Recall 20V390 affects 164,326 2017-2021 Freightliner Cascadia tractor trailers for corroded brake modulator valves. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 164,326 2017-2021 Cascadia tractor trailers under recall 20V390 because chemical corrosion can slow the single brake modulator valve. During automatic braking, the brakes can pull toward the affected side, causing a sudden direction change and increasing crash risk; Freightliner dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The 2017-2021 Freightliner Cascadia uses an ABS modulator valve in the air brake system to control brake air pressure during braking. The valve helps release air at the right time so the brakes apply and release evenly, including during automatic braking events.
On these tractors, magnesium chloride corrosion can block the valve's inlet solenoid, the small electrically controlled passage that opens and closes air flow. That corrosion can deform the O-ring seal inside the valve. When the valve does not release air at the correct speed, brake pressure changes unevenly from side to side. During an automatic braking event, the tractor can pull toward the affected side instead of staying straight.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing a driver notices can be the vehicle pulling to one side during a brake event, which means the brake system needs dealer inspection under recall 20V390.
Who's affected?
Covers consecutive Cascadia model years with the same brake system component listed for each year.
| 2017 Freightliner Cascadia | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Freightliner Cascadia | brake system |
| 2019 Freightliner Cascadia | brake system |
| 2021 Freightliner Cascadia | brake system |
| 2020 Freightliner Cascadia | brake system |
| Units affected | 164,326 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 6 field incidents 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?
During automatic braking, the brakes can pull the truck to one side and cause a sudden change in direction, increasing the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and use extra care in traffic until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2021 Freightliner Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free front brake modulator valve replacement and spacer installation that fixes brake pull during automatic braking.
- Bring the recall notice if Freightliner mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V390 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid relying on automatic braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician replaces the front left and right single brake modulator valves and adds spacers, free of charge under the recall. This repair addresses corrosion in the brake modulator valve that can slow release timing and make the brakes pull toward the affected side during automatic braking. Ask the service desk to confirm the recall number FL-855 and that both sides are covered before the truck goes into the bay.
Timeline
| July 2, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 28, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 30, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| August 30, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 30, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V390?
Recall 20V390 covers 164,326 2017-2021 Freightliner Cascadia tractor trailers with single brake modulator valves that can corrode. During automatic braking, the brakes can pull toward the affected side and cause a sudden direction change, increasing crash risk. Freightliner dealers replace the front valves and add spacers for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2021 Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V390. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the front brake modulator valve replacement and spacer installation. Reference recall number 20V390 or DTNA recall FL-855 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. DTNA's remedy says Freightliner dealers replace the front left and right single brake modulator valves and add spacers free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V390?
The safety risk is a sudden direction change during automatic braking. Corrosion in the single brake modulator valve can slow brake release timing, which can make the brakes pull to the affected side and increase crash risk.
When did recall 20V390 start?
The recall began August 28, 2020. If your VIN is included and the repair is still open, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer or DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 and ask for recall FL-855.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V390000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V390 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V390000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →