Recall 20V742 affects 1,233 2021 Freightliner Cascadia trucks for a clutch flange that can break. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 1,233 2021 Cascadia trucks because the clutch flange can break after a heat treating and stamping problem. If the flange fails, loose parts can enter the clutch pressure plate assembly, disengage the clutch, and increase crash risk; Freightliner dealers will repair the truck free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The clutch in a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia with an Automated Manual Transmission is the part that connects engine power to the transmission. In this truck, the transmission shifts automatically, but the clutch still has to engage and release cleanly so power moves through the driveline without harsh vibration.
On affected Cascadia trucks, the clutch flange, a metal section of the clutch assembly, can break. DTNA traced the concern to the heat treating and stamping process used on certain clutches. If the flange starts to break down, the clutch can lose its normal shape and balance, which puts extra vibration into the driveline.
Owners are expected to notice increasing noise and vibration over time before the clutch fails. That noise or vibration is the warning sign to report when contacting a Freightliner dealer.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Freightliner Cascadia | powertrain |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,233 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Freightliner Cascadia truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the flange fails, loose parts can fall into the clutch pressure plate assembly and cause clutch disengagement, increasing the risk of a crash. Increasing noise and vibration are the warning signs. Drive cautiously, stop if those symptoms appear, and arrange service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Freightliner Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free clutch replacement that fixes the clutch-flange failure risk.
- Reference recall number 20V742 when you call, and bring the recall notice if Freightliner mailed one.
- Avoid using the truck if the clutch disengages before the repair; ask the dealer about towing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician replaces the clutch on the affected 2021 Cascadia. The clutch flange is the part tied to this recall, so the repair is a clutch replacement rather than an inspection-only visit. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If your VIN is included, contact a Freightliner dealer and ask the service desk to reference recall FL-869 when setting up the repair.
Timeline
| November 30, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 28, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 28, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 28, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 10, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V742?
Recall 20V742 covers 1,233 2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles with a clutch flange that can break because of the heat treating and stamping process. If the flange fails, loose parts can enter the clutch pressure plate assembly and cause clutch disengagement. Freightliner dealers replace the clutch for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Cascadia is included in recall 20V742. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the clutch replacement. Reference recall number 20V742 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to fix safety defects at no cost, and DTNA says dealers will replace the clutch on affected 2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles free of charge. Parts and labor are covered by the recall.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V742?
The safety risk is clutch disengagement. NHTSA campaign 20V742 says a failed clutch flange can let loose parts enter the clutch pressure plate assembly, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free clutch replacement with a Freightliner dealer.
What if I bought my Freightliner Cascadia used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2021 Freightliner Cascadia is included, then call a franchised Freightliner dealer and reference recall number 20V742.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V742000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V742 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V742000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →