Recall 14V242 affects 73 2013 Freightliner Cascadia trucks with axle hubs missing a locking snap ring. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 73 2013 Cascadia trucks because the rear axle hub can be missing a locking snap ring. A missing ring can let the rear wheels separate from the truck and increase crash risk, and the Freightliner dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle hub on the 2013 Freightliner Cascadia is the wheel-end assembly that lets the drive wheels rotate on the axle while carrying the truck's load. These trucks used rear axles assembled by Meritor with ConMet Preset Plus Hubs. A locking snap ring is a small retaining ring inside that hub assembly, and its job is to keep the hub hardware seated where it belongs.
On the recalled axle assemblies, that locking snap ring is missing from the affected hub. Without the ring, the hub is not retained the way the axle assembly was designed to hold it. That leaves the wheel-end assembly with a part missing from the structure that keeps it secured during use.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver should not expect a dashboard light, noise, or handling change to confirm that the snap ring is missing.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Freightliner Cascadia | drive axle |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 73 |
Not every 2013 Freightliner Cascadia truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A missing snap ring can let the rear wheels separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Until the wheel ends are inspected and the lock ring is installed if needed, schedule the recall work soon and limit use to necessary trips. Repair will be free at any franchised Freightliner dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Freightliner Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to ask whether the free wheel-end inspection and snap-ring installation is open for your truck.
- Reference recall number 14V242 when you call so the dealer can find the campaign.
- Bring the recall notice if Freightliner mailed one.
- Drive carefully until the inspection is complete, and stop driving if you feel wheel-end vibration, noise, or looseness.
What happens at the repair
The repair involves the rear axle wheel ends. Once the dealer remedy is available, a Freightliner technician will inspect the affected wheel ends for the lock ring and install the missing lock ring where needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The safety recall began on June 26, 2014, and Freightliner identifies the manufacturer recall number as FL-653. No repair time is stated in the recall remedy.
Timeline
| April 29, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 26, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V242?
Recall 14V242 covers 73 2013 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles with rear axles that have ConMet Preset Plus hubs and Meritor axle assemblies. A wheel-end hub can be missing a locking snap ring, which can let the rear wheels separate from the vehicle and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2013 Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Cascadia is included in recall 14V242. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer and ask for the wheel-end inspection under recall 14V242 or FL-653. The dealer will install lock rings as needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Freightliner dealers will inspect the affected wheel ends for the lock ring and install the lock ring as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is rear wheel separation. If the hub is missing the locking snap ring, the rear wheels can separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Confirm the VIN, then have a Freightliner dealer complete the inspection and repair for free.
What if I bought this Freightliner Cascadia used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Cascadia is included, then call a franchised Freightliner dealer and reference recall 14V242 or FL-653.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V242000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V242 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V242000 |
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 →