2008 Freightliner Columbia Recalls, Complaints & Specs

30 safety recalls list the 2008 Freightliner Columbia, and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.

• 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

30 safety recalls for the 2008 Freightliner Columbia

Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.

1. Exterior lighting

   NHTSA 20V214000 Reported April 14, 2020 63,175 vehicles potentially affected Daimler Trucks North America LLC

   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…

2. Reservoir/tank (service brakes)

   NHTSA 19V370000 Reported May 14, 2019 741 vehicles potentially affected Daimler Trucks North America LLC

   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…

3. Equipment

   NHTSA 17V810000 Reported December 15, 2017 24,860 vehicles potentially affected Daimler Trucks North America LLC

   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…

4. Diesel (engine and engine cooling)

   NHTSA 12V074000 Reported February 28, 2012 103,437 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

   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…

5. Rack and pinion (steering)

   NHTSA 11V514000 Reported October 13, 2011 9,689 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

   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…

6. Fuel system, diesel

   NHTSA 11V478000 Reported September 16, 2011 73,500 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

   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…

7. Electronic stability control (esc)

   NHTSA 11V465000 Reported September 8, 2011 4,444 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

   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.…

8. Cables (electrical system)

   NHTSA 11V330000 Reported June 21, 2011 48,170 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

   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.

9. Engine and engine cooling

   NHTSA 11V146000 Reported March 3, 2011 2,073 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

   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…

10. Engine and engine cooling

    NHTSA 10V341000 Reported July 27, 2010 5,743 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

    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…

11. Fuel system, other

    NHTSA 10V189000 Reported May 7, 2010 30,704 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

    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…

12. Engine and engine cooling

    NHTSA 10V112000 Reported March 23, 2010 16 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

    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…

13. Engine and engine cooling

    NHTSA 09V400000 Reported October 8, 2009 18,067 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

    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…

14. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 09V391000 Reported October 6, 2009 10,185 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

    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…

15. Engine and engine cooling

    NHTSA 09V366000 Reported September 23, 2009 25,362 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

    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…

16. Rack and pinion (steering)

    NHTSA 09V357000 Reported September 16, 2009 8,882 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

    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.

17. Diesel (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 09V086000 Reported March 13, 2009 2 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

    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.

18. Air (parking brake)

    NHTSA 08V159000 Reported April 9, 2008 900 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

    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…

19. Disc (service brakes)

    NHTSA 08V029000 Reported January 28, 2008 473 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

    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,…

20. Diesel (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 07V598000 Reported December 28, 2007 250 vehicles potentially affected FREIGHTLINER LLC

    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.

21. Shaft sector (steering)

    NHTSA 07V592000 Reported December 21, 2007 220 vehicles potentially affected FREIGHTLINER LLC

    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.

22. Fifth wheel assembly (trailer hitches)

    NHTSA 07V530000 Reported November 13, 2007 38,000 vehicles potentially affected FREIGHTLINER LLC

    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.

23. Motor (visibility)

    NHTSA 07V532000 Reported November 13, 2007 5,000 vehicles potentially affected FREIGHTLINER LLC

    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.

24. Tie rod assembly (steering)

    NHTSA 07V403000 Reported September 6, 2007 450 vehicles potentially affected FREIGHTLINER LLC

    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…

25. Tie rod assembly (steering)

    NHTSA 07V400000 Reported September 5, 2007 413 vehicles potentially affected FREIGHTLINER LLC

    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…

26. Column (steering)

    NHTSA 07V357000 Reported August 13, 2007 42,000 vehicles potentially affected FREIGHTLINER LLC

    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.

27. Delivery (fuel system)

    NHTSA 07V335000 Reported August 2, 2007 4,299 vehicles potentially affected FREIGHTLINER LLC

    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…

28. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 07V316000 Reported July 24, 2007 1,200 vehicles potentially affected FREIGHTLINER LLC

    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.

29. Steering

    NHTSA 07V306000 Reported July 18, 2007 18,000 vehicles potentially affected FREIGHTLINER LLC

    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.

30. Check valve (service brakes)

    NHTSA 07V302000 Reported July 16, 2007 75,000 vehicles potentially affected FREIGHTLINER LLC

    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,…

1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA

Owners of the 2008 Freightliner Columbia have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 330,000 miles. Complaints peaked in 2010 with 1 filed that year.

Most-reported components

• Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1

What owners are reporting

“2008 cat c15 acert engine shuts down. We have 3 of these units in class 8 trucks all have numerous problems with the exhaust treatment system all have been in for repair many times. When the system fa”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, August 9, 2010 · Engine and engine cooling

Compare Freightliner Columbia model years

Recall and complaint counts for every Freightliner Columbia model year in NHTSA's database.

Checking a specific 2008 Freightliner Columbia

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.