Recall 21V689 affects 113,085 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia trucks for a loose drag link joint. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 113,085 2019-2021 Cascadia trucks because the drag link taper joint was not tightened enough and can separate from the steering arm. Drag link separation can cause a complete loss of steering control and raise crash risk, and Freightliner dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The drag link taper joint on 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia trucks is the connection point where the steering linkage attaches to the steering arm on the front axle. The drag link carries steering movement from the steering gear to the wheels. The tapered joint is designed to sit tightly in the steering arm so that the truck responds when the wheel is turned.
On affected trucks, that joint was not tightened enough during assembly. As the truck is driven, the loose joint can move inside the steering arm instead of staying clamped in place. If the connection keeps loosening, the drag link can separate from the steering arm, leaving the driver without normal steering control.
A driver can notice loose steering, wandering, noises, or vibration before the joint separates. Those signs mean the steering linkage needs dealer inspection, because the connection that guides the front axle is no longer staying tight.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years for one Cascadia configuration, all tied to the drag link taper joint in the steering linkage.
| 2019 Freightliner Cascadia | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2021 Freightliner Cascadia | steering linkage |
| 2020 Freightliner Cascadia | steering linkage |
| Units affected | 113,085 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 11 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?
A separated drag link can cause complete loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Loose steering, wandering, noise, or vibration can point to a loose joint. If you feel those signs, pull over when safe and call a Freightliner dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free drag-link taper-joint inspection and repair that addresses the loose steering linkage.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V689 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete, and ask the Freightliner dealer about towing if steering control is in question.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician inspects the drag link taper joint, the connection that holds the steering linkage to the steering arm. If the joint was not tightened correctly, the technician repairs the joint as needed so the drag link stays secured. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Tell the service desk this is Freightliner recall FL-900 and NHTSA campaign 21V689 so they can match the work order to the correct repair.
Timeline
| September 2, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 29, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 31, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| October 31, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 31, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 31, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V689?
Recall 21V689 covers 113,085 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia trucks with a drag link taper joint that was not tightened sufficiently. The joint can loosen and separate the drag link from the steering arm, causing loss of steering control. Freightliner will inspect and repair it for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V689. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the drag link taper joint inspection and repair. Reference recall number 21V689 or Freightliner recall FL-900 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to the owner. For recall 21V689, Freightliner will inspect the drag link taper joint and repair it as necessary free of charge at a franchised Freightliner dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V689?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. If the drag link separates from the steering arm, the driver can lose steering control and crash. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer inspection and repair if your truck is included.
When were owners notified about recall 21V689?
Freightliner mailed owner notification letters on October 29, 2021. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then contact a franchised Freightliner dealer if it is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V689000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V689 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V689000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →