Recall 16V143 affects 8,865 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia trucks for Parksmart HVAC connector overheating. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 8,865 2015-2016 Cascadia trucks because their Bergstrom Parksmart HVAC auxiliary unit has inadequate contact between the compressor connector and electrical pins. That high-resistance connection can overheat and increase the risk of a fire, and Freightliner dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Bergstrom Parksmart HVAC auxiliary unit on 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia trucks is an add-on heating and air-conditioning system for cab comfort while the truck is parked. Its compressor uses an electrical connector and pins to carry power. That connection is supposed to stay tight enough to move current without building excess heat.
On affected Cascadia trucks, the compressor connector does not make adequate contact with the electrical pins. Poor contact creates high electrical resistance, and resistance turns electrical current into heat at the connector. That heat builds inside the Parksmart unit and was tied to thermal events investigated by Freightliner and Bergstrom under NHTSA campaign 16V143.
The available recall detail does not give owners a clear symptom to watch for before the connector overheats. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
The recall is tied to both the air-conditioner equipment and the vehicle's electrical equipment.
| 2015 Freightliner Cascadia | Air conditioner |
|---|---|
| 2015 Freightliner Cascadia | Electrical |
| 2016 Freightliner Cascadia | Air conditioner |
| 2016 Freightliner Cascadia | Electrical |
| Units affected | 8,865 |
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?
In recall 16V143, an overheated electrical connection increases the risk of a fire. If your 2015-2016 Cascadia is included, schedule the recall repair soon and tell the dealer if you see heat discoloration at the connector. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free repair for the Parksmart HVAC auxiliary unit connector.
- Bring the recall notice if DTNA mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V143 when you call.
- Take the truck in for connector-cap replacement that fixes the overheating compressor connection; the dealer also replaces heat-discolored harnesses free of charge.
- Avoid using the Parksmart HVAC auxiliary unit until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician replaces the connector caps on the Bergstrom Parksmart HVAC auxiliary unit. The technician also inspects the related harnesses for heat discoloration and replaces any harness that shows heat damage. These repairs are free under recall 16V143, including parts and labor at an authorized Freightliner service facility. The recall repair is available now, so use the dealer visit to have both the connector caps and any heat affected harnesses addressed at the same service visit.
Timeline
| March 9, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 7, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| May 7, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 7, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 12, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V143?
Recall 16V143 covers 8,865 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia trucks equipped with Bergstrom Parksmart HVAC auxiliary units. A poor compressor connector contact can create high electrical resistance and excessive heat. Freightliner dealers will replace connector caps for free and replace harnesses when heat discoloration is found.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 16V143. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the connector cap replacement. Reference recall number 16V143 or Freightliner recall FL-703 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Freightliner dealers will replace the connector caps free of charge. If the dealer finds heat discoloration, the harness replacement is also covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The compressor electrical connector in the auxiliary HVAC unit can overheat when poor contact creates high electrical resistance. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair and ask the dealer what to do if you see heat damage.
What if I bought my Freightliner Cascadia used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your truck is included, then call a franchised Freightliner dealer with recall number 16V143 or FL-703.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V143000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V143 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V143000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly 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 →