Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Freightliner Cascadias due to a corroded modulator valve that may cause brake pull, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The single brake modulator valve may be affected by chemical corrosion, which can slow down the release timing and cause the brakes to pull to the affected side during automatic braking events. According to NHTSA, 164,317 units may be affected.
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will perform repairs free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided the repair procedures. The recall is expected to begin Aug. 30, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712.
In May 2019, DTNA received a report of a vehicle pulling to the right due to an unknown cause during a brake event. Upon repairing the vehicle, DTNA was able to isolate the failure to the right single modulator valve. DTNA notified the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of an ongoing investigation relating to brake pull during an active brake request.
In November 2019, DTNA shared an update of the ongoing investigation with NHTSA ODI. While the investigation continued, the modulator valves in production vehicles were spaced away from the frame rails to potentially reduce opportunity of corrosion. In January 2020, DTNA provided a status update to NHTSA ODI on testing to understand detectability and severity. DTNA continued corrosion testing and analysis.
