2005 Freightliner Columbia: recalls and complaints

No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks

All updates to the register

• 19V37000014 May 2019Service Brakes, Air / Supply / Reservoir/Tank
• 17V81000015 Dec 2017Equipment
• 11V51400013 Oct 2011Steering / Rack and Pinion
• 11V47800016 Sep 2011Fuel System, Diesel
• 09V36600023 Sep 2009Engine and Engine Cooling
• 08V11300011 Mar 2008Fuel System, Diesel
• 07V4030006 Sep 2007Steering / Linkages / Tie Rod Assembly
• 07V4000005 Sep 2007Steering / Linkages / Tie Rod Assembly
• 07V30200016 Jul 2007Service Brakes, Air / Supply / Check Valve
• 07V2890003 Jul 2007Steering / Column
• 06V1900005 Jun 2006Electrical System
• 06V0300008 Feb 2006Engine and Engine Cooling
• 05V4670005 Oct 2005Suspension / Rear / Axle / Spindle
• 05V18500027 Apr 2005Wheels

1. 19V370000Received 14 May 2019. 741 units.

   Service Brakes, Air / Supply / Reservoir/Tank

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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 reservoir capacity. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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 for this recall is FL-815.

   Report filed by Daimler Trucks North America LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-815. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 25 Jun 2021.

2. 17V810000Received 15 Dec 2017. 24,860 units.

   Equipment

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by Daimler Trucks North America LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-759. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 11 Apr 2018.

3. 11V514000Received 13 Oct 2011. 9,689 units.

   Steering / Rack and Pinion

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   The steering could unexpectedly turn left or right, making the vehicle more difficult to control and increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number FL-614. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 6 Jul 2012.

4. 11V478000Received 16 Sep 2011. 73,500 units.

   Fuel System, Diesel

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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 between engine mounted fuel filter and engine block may develop a substantial diesel fuel leak.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   This could create a road hazard increasing the risk of a crash. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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 steel low pressure fuel line. This service will be performed free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on october 28, 2011. The safety recall began on february 21, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.

   Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number 11C-2. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 21 Feb 2012.

5. 09V366000Received 23 Sep 2009. 25,362 units.

   Engine and Engine Cooling

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   An oil leak may result in a fire.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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 5, 2009. Owners may contact caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986 or daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.

   Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number FL-558.

6. 08V113000Received 11 Mar 2008. 62,000 units.

   Fuel System, Diesel

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   If a leak continues undetected under certain conditions, fuel may ignite at a hot engine surface and/or fuel may be spilled on the road surface.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number FL-526. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 9 Jul 2008.

7. 07V403000Received 6 Sep 2007. 450 units.

   Steering / Linkages / Tie Rod Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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 the ball socket assembly may fracture and separate.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A fractured tie rod assembly will make the vehicle more difficult to control at higher speeds and a crash may occur.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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 mailed in phases through december 31, 2008. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.

   Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-513. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 8 Jul 2008.

8. 07V400000Received 5 Sep 2007. 413 units.

   Steering / Linkages / Tie Rod Assembly

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   A fractured tie rod assembly will make the vehicle more difficult to control at higher speeds and a crash may occur.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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 at 1-800-547-0712.

   Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-512. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 1 May 2008.

9. 07V302000Received 16 Jul 2007. 75,000 units.

   Service Brakes, Air / Supply / Check Valve

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-504. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 11 Jan 2008.

10. 07V289000Received 3 Jul 2007. 25,643 units.

    Steering / Column

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    Columns with two welds missing may fatigue and fracture and allow the steering wheel to progressively be moved out of its normal position which may cause the steering to respond differently than expected. If this condition is ignored, a crash may occur.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-503. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 30 Aug 2007.

11. 06V190000Received 5 Jun 2006. 61,000 units.

    Electrical System

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    On certain trucks, the protective cover for the cab power distribution model (pdm) may be missing or improperly installed.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    If the protective cover is missing or not positioned correctly, any water intrusion from an open window or windshield leak may seep through the upper dash cover seam and drip onto the pdm. Water on the pdm circuits may cause a short circuit resulting in a fire that could cause personal injury.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-476. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 18 Dec 2006.

12. 06V030000Received 8 Feb 2006. 5,771 units.

    Engine and Engine Cooling

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-471. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 17 Apr 2006.

13. 05V467000Received 5 Oct 2005. 1,100 units.

    Suspension / Rear / Axle / Spindle

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    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 spindle.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    Incorrectly heat treated spindles could fracture, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    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 contact freightliner

    Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-460. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 11 Apr 2006.

14. 05V185000Received 27 Apr 2005. 3,500 units.

    Wheels

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    This may eventually lead to wheel failure and possibly result in a vehicle crash.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Dealers will replace the wheels free of charge. The recall began on october 21, 2005. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.

    Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-448. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 21 Oct 2005.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. This model year has fewer than 50 component mentions, so the table shows the number of mentions only.

Complaints that report a crash

1

Complaints that report a fire

1

Injuries in the complaints

6

Deaths in the complaints

0

Date of the newest complaint

30 Aug 2010

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

1. 19971
2. 19982
3. 19992
4. 20003
5. 20011
6. 20023
7. 20035
8. 200410
9. 200514
10. 200621
11. 200727
12. 200830
13. 200920
14. 201018
15. 201113
16. 20126
17. 20135
18. 20145
19. 20153
20. 20163
21. 20173
22. 20182
23. 20193
24. 20202
25. 20211

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

• Freightliner Columbia: all model years
• Freightliner: 77 model lines

Follow by RSS:Freightliner recallsVehicle recalls

• NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
• NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
• NHTSA page of the 2005 Freightliner ColumbiaThe recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2005 Freightliner Columbia?

369,029 units in 14 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.

How many recall campaigns does the Freightliner Columbia have for all model years?

NHTSA lists 63 recall campaigns for the Freightliner Columbia, model years 1997 to 2021. 14 of them name the 2005 model year.

Which component do the complaints about the 2005 Freightliner Columbia name most often?

Power Train: 24 of 38 component mentions.

Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2005 Freightliner Columbia open?

No. Each of the 4 investigations that name this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.