Model year record

2006 Freightliner Century recalls & problems

The 2006 Freightliner Century has 8 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (4 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints6filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Engine and engine coolingFeb 28, 2012

Engine › Diesel

Recall 12V074000103,437 vehicles

Problem: DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2013 FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT DIESEL EPA07 AND EPA10, DD13 AND DD15/16 ENGINES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 20, 2006, THROUGH FEBRUARY 20, 2012. THE PUMP TO RAIL HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE SUPPORT SYSTEM USED ON THESE ENGINES IS SENSITIVE TO ASSEMBLY TORQUE AND MAY BE DAMAGED DURING SERVICE WORK. AS A RESULT OF OTHER REPAIRS, THE LINE SUPPORTS MAY LOOSEN, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO FUEL LINE CRACKING AND A FUEL LEAK.
Risk: A FUEL LEAK COULD CREATE A ROAD HAZARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. ALSO A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WHERE NECESSARY, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE SUPPORT SYSTEM WILL BE REPLACED BY DTNA AUTHORIZED SERVICE FACILITIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

SteeringOct 13, 2011

Rack and pinion

Recall 11V5140009,689 vehicles

Problem: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, COLUMBIA, CENTURY, CORONADO, AND CLASSIC XL TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2004, THROUGH JUNE 15, 2010 FOR THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM. THE LOWER PINION BEARING MAY CORRODE AND FAIL. A FAILED BEARING MAY LEAD TO DAMAGE OF THE SPOOL VALVE SEALS. A DAMAGE SPOOL VALVE SEAL MAY ALLOW HYDRAULIC FLUID TO FLOW TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT TURN PORT INSTEAD OF FLOWING TO THE RETURN PORT.
Risk: THE STEERING COULD UNEXPECTEDLY TURN LEFT OR RIGHT, MAKING THE VEHICLE MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER BEARING FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION IS FOUND, THE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM WILL BE REPLACED. IF NO CORROSION IS FOUND, ON THE BEARING, THE BEARING WILL BE PACKED WITH GREASE AND THE RUBBER BELLOWS WILL BE REPLACED WITH SEALANT ADDED BETWEEN THE BELLOWS AND THE RACK HOUSING. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED IN DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.

Electronic stability control (esc)Sep 8, 2011

Electronic stability control (esc)

Recall 11V4650004,444 vehicles

Problem: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2, CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA, CORONADO AND STERLING A-LINE VEHICLES BUILT WITH MERITOR WABCO ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2011. UNDER CERTAIN ROAD AND DRIVING CONDITIONS, VEHICLE BODY ROLL AND ROAD INCLINATION CHARACTERISTICS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SLIP ANGLE CALCULATION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM. THIS MIGHT CAUSE THE ESC TO PERCEIVE AN OVER STEERING SITUATION AND THEREFORE APPLY THE OUTER WHEEL BRAKE ON THE FRONT AXLE UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PERCEIVED TO BE STABLE.
Risk: IF THE DRIVER IS SLOW TO REACT DURING THIS ESC INTERVENTION, THE VEHICLE MAY DEVIATE FROM THE INTENDED LINE OF TRAVEL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ESC MODULE WITH THE APPROPRIATE SOFTWARE VERSION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE MAILED ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 21, 2011. THE DATE FOR AVAILABILITY OF THE FINAL REMEDY IS SUBJECT TO VALIDATION TESTING AND PARTS AVAILABILITY. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 28, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.

Engine and engine coolingMar 3, 2011

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 11V1460002,073 vehicles

Problem: DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER, CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA FLD, AND M2, STERLING 9500, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 20, 2006, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC MBE4000 EPA07 MODEL ENGINES. THE INTAKE AIR GRID HEATER MAY SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.
Risk: A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Fix: DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL DURING MARCH 2011. ANOTHER NOTIFICATION WILL BE ISSUED ONCE THE REMEDY IS RELEASED. DTNA EXPECTS THE REMEDY TO BE AVAILABLE BY DECEMBER 1, 2011. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DTNA DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712. THIS RECALL IS ASSCOCIATED WITH A PREVIOUS RECALL, CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V-341.

Fuel system, gasolineOct 6, 2009

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 09V39100010,185 vehicles

Problem: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 17, 2006 AND MARCH 31, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH EPA07 MODEL MBE4000 ENGINES BUILT WITH PLASTIC LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINES. THE PLASTIC LINES MAY EXPERIENCE LEAKS DUE TO FATIGUE CRACKS CAUSED BY STRESS AND VIBRATION COMBINED WITH HIGH INTERNAL PRESSURE.
Risk: IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS FUEL MAY IGNITE ON A HOT ENGINE SURFACE AND/OR FUEL MAY SPILL ON THE ROAD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES AND DIRECT WARRANTY CUSTOMERS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

SteeringSep 16, 2009

Rack and pinion

Recall 09V3570008,882 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 29, 2005 THROUGH JULY 3, 2009. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITION, THE LEFT HAND INNER TIE ROD END MAY LOOSEN OVER TIME AND IF NOT CORRECTED, POTENTIALLY SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING RACK.
Risk: A SEPARATED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.

SuspensionApr 12, 2007

Front › Hub

Recall 07V169000219 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS BUILT WITH FRONT AXLES ASSEMBLED BY ARVINMERITOR, THE FRONT SPINDLE NUT MAY BE OVER-TIGHTENED CAUSING PRELOAD ON THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WHICH COULD LEAD TO PREMATURE BEARING WEAR.
Risk: IF RAPID BEARING WEAR IS ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT HUB INSTALLATION FOR CORRECT BEARING ADJUSTMENT. IF THE BEARING ADJUSTMENT IS INCORRECT, THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-385-4357.

Power trainDec 6, 2005

Axle assembly

Recall 05V551000500 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, THE TOP FLANGE OF THE FRONT AXLE I-BEAM MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE.
Risk: DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006, FOR PHASE I. PHASE 2 WILL BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2006. THIS RECALL IS BEING CONDUCTED IN TWO PHASES. PHASE I WILL REPLACE THE COMPLETE AXLE ASSEMBLY; AND PHASE II WILL REPLACE THE AXLE BEAM AND STEERING KNUCKLES. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingCooling system; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	4	3	91,500 mi
SteeringRack and pinion	2	0	—
Air bagsFrontal › Sensor/control module	1	0	—
Suspension	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Steering
I PURCHASED TRUCK 11/2010 TRUCK DROVE FINE FOR THE FIRST YR. PULLING VERY LIGHT FREIGHT ALWAYS THE TRUCK BECAME VERY HARD TO CONTROL. TRUCK DANCES, HOPS, BOUNCE ETC. I HAVE HAD SUSPENSION WORK DONE AND THE PROB HAS NOT IMPROVED. I DON'T GET IRREGULAR TIRE WEAR NO PHYSICAL SIGNS THAT CAN BE SEEN, JUST POOR PERFORMANCE. I WOULD NOT BUY ANOTHER ONE. THE ENGINE/ TRANS, NO COMPLAINTS, ONLY THE DRIVABILITY. *TR
May 14, 2013 · 850,000 miles
Steering › Rack and pinion
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR AN UNRELATED FAILURE WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN TWO RECALLS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 07V473000: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: COOLING SYSTEM: RADIATOR ASSEMBLY AND 09V357000: STEERING: RACK AND PINION). THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PARTS NEEDED TO MAKE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO OBTAIN ANY INFORMATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME READILY AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 145,000.
Jul 27, 2010 · 145,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control1 injury
BEEN IN THIS FREIGHTLINER,CENTURY, WITH DETROIT POWER, HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING HEADACHES(SEVERE) SINUS ISSUES,CAN SMELL EXHAUST IN TRUCK,TIRED ALL THE TIME,EYES BOTHERING ME, DRY THROAT,BEEN THIS TRUCK FOR 3 MONTHS NOW. SUSPECT FUMES COMING FROM AIR VENTS, CANT SHUT IT OFF. *TR
Nov 25, 2007 · 257,000 miles
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FREIGHTLINER. IN SEPTEMBER 2006 THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE FAILURE WAS A COMPUTER GLITCH, AND REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER. THE SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN IN DECEMBER 2006. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE TENSIONER AND THE AIR BAGS. IN FEBRUARY 2007 THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE CLOCK SPRING/STEERING SENSOR WAS REPLACED. IN MARCH 2007 THE FAILURE RECURRED, AND THE DEALER PERFORMED A SERVICE INVOLVING THE AIR BAG MODULE/OCCUPANT RESTRAINT. THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AT 33,500 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER, WHO REPAIRED THE CLOCK SPRING/STEERING SENSOR AGAIN.…
Nov 8, 2006 · 28,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1 injury
FREIGHTLINER CENTURY WITH 14L 60 SERIES ENGINE HAS HAD EXHAUST MANIFOLD REPLACED TWICE. BOTH NEW MANIFOLDS STILL LEAKING EXHAUST. CANNOT CLOSE VENTS IN TRUCK. NO OPTION TO CLOSE VENTS ON SWITCH PANEL. EXHAUST COMING INTO CAB. CLEAN AIR INTAKE FOR CAB IS UNDER THE HOOD IN THE DIRECT LINE OF MANIFOLD LEAKAGE. *JB
May 22, 2006 · 38,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system1 injury
JUST GOT A 2006 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY WITH 14L 60 SERIES DETRIOT, TURBO CLAMP WAS LOOSE, BOTH FLEX PIPES LEAKED WITHIN 2 MONTHS, EXHAUST MANIFOLD ON ENGINE WOULD NOT SEAL, CLAMPS ON INTAKE ON LEFT SIDE OF ENGINE WERE LOOSE CREATING EXHAUST LEAK. NEW MANIFOLD WILL NOT SEAL. *NM
May 21, 2006 · 23 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Daimler Trucks North America RecallsClosed
On April 23, 2018, the National Highway Traï¬c Safety Administration (âNHTSAâ) opened Audit Query (AQ18002) to assess the timeliness and scope of four recalls ï¬led by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (âDTNAâ). NHTSA subsequently expanded AQ18002 to examine the timeliness and scope of three additional DTNA recalls and compliance with early warning reporting and manufacturer communications reporting requirements. NHTSA and DTNA entered into a Consent Order on December 29, 2020, to resolve NHTSAâs assertions that certain recalls within the scope of AQ18002 were untimely, DTNA failed to timely submit certain manufacturer communications to NHTSA, and DTNA failed to submit ï¬eld reports to NHTSA as required. As part of the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to a total civil penalty of thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), of which ten million dollars ($10,000,000) was paid on January…
AQ18002 · opened Apr 23, 2018 · closed Jul 11, 2024
RACK AND PINION FAILUREClosedLed to recall 09V357000
A CONSUMER COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE AGENCY ON AUGUST 22, 2009, BY AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR LEASING A 2009 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA.THE COMPLAINT ALLEGES THAT IN APRIL OF 2009 AT APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES HE EXPERIENCED A SEAL RUPTURE IN THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY.A NEW SEAL WAS INSTALLED AND AT 56,000 MILES HE FOUND HIS RIGHT STEER TIRE COMPLETELY BALD.THE REPAIR SHOP IDENTIFIED AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE RAPID WEAR OF THE TIRE.ODI HAS IDENTIFIED EWR FIELD REPORTS RELATED TO FAILED RACK AND PINIONS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE REPORTS IDENTIFY EITHER AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY THAT RESULTED IN CRASHES OR A LOOSENESS OF THE INNER TIE ROD END OF THE RACK AND PINION RESULTING IN A POOR ALIGNMENT AND PREMATURE TIRE WEAR.INFORMATION RECEIVED DURING THIS INVESTIGATION FROM FREIGHTLINER DETAILED FAILURES OF THE RACK AND PINION…
PE09040 · opened Aug 31, 2009 · closed Nov 19, 2009
INSECURE FIFTH WHEEL LATCHINGClosedLed to recall 07V530000
ON NOVEMBER 19, 2007, FREIGHTLINER FILED DEFECT REPORT 07V-530 WHICH OUTLINES A SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM TO NOTIFY THE AFFECTED OWNERS AND CORRECT THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
PE07047 · opened Sep 14, 2007 · closed Nov 19, 2007
STEERING COLUMN WELD CRACKSClosedLed to recall 07V289000
AS A RESULT OF THE ODI INVESTIGATION, FREIGHTLINER HAS AGREED TO RECALL (NUMBER 07V-289) ALL OF THE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED WITH STEERING COLUMNS POTENTIALLY MISSING WELDS.THE RECALL REMEDY WILL INVOLVE INSPECTING THE RECALLED VEHICLES FOR MISSING WELDS AND IF FOUND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN.EARLY WARNING AGGREGATE DATA SUBMITTED TO NHTSA BY FREIGHTLINER SUGGESTED THAT A STEERING PROBLEM (EWR CODE 01) EXISTED FOR THE 2004 AND 2005 CENTURY AND COLUMBIA CLASS VEHICLES.THE COUNT OF FIELD REPORTS SUBMITTED FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2006 WAS HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE OF THE PREVIOUS 6 QUARTERS FOR THE AGGREGATE STEERING DATA.ODI'S FURTHER REVIEW OF THE EWR DATA FOUNDFIELD REPORTS THAT DESCRIBED STEERING COLUMN FAILURES AS A RESULT OF STEERING COLUMN WELDS CRACKING OR BREAKING.INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM FREIGHTLINER DETAILED FAILURES OF THE STEERING COLUMNS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THESE FAILURES…
EA07002 · opened Jan 30, 2007 · closed Jul 12, 2007