Recall 13V099 affects 52,376 2012-2014 Freightliner Cascadia tractors for DRL software failures. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 52,376 2012-2014 Cascadia tractors because the daytime running lights do not illuminate properly after the Turn-Tip turn signal function is used while driving. Reduced daytime running light visibility makes the truck harder for other drivers to see and increases crash risk; the Freightliner dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2012-2014 Freightliner Cascadia uses SAMCAB software in the cab electrical system to control certain exterior lighting functions. On tractors set up with the turn signals acting as Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), that software is supposed to keep the front turn signal lamps lit as DRLs while the truck is being driven. The same system also handles the Turn-Tip signal feature, which sends a short turn-signal command from a brief input at the stalk.
On affected Cascadia tractors, the lighting logic does not restore the DRLs properly after the driver uses Turn-Tip while driving. The turn signal function works for the lane-change command, then the DRLs fail to illuminate as intended. That leaves the truck without the daytime front-light function it was configured to use.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver is unlikely to see the missing DRL from the cab, so the issue is most likely found during inspection or by someone outside the truck.
Who's affected?
Covers 3 Cascadia model years, with electrical system software and exterior lighting listed for each year.
| 2013 Freightliner Cascadia | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2013 Freightliner Cascadia | Exterior lighting |
| 2014 Freightliner Cascadia | electrical system software |
| 2014 Freightliner Cascadia | Exterior lighting |
| 2012 Freightliner Cascadia | electrical system software |
| 2012 Freightliner Cascadia | Exterior lighting |
| Units affected | 52,376 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the daytime running lights fail to illuminate, other drivers are less able to see the truck, which increases crash risk. Drive cautiously and arrange the software update with a Freightliner dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Freightliner dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2014 Freightliner Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Freightliner dealer and ask for the free SAMCAB software update that corrects the daytime running light and Turn Tip signal operation.
- Reference recall number 13V099 when you call so the dealer can find the correct Freightliner campaign.
- Bring the owner notice if Freightliner mailed one to you.
- Drive with the headlights on until the software update is complete so other drivers can see the tractor more easily.
What happens at the repair
The source remedy says owners were told to contact a dealer for a free SAMCAB software update. Because this page does not show the repair as open, confirm timing with a Freightliner dealer before making the trip. Once the repair is open, a Freightliner technician updates the SAMCAB software so the daytime running lights and Turn Tip turn signal feature operate correctly. The recall repair is free.
Timeline
| March 18, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 6, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V099?
Recall 13V099 covers 52,376 2012-2014 Freightliner Cascadia tractors with SAMCAB software that can leave the daytime running lights from illuminating correctly after using the Turn-Tip signal function. Reduced visibility to other drivers increases crash risk. Freightliner dealers update the SAMCAB software for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2014 Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific tractor is included in recall 13V099. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer and ask for the free SAMCAB software update for the daytime running lights and Turn-Tip function. Reference recall 13V099 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 13V099, a Freightliner dealer updates the SAMCAB software for free so the daytime running lights and Turn-Tip function operate correctly.
Is it safe to drive my Freightliner Cascadia before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety issue is reduced visibility to other drivers when the daytime running lights do not illuminate correctly after using the Turn-Tip function. Schedule the free software update with a Freightliner dealer and ask about any current driving guidance for your VIN.
When were owners notified about recall 13V099?
Owner notification was sent on May 6, 2015. The notice instructed owners to contact dealers and arrange the free SAMCAB software update. If you bought the tractor used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call a Freightliner dealer with recall 13V099.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V099000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V099 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V099000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →