Recall 16V656 affects 1,039 2013-2017 Freightliner Cascadia trucks with CNG engines for a PDM short-circuit fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 1,039 2013-2017 Cascadia trucks with compressed natural gas engines because the Power Distribution Module sits near the CNG fuel tank, where road water and contaminants can reach it. If the module short circuits, the fire risk increases, and Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The power distribution module on 2013-2017 Freightliner Cascadia trucks with compressed natural gas engines is an electrical junction point. It routes battery power to truck systems through protected circuits, much like a central fuse and relay box. On these trucks, that module is mounted near the CNG fuel tank, which stores compressed natural gas for the engine.
The problem is the module's location. Road water, salt, dirt, and other contaminants hit the PDM as the truck operates. When that material gets into or around the electrical module, it creates a path for an electrical short. Freightliner investigated reports of PDMs melting or burning in that area, then recalled the affected trucks.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the PDM shorts, the issue starts inside the electrical distribution area, so the driver is not given a reliable symptom before the module overheats or fails.
Who's affected?
Covers one Cascadia model line across the 2013-2017 model years, with each listed scope tied to the electrical system.
| 2014 Freightliner Cascadia | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Freightliner Cascadia | electrical system |
| 2013 Freightliner Cascadia | electrical system |
| 2016 Freightliner Cascadia | electrical system |
| 2017 Freightliner Cascadia | electrical system |
| Units affected | 1,039 |
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?
A short circuit in the PDM increases the risk of fire, especially if the nearby CNG tank leaks. No warning sign is listed, so treat this as a prompt repair issue if your VIN is included. Schedule service with a franchised Freightliner dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2017 Freightliner Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free PDM relocation, which moves the module away from road water and contaminants near the CNG fuel tank.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 16V656 when you call.
- Tell the dealer before the appointment if the truck has a CNG fuel leak or electrical short concern.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician relocates the Power Distribution Module away from the compressed natural gas fuel tank area, where road water and contaminants can reach it. The work is meant to reduce the chance of water intrusion and an electrical short at the module. Parts and labor are covered by the recall at a Freightliner authorized service facility.
Timeline
| September 13, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 7, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| November 7, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 7, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 3, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V656?
Recall 16V656 covers 1,039 2013-2017 Freightliner Cascadia trucks with CNG engines and a Power Distribution Module mounted near the fuel tank. Road water and contaminants can reach the module and cause a short circuit. Freightliner dealers will relocate the module for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2017 Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 16V656. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the Power Distribution Module relocation. Reference recall number 16V656 and Freightliner's FL-721 number when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Freightliner dealers will relocate the Power Distribution Module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trucks included in recall 16V656.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V656?
The safety risk is fire. If road water and contaminants cause the Power Distribution Module to short circuit, fire risk increases, especially if the nearby CNG fuel tank leaks. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair.
When were owners notified about recall 16V656?
Freightliner mailed an interim owner notice on November 7, 2016, and the recall began on March 3, 2017. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 16V656 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V656000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V656 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V656000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 →