Freightliner Columbia Recalls & Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA lists 63 safety recalls and 96 owner complaints across 25 model years of the Freightliner Columbia (1997–2021). The most-complained-about year is 2005.
Pick your Freightliner Columbia model year
- 1997
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
What Freightliner Columbia owners complain about
Across all model years, owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA. The 2005 model year has the most, with 38.
All Freightliner Columbia recalls (63)
Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Freightliner Columbia, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.
-
Connection (steering)
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Columbia, Coronado, Business Class M2, and 2020 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The drag link taper joint may not have been tightened sufficiently and could come loose, resulting in a complete separation of the drag link from the…
Remedy: DTNA will inspect the drag link taper joint and repair it, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number…
-
Exterior lighting
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2006-2020 Freightliner Columbia, 2006-2021 Freightliner Business Class M2, 2007-2020 Freightliner Coronado, 2014-2021 Freightliner 122 SD, 2007 Sterling A 9500, 2006 Freightliner Argosy, 2006-2007 Sterling AT9500, 2008-2021 Freightliner Cascadia, 2006-2008 Freightliner…
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reposition the reflective tape to ensure that it is completely visible, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 29, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA…
Model years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
-
Reservoir/tank (service brakes)
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2004-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Columbia, Classic, FL80, FLD 120SD, Business Class M2, Western Star 4700, 4900, 6900, Sterling Acterra, L7500, LT7500, L8500, LT8500, L9500, and LT9500 vehicles. The vehicles may have an insufficient service brake air…
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will add air reservoir capacity to the affected vehicles. Owner letters were mailed on November 29, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number…
-
Caliper (service brakes)
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Columbia, Coronado, and Business Class M2 vehicles. During manufacturing, the brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will check and tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began October 5, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number…
-
Equipment
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…
Remedy: 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…
Model years: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
-
Caliper (service brakes)
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2010-2017 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 108SD, 114SD, and Columbia trucks manufactured from January 6, 2010, through February 29, 2016, equipped with certain Bendix rear disk brakes and spring suspensions. The rear disk brake caliper may have been installed…
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the orientation of the rear brake calipers, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 8, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712.…
-
Seat belts
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Coronado, Argosy, Cascadia, Columbia, and M2 Business Class, and Western Star 4700, and 4900 vehicles manufactured August 5, 2013, through November 15, 2013, and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is…
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2014. Owners may contact Daimler at 1-800-385-4357. DTNA's number for this…
Model years: 2014
-
Seat belts
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Coronado, Argosy, Cascadia, M2 Business Class, and Western Star 4700, 4900, and 6900 vehicles manufactured August 5, 2013, through November 15, 2013; and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to…
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by January 26, 2014. Owners may contact Daimler at 1-800-385-4357.…
Model years: 2014
-
Suspension: front
Daimler trucks north america (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2013 freightliner, western star, freightliner custom chassis trucks, and thomas built buses manufactured from april 18, 2012, through may 11, 2012, and equipped with detroit axle-brand front axle knuckles. The front knuckles on these vehicles may have a machining error…
Remedy: Dtna will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the affected components, free of charge. The safety recall began on august 10, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks north america toll free at…
Model years: 2013
-
Diesel (engine and engine cooling)
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…
Remedy: 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…
-
Rack and pinion (steering)
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.…
Remedy: 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…
-
Fuel system, diesel
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2008 heavy trucks manufactured from july 11, 2003, through september 28, 2007, equipped with epa04 model mbe4000 engines built with plastic low pressure fuel lines and fuel filters mounted near the center of the engine on the left-hand side. The plastic low pressure fuel line…
Remedy: Daimler trucks will notify owners and the remedy will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities. Vehicles will be inspected and the plastic low pressure fuel line will be replaced with a…
-
Electronic stability control (esc)
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…
Remedy: 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.…
-
Cables (electrical system)
Dtna is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 freightliner; cascadia, century class, columbia, and coronado, certain model year 2008-2009 sterling; a-line and l-line and certain model year 2009-2012 western star constellation vehicles, manufactured from january 14, 2008, through june 15, 2011, built with detroit diesel 15 or 16…
Remedy: Dealers will install a new bolt and isolator and repair the recreational vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on december 21, 2011. Owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712.
-
Fuel pump (fuel system)
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2009 through 2011 freightliner cascadia, century, columbia, coronado, m2, and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from february 19, 2009, through july 9, 2010, equipped with specific dd13 and dd15 engines assembled with a bosch high pressure fuel pump element which may develop a…
Remedy: Daimler trucks will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of a previous recall (see recall campaign 10v-339). The safety recall began on may 18, 2011. Owners…
-
Engine and engine cooling
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…
Remedy: 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…
-
Labels (equipment)
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2011 freightliner coronado, columbia, fld military, business class m2, cascadia, century, and western star 4900 trucks manufactured from august 9, 2010, through october 27, 2010 for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and…
Remedy: Labels with missing information will be replaced with corrected labels. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 15, 2011. Owners may contact daimler…
Model years: 2011
-
Engine and engine cooling
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 freightliner, fccc, sterling, and western star heavy trucks manufactured from september 5, 2006, through june 30, 2010, equipped with specific mbe900 epa04 and epa07 model engines. The intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail due to excessive internal temperatures.
Remedy: Daimler trucks will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. Repairs will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities. The safety recall is expected to begin on or…
-
Fuel pump (fuel system)
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2009 through 2011 freightliner cascadia, century, columbia, coronado, m2, and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from february 19, 2009 through july 9, 2010, equipped with specific dd13 and dd15 engines assembled with a bosch high pressure fuel pump element which may develop a…
Remedy: Daimler trucks will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about march 28, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712.
-
Fuel system, other
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 freightliner columbia, cascadia, coronado, century, m2, sterling 9500, and western star 4900 vehicles equipped with dd 13 and dd15/dd16 engines and manufactured from january 1, 2007 through april 5, 2010. Should the fuel filter become restricted, the low pressure fuel…
Remedy: The low pressure fuel flange will be replaced with a more robust component. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on september 17, 2010. Owners may contact daimler trucks at…
-
Engine and engine cooling
Daimler trucks has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2010 freightliner columbia, fld, sterling 9500 and western star 4900 emergency vehicles. The engine may shut down unexpectedly when a diesel particulate filter over temperature condition is detected.
Remedy: The engine control logic will be reprogrammed to illuminate a malfunction indicator light without requesting engine shutdown. Repairs will be performed by detroit diesel. Please see daimler trucks defect report…
-
Engine and engine cooling
Daimler trucks is recalling model year 2007-2010 freightliner, sterling and western star vehicles equipped with detroit diesel dd15 epa07 engines which were manufactured with grid heaters. Increased internal grid heater resistance caused by improperly tightened screws may melt the solder on the grid heater circuit board leading to a…
Remedy: The engine control logic will be reprogrammed free of charge by detroit diesel authorized repair facilities and direct warranty customers to provide cold weather starting without the need of a grid heater. The safety…
-
Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)
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…
Remedy: 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…
-
Fuel pump (fuel system)
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2009 heavy trucks manufactured between may 5, 2008 and january 7, 2009, equipped dd15 engines and with bosch high pressure fuel pumps. The fasteners on these fuel pumps could be under-torqued allowing the "o" ring between the pump housing and the barrel to protrude and leak.
Remedy: 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 december 22, 2009. Owners may…
Model years: 2009
-
Engine and engine cooling
Daimler trucks is recalling model year 2004-2010 trucks equipped with caterpillar c15 engine. The variable valve actuation oil line may rub against the p-clips retaining the oil line, causing an oil leak.
Remedy: Daimler trucks is working with caterpillar to remedy these vehicles. Please see caterpillar's defect report 09e-020. Caterpillar will inspect and repair the necessary components free of charge. The recall began on may…
-
Rack and pinion (steering)
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.
Remedy: 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.
-
Quick release valve (service brakes)
Daimler trucks is recalling 1,460 model year 2009 and 2010 heavy duty trucks and fccc chassis (used on thomas built school buses) manufactured from june 11 through december 16, 2008, equipped with certain haldex quick release valves (qrv). The rubber diaphragm inside the qrv may experience delamination resulting in significant levels of…
Remedy: Daimler trucks will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. Repairs will be performed by daimler trucks north america. The safety recall began on august 12, 2009. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free…
-
Diesel (engine and engine cooling)
Daimler trucks is recalling 2 my 2008-2009 freightliner columbia and sterling l-line trucks equipped with caterpillar c7, c9, c13 and c15 diesel engines. Inadequate stiffness of the diesel particulate filter (dpf) bracket could result in separation of the dpf from the chassis.
Remedy: Daimler trucks is working with caterpillar (please see 08e041). Owners may contact caterpillar at-1-800-447-4986 or daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
-
Air (parking brake)
Daimler trucks is recalling 900 my 2008 freightliner argosy, argosy rhd, cascadia, columbia, century st, coronado, sterling acterra, l-line and western star 4900 trucks equipped with bendix mv-3 dash control valves. The molded valve body has an incorrect core pin in the injection mold causing the valve body to be oversized in the double…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the mv-3 dash valve for the production date code. Valves in the affected production lots will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on october 9, 2008. Owners may contact daimler trucks at…
Model years: 2008
-
Fuel system, diesel
Daimler trucks is recalling 62,000 my 2005-2007 freightliner business class, century class, columbia, coronado, fld, classic, sterling a-line, l-line, and western star 4900 trucks. A fractured fuel line could leak diesel fuel.
Remedy: High pressure fuel lines and transfer tubes will be inspected and replaced free of charged. The recall began on july 9, 2008. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
-
Disc (service brakes)
On certain trucks and motor homes chassis, incorrect fasteners may not provide adequate clamping force between the brake caliper and brake anchor plate potentially resulting in reduced brake effectiveness.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine if incorrect bolts were used. If incorrect bolts are found, vehicles will be inspected for possible additional damage and repaired as required. The recall began on june 6,…
Model years: 2008
-
Diesel (engine and engine cooling)
On certain trucks equipped with caterpillar epa07 c155 engines, the extension pipes attached to the aftertreatment regeneration device may develop a crack or hole and heat or flame may escape during a regeneration of the diesel particulate filter.
Remedy: Caterpillar is conducting this recall (please see 07e100). Caterpillar will repair the engines free of charge. Owners may contact caterpillar at 1-800-447-4986 or freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Model years: 2008
-
Shaft sector (steering)
On certain trucks equipped with trw steering gears, models tas85 and rcs85, these steering gears contain potentially defective sector shafts with an incorrect gear tooth which may interfere with the rack-piston teeth, resulting in a stick or bind condition.
Remedy: Freightliner is working with trw to replace the defective steering gear (please see 07e101). The recall began on april 18, 2008. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Model years: 2008
-
Fifth wheel assembly (trailer hitches)
On certain truck-tractors equipped with holland simplex se or se ii fifth wheels, the latch lever pivot bolt assembly may have been over-tightened which could distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve. Corrosion or contaminates in the pivot may cause it to bind and prevent the fifth wheel jaw from latching securely around the trailer king pin.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pivot bolt and sleeve with a hex head shoulder bolt and washer. The recall began on january 3, 2008. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
-
Motor (visibility)
On certain trucks, the wiper motor ground wire was omitted in a new harness design. The wiper motor may not operate or may function intermittently.
Remedy: Dealers will add a ground wire to the wiper motor harness. The recall began on may 13, 2008. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Model years: 2008
-
Tie rod assembly (steering)
On certain trucks equipped with rack and pinion steering, the ball socket assembly at the inner end of the driver side tie rod may be damaged in a sharp turn. Excessive tie rod angles may loosen the tie rod in the ball socket or damage the threaded tie rod socket attachment to the steering rack on the driver side. The threaded end of…
Remedy: Dealers will change the front axle steering stops to prevent interference in the tie rod ball socket assembly and steering components will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on july 8, 2008, and will be…
-
Tie rod assembly (steering)
On certain trucks equipped with rack and pinion steering, the tie rod arms may have been incorrectly installed. The threaded end of the ball socket assembly may fracture and separate.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for installation of the steering arms. Steering components will be replaced on trucks that have incorrectly installed tie rod arms. The recall began on may 1, 2008. Owner may contact freightliner…
-
Column (steering)
On certain trucks built with a trw global adjustable upper steering column, two upper tilt plate bolts may loosen with use and fall out. These fasteners hold the upper column assembly in place. The steering column pivot may fracture if the bolts are missing when an excessive force is applied to the steering wheel.
Remedy: The tilt plate bolts will be inspected and replaced if necessary. The recall began on november 23, 2007. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
-
Delivery (fuel system)
On certain trucks, a manufacturing error in the fuel-water separator preheater thermoswitch may prevent the fuel preheater from turning off if the ignition is left on. If the ignition switch is left on when fuel is added to the fuel- water separator at the factory or during a filter element change, a small flame may occur inside the…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel filter date code and thermoswitch lot code to determine if they contain the suspect component free of charge. The recall began on october 4, 2007. Owners may contact freightliner at…
-
Suspension: rear
On certain trucks equipped with tuftrac rear suspensions, the center casting brackets may be out of specification. An out of square casting may have unacceptable stress in the bracket when it is installed and may cause it to crack in service.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and castings that are out of specification will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on december 12, 2007. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
-
Steering
Freightliner is recalling certain school bus chassis, heavy trucks, van chassis, rv motorhome chassis manufactured from january 5 to may 17, 2007, equipped with axle alliance company (aac) front axles. During the front axle assembly, the fasteners that attach the steering arm or tie rod arms to the spindle may be over or under tightened.
Remedy: Thomas built will notify owners, inspect the fasteners, and replace the steering arm if necessary. The recall began on december 21, 2007. Owners can contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
-
Check valve (service brakes)
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…
Remedy: 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,…
-
Column (steering)
Certain freightliner school buses and trucks manufactured from october 23, 2004, to march 21, 2006. During the steering column manufacturing process two welds may have been missing.
Remedy: Freightliner will notify owners and inspect and repair the affected vehicle free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2007. Owners can contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
-
Axle assembly (power train)
On certain trucks built with dana rear axles, the housings may contain thinner material than what is necessary for normal vehicle operation.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's rear axles and, if necessary, replace the axle housings. The recall began on august 10, 2007. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Model years: 2007
-
Hub (suspension)
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.
Remedy: 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…
-
Suspension: front
On certain trucks equipped with arvinmeritor front axle assemblies, the front spindle nut may be over-tightened causing preload on the front wheel bearings which may lead to premature bearing wear.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front hub installation for correct bearing adjustment. If the bearing adjustment is incorrect, the front wheel bearings will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on january 22, 2007.…
-
Driveline (power train)
On certain trucks equipped with arvinmeritor rpl20 high angle interaxle driveshafts, an improper seated or missing snap ring can result in the bearing cup to separate from the slip yoke sub-assembly. The universal joint cross could then contact the slip yoke casting and eventually cause the ear work to fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driveshafts and replace them as needed. The recall began on december 6, 2006. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Model years: 2007
-
Air (parking brake)
Certain heavy trucks, shuttle buses, and school buses equipped with bendix modulated spring brake valves. A defect in the modulated spring brake valve casting may cause an intermittent delay in the application of the park brake.
Remedy: Freightliner will notify owners and replace the defective valves free of charge. The recall began on june 28, 2006 to freightliner, sterling, and fccc owners. Thomas built mailed letters to owners beginning july 27,…
Model years: 2007
-
Electrical system
On certain trucks, the protective cover for the cab power distribution model (pdm) may be missing or improperly installed.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new cover free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2006. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
-
Engine and engine cooling
On certain trucks equipped with caterpillar diesel engines, the variable valve actuation oil line may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not positioned correctly.
Remedy: Caterpillar, in conjunction with freightliner, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309-675-6496, or freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
-
Axle assembly (power train)
On certain trucks and motor home chassis, the top flange of the front axle i-beam may fatigue and fracture.
Remedy: 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…
Model years: 2006
-
Spindle (suspension)
Certain 2005 thomas built fs-65 and c-2 school buses and 2005 freightliner argosy, columbia, century st, and m2 business class trucks manufactured between june 4 and july 8, 2005. The spindles in the rear axle housing were overheated during the heat treatment process. Incorrectly heat treated spindles could result in a fracture of the…
Remedy: Freightliner will notify its customers and inspect for the heat treat date code on the end of the rear spindles and replace the axle housing if necessary. The recall is expected to begin on january 23, 2006. Owners may…
Model years: 2005
-
Linkages (steering)
On certain truck and motor home chassis equipped with i-shafts supplied by zf heavy duty steering, there is a potential for a failure of the fork/shaft connection.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and attach a tension collar to the steering shaft to secure the connection to the yoke. The recall began on november 16, 2005. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Model years: 2004
-
Hub (wheels)
On certain trucks equipped with 3rd generation conmet aluminum wheels, the drum mounting flange on the conmet truturn brake drum may have been manufactured with a taper from the pilot hole to the barrel of the drum.
Remedy: After further investigation and testing, freightliner has revised the population and the remedy (december 22, 2005). Therefore, the recall began on march 15, 2006. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Model years: 2004
-
Wheels
On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks equipped with accuride aluminum wheels, the wheels were not properly pre-stressed. This allows cracks to develop over time.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wheels free of charge. The recall began on october 21, 2005. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Model years: 2005
-
Seats
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.
Remedy: Dealers will repair these vehicles. The recall began on april 20, 2005. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
-
Driveline (power train)
On certain vehicles, there is a defect in the interaxle driveline yokes. The bolt holes located on the earwork of the male shaft yokes were manufactured with an oversized minor thread diameter.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suspect male shaft yokes. The recall began on april 4, 2005. Owners should contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Model years: 2004
-
Manual transmission (power train)
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.
Remedy: 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
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.
Remedy: 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…
Model years: 2003
-
Fifth wheel assembly (trailer hitches)
On certain truck tractors equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions free of charge. Owner notification began november 12, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
Model years: 2000
-
Hub (suspension)
On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both front hubs. Owner notification is expected to begin on or before september 20, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive…
-
Service brakes, air
On certain trucks equipped with manifold dash valves with push to connect fittings used to control the park brake function on trucks and trailers with air brakes, the park knob can pop out unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. This will exhaust the air from the park brake system on the trailer and apply the parking brakes.
Remedy: Haldex will notify its customers to make arrangements to have the valve inspected and, if necessary, replaced free of charge. Owner notification is expected to begin during january 2003. Owners who take their vehicles…
Model years: 2002
-
Antilock (service brakes)
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks and school bus chassis built with bendix air ABS with an ec-17 1030r electronic control unit (ECU), there have been reports of unwanted ABS activation at low speeds caused by 1) chafed ABS wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or 2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS ECU.
Other Freightliner models
- Cascadia253 complaints
- Freightliner135 complaints
- Conventional76 complaints
- Business Class M254 complaints
- Century53 complaints
- Sprinter 250049 complaints
- FL-7037 complaints
- FS-6533 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.