Investigations
EVDM connector plate separation
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE24032 — closed, opened 2024-11-05 and involving the FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER.
NHTSA investigation PE24032 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2024-11-05 and currently closed. The subject of record is FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for FREIGHTLINER. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2025-06-10 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE24032 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) on November 6, 2024, to investigate Electric Vehicle Distribution Module (EVDM) connector plate separation on model year (MY) 2020-2025 Fr..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related FREIGHTLINER files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) on November 6, 2024, to investigate Electric Vehicle Distribution Module (EVDM) connector plate separation on model year (MY) 2020-2025 Freightliner eCascadia and MY2022-2025 Freightliner eM2 electric trucks. The EVDM connector plate contains multiple safety-related circuits including Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), stability control and vehicle protective mechanisms to de-energize the high-voltage propulsion system. In January 2025, prior to Daimler Truck North America's (DTNA) final response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, DTNA conducted controlled testing of the EVDM. The final test results demonstrated that in certain circumstances of EVDM separation, the vehicle may lose motive power without prior warning to the driver. Based on the EVDM testing results, DTNA filed a recall (NHTSA ID 25V-046). This recall covers MY2020-2025 Freightliner eCascadia and MY2022-2026 Freightliner eM2 electric trucks. These vehicles will have the EVDM replaced if the plate shows separation from the housing. The recall chronology identified that DTNA had received nine warranty claims and six field reports for this issue. This Preliminary Evaluation has been closed as a result of the manufacturer filing recall 25V-046. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Other FREIGHTLINER Investigations
Halogen Headlights May Cause Fires
Trolley bus circuit breaker fires
Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Failure
Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist
PNDB Electrical Power Distribution
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.