Recall 21V073 affects 7 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia trucks because flywheel capscrews can detach. Cummins dealers will torque and inspect them for free.
Freightliner is recalling 7 2021-2022 Cascadia trucks with Cummins X15 engines under recall 21V073 because the capscrews holding the flywheel to the crankshaft were not properly torqued and the flywheel can detach. A detached flywheel can cause loss of drive power and eject driveline pieces from the engine compartment, and Freightliner dealers will inspect and repair the trucks free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The flywheel on these 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia trucks is a heavy steel disc bolted to the back of the Cummins X15 engine's crankshaft. Its job is to smooth out the power pulses from the engine and transfer torque into the transmission. A set of capscrews, the heavy bolts that hold the flywheel against the crankshaft, keep it locked in place while the engine spins.
On the affected trucks, those capscrews were not tightened to the correct torque during assembly. Without the right clamping force, the joint between the flywheel and the crankshaft can work loose over time. Once the capscrews back off, the flywheel can separate from the crankshaft entirely, which stops power from reaching the driveline and can damage the bellhousing as the loose flywheel moves inside it.
There is no warning sign before failure. The detachment can happen without prior symptoms, so an owner has no reliable cue from the pedal, the gauges, or engine sound.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2021 and 2022 model years of the Cascadia, both built in the same late-2020 to early-2021 production window with the engine capscrew issue.
| 2021 Freightliner Cascadia | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2022 Freightliner Cascadia | Engine |
| Units affected | 7 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
A detached flywheel can cause a sudden loss of drive power and raises the risk of a crash. Driveline pieces can also be ejected from the engine compartment, which can injure people nearby. Schedule the repair soon and treat any unusual noise or vibration from the engine bay as a reason to stop driving and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Freightliner dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free flywheel-capscrew torque service that re-secures the flywheel to the crankshaft so it does not detach.
- Reference recall number 21V073 (DTNA recall FL-875) when you call the dealer to set up the appointment.
- Call DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about scheduling or the repair.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and watch for sudden loss of drive power or unusual driveline noise.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Cummins technician torques the capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft and inspects the surrounding area for damage. If damage is found, the technician repairs it. Parts and labor are free under the recall. DTNA is coordinating the work with Cummins, so the repair is handled at a Cummins dealer rather than a Freightliner service location. Call DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 and reference recall FL-875 to confirm the nearest participating Cummins dealer and schedule the inspection.
Timeline
| February 12, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 29, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V073?
Recall 21V073 covers 7 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia trucks equipped with a Cummins X15 engine. The capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft were improperly torqued, and the flywheel can detach. Cummins dealers will properly torque the capscrews and inspect for damage at no cost.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V073. If it is, contact a Cummins dealer to schedule the capscrew inspection and torque service. Reference recall number 21V073 when you call. You can also reach DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform the recall repair at no cost. Cummins dealers will properly torque the flywheel capscrews, inspect for damage, and repair any damage found free of charge. DTNA's internal number for this recall is FL-875, which you can reference when scheduling service.
What is the safety risk?
A detached flywheel can cause loss of drive power, which increases crash risk. Driveline pieces can also be ejected from the engine compartment, which increases the risk of injury to people near the truck. The Cummins dealer service corrects the torque on the capscrews and inspects for related damage.
What warning signs should I watch for?
The recall does not list a specific warning sign before the flywheel detaches. Any unusual noise, vibration, or loss of drive power from the engine and driveline area warrants immediate inspection. Contact a Cummins dealer or call DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 to confirm whether your VIN is included in recall 21V073.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V073000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V073 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V073000 |
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 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 →