Recall 17V629 affects 138 2017-2018 Freightliner Cascadia trucks for a loose upper steering pinch bolt. Do not drive. Free check at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
A loose upper steering shaft pinch bolt can lead to loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Do not drive the Cascadia, even for short trips, until a dealer checks it. Ask Freightliner about towing if the truck must move. Repair will be free at any franchised Freightliner dealer once available.
Freightliner is recalling 138 2017-2018 Cascadia trucks under recall 17V629 because the upper steering pinch bolt was not properly tightened, which can break the mechanical link between the steering wheel and front wheels. Do not drive an included truck; loss of steering control increases crash risk, and the Freightliner dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The upper steering pinch bolt on the 2017-2018 Freightliner Cascadia is a fastener in the steering column. Its job is to clamp the steering joint tight so movement from the steering wheel passes through the column to the steering gear and front wheels. The steering system depends on that joint staying locked in place.
On affected Cascadia trucks, the bolt was not tightened to the proper specification after certain steering components were repaired away from the main assembly line. If that bolt works loose, the joint can lose its grip. That can break the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, leaving the driver without normal steering control.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver cannot count on noise, looseness, or a dashboard warning before the steering connection is lost.
Who's affected?
Both model years list the same steering system component.
| 2017 Freightliner Cascadia | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Freightliner Cascadia | steering system |
| Units affected | 138 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
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 loose upper steering shaft pinch bolt can lead to loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Do not drive the Cascadia, even for short trips, until a dealer checks it. Ask Freightliner about towing if the truck must move. Repair will be free at any franchised Freightliner dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Freightliner Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the truck until a dealer checks the upper steering shaft pinch bolt.
- Arrange a tow if the truck must be moved to the dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free steering-pinch-bolt check that verifies the steering shaft connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Freightliner mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V629 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Do not drive the Cascadia until it has been checked. Once the dealer repair is available, a Freightliner technician or authorized Freightliner service facility will verify that the upper steering shaft pinch bolt is tightened to the proper torque. If the bolt is loose, the facility completes the needed tightening at no charge. The inspection and related repair are free under the recall. This check matters because the pinch bolt helps keep the steering wheel mechanically connected to the front wheels.
Timeline
| October 6, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 26, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 4, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| December 4, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V629?
Recall 17V629 covers 138 2017-2018 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles with an upper steering shaft pinch bolt that was not tightened properly. That bolt secures the steering connection. If the connection is lost, steering control is lost, increasing crash risk. Freightliner dealers will check and tighten the bolt for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Cascadia is included in recall 17V629. If it is, Do not drive the vehicle until it has been checked. Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer and reference recall 17V629 or Freightliner recall FL-748 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Freightliner dealers will verify that the upper steering shaft pinch bolt is properly tightened free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under recall 17V629.
What does do not drive mean for this Freightliner recall?
Do not drive the vehicle until a Freightliner dealer checks the upper steering shaft pinch bolt. The recall notice says owners are advised not to drive until the vehicle has been checked because a loss of steering control increases crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V629000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V629 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V629000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →