NHTSA complaint: 2017 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA — WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE BACK AND FORTH VIOLENTLY. THE WHEELS SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE RIGHT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FRACTURED, BUT DID NOT DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STEERING ROD SNAPPED AND BECAME LOOSE FROM THE HUB. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED THE ROAD AND THE REAR OF THE TRACTOR TRAILER SWERVED AND DID A U-TURN, WHICH CAUSED THE CAB TO CRASH AND LAND ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND INTO A TREE LINE. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT OF THE CAB DISINTEGRATED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER DIED ON IMPACT. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION; HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER DIED EIGHT HOURS AFTER THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Office of Defects Investigation