Complaint 2239233

Complaint Summary

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

Owner Narrative

The contact's former employer owns a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia Commercial vehicle. The contact stated that while a company's technician was performing a preventative maintenance service on the vehicle, an exhaust leak was discovered; however, the technician informed the contact that the vehicle was safe to drive. While driving 65 MPH, the contact fell asleep, causing the vehicle to drift into the median. Another driver approached the vehicle and sounded the horn, waking the contact, who then pulled over to the side of the road. The contact reported the incident to a manager, who suspected potential carbon monoxide poisoning and advised the contact to seek medical attention; however, a senior manager instructed the contact's manager that the contact had to complete the delivery services or resign. The contact received medical treatment from a neurologist and a pulmonologist. The neurologist informed the contact that he sustained acute dementia because of the carbon monoxide inhalation. The contact also experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a fear of driving, and the contact was receiving Social Security Disability assistance. The contact associated the failure with Daimler Trucks North America Emission Recall Campaign Number: FL922, which was previously performed on the vehicle. A second technician inspected the vehicle, confirmed the exhaust leak, and informed the contact that it posed a life-threatening risk. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied responsibility. The failure mileage was approximately 128,113.

Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.