NHTSA lists 13 complaints for the 2004 Freightliner Columbia, 2 of them mention a crash and 2 mention a fire. 5 complaints mention an injury, with 6 injuries and 2 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-09.
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.
10 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: 2011-09-16. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL.
Defect: 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 DEVELO (excerpt)
Consequence: 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. (excerpt)
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 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, 20 (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2009-09-23. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Defect: 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: AN OIL LEAK MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
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 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CATERPILLAR TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-447-4986 OR DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.
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: 2006-02-08. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Defect: 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: THE OIL LINE MAY BE CUT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSING AN OIL LEAK AND A POSSIBLE FIRE.
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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2005-09-13. Systems: STEERING.
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE COULD SUFFER A LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2005-06-14. Systems: WHEELS.
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS TAPER MAY CAUSE CRACKING OR FRACTURES OF THE FRONT HUB. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
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.
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: 2004-12-15. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION ALLOWS THE BOLTS USED IN THE HOLES TO BECOME DETACHED WHICH COULD RESULT IN A DRIVELINE SEPARATION. DRIVELINE SEPARATION COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
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.
Manufacturer communications
36 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 8 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 7 |
|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 5 |
|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 5 |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 4 |
|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3 |
|---|
| ENGINE | 1 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 1 |
|---|
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
10188112
Date: 2021-02-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Tech Talk discussion on Hard Cold Start.
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).
10151600
Date: 2018-09-30. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
Service information Bulletin
10151510
Date: 2018-07-23. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
Operating Hours for the Customer Assistance Center
10195478
Date: 2018-06-28. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
SS 1033638 - Power Window Express Down Module Discontinued
10141700
Date: 2018-02-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
sb2061 Replacement Shunt Tube, EPA07 Caterpillar C13 and C15 Engines