Recall 19V548 affects 183 2019-2020 Freightliner Cascadia trucks for damaged brake airlines from inadequate clearance. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 183 2019-2020 Cascadia trucks under recall 19V548 because inadequate clearance between the ride height control valve and the brake airlines can damage those lines. Damage to the brake airlines can reduce brake effectiveness and increase crash risk, so Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake air lines on 2019-2020 Freightliner Cascadia trucks carry compressed air to the service brake system. When the driver presses the brake pedal, that air pressure applies the brakes, so the lines need a clear path around nearby suspension and height-control parts. These trucks use a 40K Light Weight Extra Duty Airliner suspension with 51 inch axle spacing.
On affected Cascadia trucks, the ride height control valve and its linkage sit too close to the brake air lines. As the suspension moves, the line can rub against the valve linkage. That contact can chafe the line until it leaks air during brake application, reducing the air pressure the service brakes depend on.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the line is already damaged, a driver can hear an air leak when applying the brakes. Treat that sound as a brake-system problem and keep the truck out of service until a Freightliner dealer inspects and repairs it.
Who's affected?
Covers 2 Cascadia model years tied to the same brake system.
| 2020 Freightliner Cascadia | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Freightliner Cascadia | brake system |
| Units affected | 183 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 13 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
Damaged brake airlines reduce brake effectiveness and increase the risk of a crash. Until the recall repair is complete, drive cautiously, leave extra stopping room, and schedule service soon with a franchised dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Freightliner Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free height-control-valve bracket installation that adds clearance for the brake airlines.
- Bring the recall notice if Freightliner sent one. If not, reference recall number 19V548 when you call.
- Avoid hard braking and leave extra following distance until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician installs a new bracket for the height control valve. The bracket adds clearance between the ride height control valve and the brake air lines, so the lines have the space the recall repair requires. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm that campaign 19V548 is open on your 2019-2020 Cascadia before the truck goes into the bay.
Timeline
| July 24, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 16, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 21, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| September 21, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 21, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V548?
Recall 19V548 covers 183 2019-2020 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles with inadequate clearance between the ride height control valve and the brake air lines. The contact can damage the brake air lines, reduce brake effectiveness, and increase crash risk. Freightliner dealers install a new bracket for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Cascadia is included in recall 19V548. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer and ask for recall FL-820. The dealer installs a new height control valve bracket to add clearance for the brake air lines.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers install the new height control valve bracket free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Freightliner dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced brake effectiveness. The recall says the brake air lines can be damaged when clearance is inadequate near the ride height control valve, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free bracket installation with a Freightliner dealer.
What if I bought my Freightliner Cascadia used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2019-2020 Cascadia is included, then give recall 19V548 or Freightliner recall FL-820 to the dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V548000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V548 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V548000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →