The 2003 Freightliner Columbia has 5 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (6 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints10filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Equipment
NHTSA recall 17V810000 · Dec 15, 2017 · 24,860 vehicles
Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2017 Freightliner Cascadia, Century Class, Columbia and Coronado trucks and Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, 5900 and 6900 trucks. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or contact Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-759.
Problem: CERTAIN FREIGHTLINER SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, HEAVY TRUCKS, AND THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 2002 AND JULY 3, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE CONTROL VALVES. THE PARKER SCV BRASS 90 DEGREE SINGLE CHECK VALVES (SCV) WHICH ATTACH TO THE SUPPLY PORT OF A BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE CAN BREAK APART. PIECES OF THE PARKER SCV CAN BECOME LODGED INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING EITHER LEAKAGE OUT OF THE SR-7 VALVE OR PREVENTING AIR FROM PROPERLY EXHAUSTING FROM THE SR-7 VALVE. ALSO, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE INTERNAL RUBBER CHECK VALVE INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVES, THE VALVES CAN BECOME DEFORMED AND NOT SEAT PROPERLY.
Risk: THESE CONDITIONS COULD EITHER RESULT IN LEAKAGE AND CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKE WITHOUT WARNING OR POSSIBLY LEAD TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY OR BRAKE DRAG WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
Fix: FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2008 TO FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS OWNERS; TO THOMAS BUILT BUS OWNERS ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Seats
NHTSA recall 05V001000 · Jan 3, 2005 · 1,770 vehicles
Problem: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SEATS BUILT BY GRA-MAG, THE SEAT PIVOT BOLTS CAN LOOSEN AND POSSIBLY FRACTURE OR DISLODGE, CAUSING THE SEAT BACK TO FAIL TO PROVIDE FULL SUPPORT TO THE DRIVER'S BACK.
Risk: A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE SEAT FALL BACKWARDS DURING USE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Power train › Manual transmission
NHTSA recall 04V205000 · May 4, 2004 · 14,000 vehicles
Problem: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, THE TAPERED JOINT THAT ATTACHES THE SHIFTER TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY BECOME LOOSE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO GEAR.
Risk: IF SHIFT LEVER DETACHMENT OCCURS, THA ABILITY RO ACCELERATE OT MAINTAIN SPEED WILL BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL RE-SECURE THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE TRANSMISSION USING THREADLOCK AND RE-TORQUING THE FASTENING BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Service brakes, air
NHTSA recall 03V500000 · Dec 4, 2003 · 400 vehicles
Problem: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AIR BRAKES, THE PLASTIC PUSH-TO-CONNECT AIR LINE FITTING CARTRIDGE COULD BE IMPROPERLY WELDED INTO THE NYLON JUNCTION BLOCK HOUSING ALLOWING AN AIR LINE TO BECOME DISCONNECTED.
Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED BRAKE CONTROL, LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKE CONTROL, OR THE EMERGENCY BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY APPLYING, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW CAB AIR MANIFOLD. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JANUARY 21, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 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
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Engine and engine cooling Exhaust system; Exhaust system › Emission control
6
0
0
2
—
Exterior lighting Headlights; Fog lights
2
0
0
0
—
Structure Body › Door › Hinge and attachments; Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
2
0
0
2
—
Power train Manual transmission
1
0
0
0
—
Tires
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Apr 24, 2011Tires 2005 FREIGHTLINER CONVENTIONAL, UNIT 1 AND 2 WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE, WHEN UNIT 1 RIGHT SIDE TRAILER TIRE BLEW CAUSING TIRE DEBRIS TO STRIKE UNIT 2. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT# 10-0163-89)*JB
Mar 28, 2008Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system EXHAUST FUMES COMING INTO CAB, CAUSING DIZZINESS, BURNING EYES, AND STUFFY AND BURNING SENSATION IN NOSE AND ON SKIN. I HAVE HAD ALL EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND GASKETS REPLACED AND I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. I FINALLY WENT TO THE INTERNET TO SEE IF THERE WAS SOMETHING I COULD DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT OTHER DRIVERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. THE TRUCK THAT I OWN AND DRIVE IS A FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA WITH SERIES 60 DETROIT ENGINE. I AM GOING TO TAKE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR ALONG ON MY NEXT TRIP TO SEE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM. *TR
Aug 1, 2007 · 1 injuryStructure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments THERE ARE NO HAND HOLDS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR TO AID IN ENTERING OR EXITING THE TRUCK. I WAS INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE TO PROVIDE HANDHOLDS WHEN I SLIPPED OF THE TOP STEP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I HAVE UNDER GONE SURGERY ON MY LEFT KNEE FROM WHICH I HAVE NOT RECOVERED, AND WILL IN THE NEAR FUTURE UNDERGO SURGERY ON MY RIGHT ELBOW AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE TO PROVIDE A SAFE WAY TO ENTER OR EXIT THE TRUCK. THERE ARE NO FMCSA REGULATIONS IN REGARDS TO THIS. *TR
Oct 28, 2006 · 633,461 miles · 2 injuriesEngine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control WHILE DRIVING CAN SMELL EXHAUST FUMES FUMES COMING INTO CAB THROUGH AIR VENTS,WIFE GETTING ILL AN BURNING EYES, HARD TO BREATH,HEADACHES,TIRED ALL THE TIME, ALSO OTHER DRIVER GETTING ILL, ONLY BEEN IN THIS FREIGHTLINER 2 MONTHS, WITH DETROIT. AFTER 10 TO 12 HRS OF SLEEPING, IT ONLY TAKES ABOUT 4 HRS BEHIND THE WHEEL START GETTING TIRED AGAIN, SOMETHINGS NOT RIGHT, THIS ISN'T SAFE, HOW COME DRIVERS AREN'T BEING TOLD ABOUT THIS. *NM
Jul 1, 2003Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system DT: FUMES COMING INSIDE EQUIPMENT THROUGH AIR VENTS OF TRUCK. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER 3-4 DIFFERENT TIMES AND THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER FIXED. THESE FUMES CAUSED HEADACHES, NAUSEA,BURNING EYES, AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. NOW, DIAGNOSED WITH COPD. HAVE TALKED TO OTHER DRIVERS AND SAME PROBLEMS HAVE OCCURRED.*AK THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BECAUSE THE CONSUMER FELT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *NM
Aug 12, 2003Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK, THE CONSUMER WOULD SMELL A ROTTEN EGG ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE OWNER HAS MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH
Oct 28, 2003 · 30,000 milesEngine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control FUMES COMING INTO CAB, 2003,FREIGHTLINER,COLUMBIA,RELATED EGR VALVE LEAKING ENTS FROM DASH. *AK
Jul 6, 2003Engine and engine cooling › Engine CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. IT WILL BE HARD TO GET THE VEHICLE BACK STARTED.DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
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
AQ18002 · opened Apr 23, 2018 · closed Jul 11, 2024Daimler Trucks North America Recalls 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…
PE04036 · opened Apr 12, 2004 · closed Dec 6, 2004DIESEL EXHAUST GAS INTRUSION THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 3 COMPLAINTS FROM DRIVERS OF 2003 MODEL YEAR (MY) FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA TRUCK TRACTORS AND ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY FREIGHTLINER INDICATING A KNOWN PROBLEM OF EXHAUST LEAKS IN CERTAIN DETROIT DIESEL SERIES-60 ENGINES EQUIPPED WITH A ?COOLED EGR? EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM.DURING THE INVESTIGATION, ODI REQUESTED RELATED INFORMATION ON ALL 2000 MY THROUGH THE CURRENT 2005 MY FREIGHTLINER TRUCK TRACTORS FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES.ODI?S INITIAL CONCERN STEMMED FROM THE AFFECTS OF POSSIBLE CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AND WHETHER OR NOT THIS PROBLEM MAY CONSTITUTE A SAFETY RISK.THE ?INJURY INCIDENTS? INCLUDED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ARE A COUNT OF SUBJECT VEHICLES IN WHICH DRIVERS REPORTED FEELING ILL AS A RESULT OF SOME KIND OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUMES ENTERING THE CAB OF THEIR VEHICLES, AND THE ?INJURIES? ARE THE NUMBER OF SUCH INSTANCES…