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE LOCAL DEALER VELOCITY TRUCK CENTERS LOCATED AT 13800 VALLEY BLVD, FONTANA, CA 92335, (800)673-0500 WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.*DT*DT

I have experienced this issue a few times, and so have several acquaintances who drive the same make and model of truck as I do. Whenever it rains or I go through a truck wash, the starter shifter blocked comes on the screen while driving, causing the RPMs to fluctuate and resulting in a complete loss of power to the vehicle. One dealership informed me that this is a common problem, attributed to moisture seeping into a harness located near the transmission. Tried connecting the truck to a computer so see fault codes nothing comes up because it's a glitch and clears out. This situation poses a serious risk, as it could potentially lead to a fatal accident. With no proof of the malfunction.

The computer system that logs and keeps track of hours is not working properly. The wires are I guess are messed up. Is that dangerous? My hubby works at the Walmart dc and he said a girl slipped and got a bad spinal injury from the flooring not being non-skid.

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. *TR

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.

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.

Subject: Complaint Regarding Illegal Practices by Lemberg Group My name is [XXX] , and I am currently employed as a driver for Lemberg Group. I operate a white Freightliner Cascadia truck, unit number [XXX]. I am writing to formally report illegal practices being conducted by Lemberg Group that violate environmental regulations and federal transportation safety laws. These practices not only jeopardize public safety but also put drivers like myself in unsafe and unlawful situations. Company Information: •Company Name: Lemberg Group •USDOT Number: 2395323 •Address: 1051 E Main St, Suite 108, East Dundee, IL 60118 •Phone: (630) 626-0686 •Owner: Greg Shpak (Russian Name: Yegor Shpak) •Email: [email protected] Violations Reported: 1.Tampering with DEF Systems The company has intentionally disabled Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems on certain trucks through software manipulation, violating environmental laws under the Clean Air Act and contributing to harmful emissions. •Truck Details Without DEF Systems: •Freightliner Cascadia, Unit Number [XXX], white. •Freightliner Cascadia, Unit Number [XXX], white. License Plate: [XXX] VIN: [XXX] Year: 2020 I respectfully request that the relevant authorities investigate Lemberg Group’s practices and take the necessary enforcement actions to ensure compliance with safety and environmental laws. These violations are severe and pose significant risks to public safety and the environment. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

In this truck, and in other CMVs with down-facing exhaust, and with complete aerodynamic panels, exhaust gases are trapped under the body, and are circulated into the cab. Much worse when parked, but noticeable when driving. I can smell regen soot in the cab when moving at highway speed, meaning that exhaust is getting from the exhaust pipe to the cab interior. This vehicle VIN has this problem, but i have found it to be present in most other newer models of CMV, to varying degrees. The style of exhaust that ends above the roofline (vertical stacks) do not present this problem. This particular vehicle has no auxiliary power unit, so when idling is necessary, enough exhaust makes it in the cab to cause coughing. The down facing exhaust design, coupled with aerodynamic panels that trap and funnel exhaust gases to the interior of the cab, are a critical design flaw. CMV drivers are constantly breathing varying levels of exhaust gases, even when driving. I have thermal videos of exhaust, from a parked truck, moving from the tailpipe forward to under the hood. Every gas under the hood and sleeper body ends up in the cab and sleeper. As a test, fluorescent leak detecting liquid could be aerosolized into the exhaust stream near the end of the tailpipe, or outside the tailpipe near the exhaust pipe opening. After idlng for a while, and after driving with the leak detection liquid being sprayed, a black light could be used to show everywhere the gases go. Drivers cannot idle the trucks nor drive down the road without being firced to breathe exhaust for up to 20+ hours a day. These gases, including the burnt regen gases/soot, are bad for the worker's health, and can impair cognitive function. Also, this is a clear violation of DOT and EPA safety rules for CMVs. Since the DOT rules state that exhaust cannot be expelled under the hood or cab/sleeper, the exhaust is designed to come out a few inches behind the sleeper. The exhaust still comes into the cab.

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.

The contact owns a 2020 Freightliner Cascadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the low tire pressure alarm sounded at 120 PSI. The contact stated that there was an abnormal buzzing sound detected. The contact stated that the air pressure alert should engage at 60 PSI. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 400,000.

SHOW ABS NOT WORKING SERVICE REQUIRED ABS DETECTED INTERNAL PROBLEM,AND MAY NEED REPROGRAMMING OR REPLASEMENT STABILLY CONTROLS NOT WORKING SERVICE REQUIRED Error CODE 520247 31 ERROR CODE 1810

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.

AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATING WHEN IT SHOULD NOT BE. COMPANY SAYS TRUCK IS NOT SHOWING A BRAKING EVENT ON THEIR END EITHER THIS HAS HAPPENED ATOTAL OF 3 TIMES. THE TRUCKS LANE GUIDANCE SENSOR IS GOING OFF EVEN WHEN THERE'S NO LINE TO GUIDE IT AND THE TRACTION SENSOR COMES ON EVEN WHEN IT DOESN'T BREAK TRACTION. *TR

HAVE HAD SEVERAL FREIGHTLINERS FROM COLUMBIAS TO CASCADIAS, THEY ALL HAVE HAD ONE THING IN COMMON. THEY ALL LEAK WATER UNDER RAINY CONDITIONS. THE WINDSHIELD, THE DRIVER'S DOOR AS WELL AS THE DOOR ON THE SIDE OF THE AD SLEEPER. DOESN'T MATTER IF IN MOTION OR SETTING STILL IT LEAKS WATER. SAD PART IS I HAVE A 2020. THIS TRUCK WAS ALSO PURCHASED WITH AN ADVANCE WARNING SYSTEM THAT WILL SELF APPY THE BRAKES TO SLOW THE TRUCK DOWN. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCE OF GOING OVER A BRIDGE WHERE THE TRUCK WILL MOMENTARILY BRAKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME OR TO THE SIDE. THIS HAPPENS FOR A SPLIT SECOND BUT IS FUSTRATING. THE OTHER, AND MORE IMPORTANT ISSUE HAPPENED ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. A VEHICLE WAS IN FRONT OF ME WHEN THE DRIVER STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND USED HIS TURN SIGNAL WHEN BEGINING TO EXT THE HIGHWAY. I HEARD SEVERAL BEEPS ON THE DASH, THERE WAS AN AUDIBLE SOUND AND THE TRUCK WENT INTO A FULL EMERGENCY BRAKING CONDITION WHIHC INCLUDED THE TRAILER TOO. THE TRAILR STARTED TO FISHTAIL AND SKIDMARKS FROM THE TIRES. I TRIED TAPPING THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES BUT NOTHING CHANGED. THE TRUCK SLOWED TO 20MPH AND BRAKES RELEASED. THE TRUCK BEHIND ME PASSED ME ON SIDE WITH THE DRIVER GIVING ME THE BIRD. I HAD NO CONTROLL OVER WHAT HAPPENED!

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 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.