Recall 15V816 affects 17 2013-2015 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles for tailpipe heat that can release CNG. Repair is free at franchised Freightliner dealers.
Freightliner is recalling 17 2013-2015 Cascadia trucks powered by compressed natural gas because the tailpipe can route hot exhaust near the CNG tank pressure relief device. Heat at that device can trigger an unexpected CNG release, and discharged gas near an ignition source increases fire risk; Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The exhaust tailpipe on 2013-2015 Freightliner Cascadia CNG trucks is supposed to carry hot exhaust away from the engine and out of the truck safely. These trucks also have a compressed natural gas tank with a pressure relief device, or PRD, that vents gas if tank pressure gets too high.
On affected Cascadia trucks with the right-side mounted CNG tank, the tailpipe outlet sits close enough to the PRD area that hot exhaust exits near it. That heat can trigger the PRD when it should stay closed. Once the device opens, compressed natural gas is released from the tank instead of staying contained.
An owner is not expected to notice a warning light, noise, or drivability change before this happens. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2013, 2014, and 2015 Cascadia model years, all tied to the same exhaust-system component.
| 2013 Freightliner Cascadia | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
|---|---|
| 2014 Freightliner Cascadia | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| 2015 Freightliner Cascadia | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| Units affected | 17 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Hot exhaust near the pressure relief device can trigger an unexpected CNG release from the tank. If released CNG reaches an ignition source, the fire risk increases. If your VIN is included, confirm the recall repair is complete before putting the truck back into normal service. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 Freightliner Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to confirm the free tailpipe repair that addresses hot exhaust exiting near the CNG tank pressure relief device is complete.
- Bring the recall notice if you have one, and reference recall number 15V816 when you call.
- Avoid operating the truck until a Freightliner dealer confirms the repair is complete if your VIN is included.
- Call Freightliner customer service at 1-800-547-0712 if the dealer cannot confirm the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician extends the tailpipe so hot exhaust exits beyond the CNG tank pressure relief device instead of near it. Parts and labor are covered under recall 15V816. The campaign began on March 13, 2015, and the source record says all involved vehicles have been repaired. If your Cascadia still shows this recall open, ask a Freightliner authorized service facility to confirm completion.
Timeline
| March 13, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| December 7, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| February 1, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| February 1, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 1, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 1, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V816?
Recall 15V816 covers 17 2013-2015 Freightliner Cascadia trucks powered by compressed natural gas. The tailpipe can route hot exhaust near the CNG tank pressure relief device, which can release CNG and increase fire risk if an ignition source is present.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V816. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer and ask them to verify the completed tailpipe repair. Reference recall number 15V816 and Freightliner recall number FL-695 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall documents state that all involved vehicles have been repaired. A Freightliner dealer can confirm the repair status for your VIN.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected CNG release near hot exhaust and an ignition source. Recall 15V816 says the tailpipe location can put hot exhaust close to the pressure relief device, which can activate and release CNG from the tank, increasing fire risk.
What if I bought my Freightliner Cascadia used?
The free recall repair still applies to used trucks. Check your VIN because ownership history does not decide recall coverage. If your Cascadia is included, ask a Freightliner dealer to confirm whether the FL-695 repair has already been completed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V816000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V816 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V816000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →