NHTSA lists 10 complaints for the 2003 Freightliner Columbia, 0 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 2 complaints mention an injury, with 3 injuries and 0 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-08.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
Recalls
See new recalls and investigations this week.
5 recalls.
Date: 2017-12-15. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
Defect: 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 ma (excerpt)
Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. (excerpt)
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 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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2007-07-16. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.
Defect: 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 (excerpt)
Consequence: 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. (excerpt)
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, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2005-01-03. Systems: SEATS.
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE SEAT FALL BACKWARDS DURING USE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2004-05-04. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF SHIFT LEVER DETACHMENT OCCURS, THA ABILITY RO ACCELERATE OT MAINTAIN SPEED WILL BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2003-12-04. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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 FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 800-547-0712.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Investigations
2 investigations; 0 open.
AQ18002
Opened: 2018-04-23. Closed: 2024-07-11.
Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
On April 23, 2018, the National Highway Trai? c Safety Administration (a NHTSAa ) opened Audit Query (AQ18002) to assess the timeliness and scope of four recalls i? led by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (a DTNAa ). NHTSA subsequently expanded AQ18002 to examine the timeliness and scope of three additional DTNA recalls and compliance with early warning reporting and manufacturer communicatio
Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STEERING.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
PE04036
Opened: 2004-04-12. Closed: 2004-12-06.
DIESEL 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 THROU
Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
Manufacturer communications
167 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 68 |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 25 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 20 |
|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 11 |
|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | 10 |
|---|
| ENGINE | 8 |
|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 8 |
|---|
| STEERING | 7 |
|---|
10191849
Date: 2021-04-30. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Tech Talk discussion on Prototype or pre production DPF Penske wanted to share.
10187830
Date: 2021-02-19. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Revised Technical Service Letter for Series 60 and Series 50 Camshaft Timing Specifications. Camshaft timing, valve lash, injector height, and Jake Brake lash are all very important specifications that must be followed closely in order to optimize the performance and service life of any Detroit Dies
10184785
Date: 2020-12-23. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Revised Freightliner Service Bulletin for Axle Flange Gasket Replaced with O-Ring. Revision removed steps instructing removal and installation of wheels. Daimler Trucks North America has released a new axle shaft to hub rubber O-ring (part number 11-30728-000) as a replacement for the paper gasket
10181759
Date: 2020-10-27. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT.
Updated Freightliner Service Bulletin for Powernet Troubleshooting Guide - Batteries, Path, Alternator, and Starter. This bulletin replaces the version dated 5/31/2017. Information is added about the BCT-460DTNA PowerNet Assessment Tool. When troubleshooting Powernet issues, use the BCT-460DTNA Powe
10181049
Date: 2020-10-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, POWER TRAIN.
Freightliner Service Bulletin for Axle Flange Gasket Replaced with O-Ring. Daimler Trucks North America has released a new axle shaft to hub rubber O-ring (part number 11-30728-000) as a replacement for the paper gasket (part number 11-14418-000). The new O-ring will provide better sealing and is re
10170603
Date: 2020-01-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
Technical Service Letter for DDC Series 60 engines concerning Series 60 Cylinder Head Resurfacing/Finish. Detroit Diesel does not recommend third party resurfacing of Series 60 cylinder heads (outside of Detroit and Detroit Reman).
10163599
Date: 2019-08-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
Warranty Information Letter sent to customers regarding new refrigerator supplier for returning parts.
10163511
Date: 2019-08-05. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.
Warranty Information Letter - Expanded guidelines for paint-related claims sent out to Freightliner, Western star, Thomas Built Bus, Export and Direct warranty customers
10161128
Date: 2019-04-30. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING.
Steering Intermediate Shaft Replacement
10160786
Date: 2019-03-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Service Bulletin- sb54311 ICU Odometer Programming