Home
Freightliner
Century
2000 problems

FaultScore report

2000 Freightliner Century problems

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2000 Freightliner Century with NHTSA between 2000 and 2009. The largest single group is the suspension. Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 3 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Freightliner Century All 2000 cars

FaultScore 73/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Freightliner Century.

How this is worked out

The numbers

Complaints

Crashes reported

Fires reported

Injuries reported

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.

Complaint volume — 57: Against the median year of the Freightliner Century. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100: 21.1% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — not reported: Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.

How 2000 compares with every other Freightliner Century

Click any bar to open that year's report.

5 21 10 19 4 4 2 2 8 1

97 98 99 00 01 03 04 05 06 08

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2000 Freightliner Century

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Suspension 8 42.1%

Median failure at 901,137 miles

Body & Structure 3 15.8%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 3 15.8%

Wheels 2 10.5%

Seats 1 5.3%

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 5.3%

Steering 1 5.3%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Apr 2000 peak 5 Jul 2009

NHTSA investigations into the 2000 Freightliner Century

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE03005 Opened 7 Feb 2003 Closed 22 Aug 2003 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

FRONT BRAKE AIR HOSE LEAKS

CERTAIN 1998-2001 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY AND COLUMBIA VEHICLES EXHIBIT A HIGHER RATE OF FRONT BRAKE AIR HOSE LEAKS THAN EARLIER VINTAGE FREIGHTLINER VEHICLES.THE LEAKS HAVE BEEN FREQUENTLY DISCOVERED AT FMCSA ROADSIDE INSPECTIONS SINCE THESE INSPECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED (PRESSURIZING THE AIR HOSE) WHEREAS DRIVER PRE-TRIP INSPECTIONS MAY NOT ALWAYS BE PERFORMED WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. AFTER A THOROUGH TECHNICAL REVIEW OF THIS MATTER,ODI HAS CONCUDED THAT WHILE THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EXHIBIT A HIGHER RATE OF FRONT BRAKE AIR HOSE LEAKS THAN EARLIER VINTAGE AND PEER VEHICLES, THE...

PE02088 Opened 22 Nov 2002 Closed 1 May 2003 WHEELS

INTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY

FREIGHTLINER SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ON MARCH 21, 2003 IN WHICH THEY IDENTIFIED APPROXIMATELY 5000 TRUCKS AS POSSIBLY BEINGAFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM.ARVINMERITOR (FRONT AXLE MFR) SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ONAPRIL 16, 2003, WHICH IDENTIFIES 6098 FREIGHTLINER TRUCKS ASBEING AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL AND 1191 AXLES SOLD TO FREIGHTLINER IN THE AFTERMARKET. ODI NOTES THAT THERE ARE TWOINTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLIES PER FRONT AXLE.FREIGHTLINER IDENTIFIED VEHICLES INCLUDINGFREIGHTLINER,STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR BRAND NAME AS BEINGAFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL...

Recalls on the 2000 Freightliner Century

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2003179 29 Jul 2003 223 units in Canada

Suspension

On certain vehicles, manufacturing defects in the front axle unitized hubs may cause premature spalling of the wheel bearings. This condition will lead to eventual breakdown of the bearing and potential loss of vehicle control amidst the presence of warning signals such as activation of ABS warning light, steering wheel vibration, brake drag, noise and vehicle pull. Correction: Dealer will replace both front wheel hubs.

Recall 2002197 1 Nov 2002 4,689 units in Canada

Steering

The TRW tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness. This can lead to premature wear out and a possible separation of the ball stud from the socket and loss of steering control. Correction: All affected tie rods and drag links with different design ends will be replaced.

Recall 2000202 26 Sep 2000 5,033 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, the TRW tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearing that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness. This can lead to premature wear out and a possible separation of the ball stud from the socket and loss of steering control. Correction: All affected tie rods and drag links with different design ends will be replaced. Note: this supercedes recall FL268.

Recall 2000172 28 Aug 2000 4,385 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the Bendix ABS ECU misinterprets certain signals from wheel ends which can result in the temporary loss of braking capability on one or more wheel positions for several seconds. This response results from either an ABS cable that has chafed through the insulation and contacted a rotating part or a misaligned tone ring that has been damaged by contacting other components. Correction: ABS ECU will be replaced with a new ECU with upgraded software capable of detecting and properly responding to erroneous signals.

Recall 2000129 16 Jun 2000 77 units in Canada

Powertrain

On certain vehicles equipped with Eaton Autoshift transmissions, incorrect software in these transmissions could cause a condition whereby in certain circumstances, when reverse is selected the transmission engages 2nd gear. Incorrect gear engagement can result in a crash without prior warning. Correction: Suspect software will be reprogrammed.

Recall 2000093 12 Apr 2000 1,141 units in Canada

Suspension

On certain vehicles, the rear suspension springs may fracture through the center bolt hole after vehicle assembly. If undetected, the rear end of the spring may separate from the vehicle causing a hazardous road debris situation. Correction: Inspect for cracked springs and replace if cracked.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Filed 20 Jan 2007 Lardo, TX 1 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

DON'T SMOKE, COUGHING, WAKING UP WITH HEADACHES, PASTOUT WHILE IN TRUCK ,VOMITING, TIRED ALL THE TIME, WHAT'S GOING ON HERE. I AM IN MY 30'S, THIS ISN'T RIGHT. I ALSO HAVE A FAMILY TO TAKE CARE OF, WILL THIS CAUSE ME PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE (HEALTH WISE).

NHTSA complaint #10179259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 20 Jan 2007 Lardo, TX 1 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

NHTSA complaint #10179259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 22 May 2000 Salem, VA 1 injured

STRUCTURE

THERE ARE NO GRAB RAILS TO USE WHEN EXITING DRIVERS SIDE OF CAB, THIS HAS RESULTED IN SEVERAL INJURIES, RAILS ARE ONLY LOCATED ON PASSENGER SIDE. NLM

NHTSA complaint #550932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 15 May 2000 Salem, VA 1 injured

STRUCTURE

THERE ARE NO GRAB RAILS TO USE WHEN EXITING DRIVERS SIDE OF CAB, THIS HAS RESULTED IN SEVERAL INJURIES, RAILS ARE ONLY LOCATED ON PASSENGER SIDE. NLM

NHTSA complaint #550932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Filed 6 Jul 2009 at 901,137 miles Mentor, OH

SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE DRIVER FELT A RUMBLE AND THUMP COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, BUT THE WHEEL BEARINGS BECAME LOOSE. AS A RESULT, THE WHEEL WAS HANGING ON THE STEERING SPINDLE, THE BRAKES WERE HANGING IN PIECES, AND THE AIR LINE FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE PLASTIC ACCESS PANEL FAILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER AND REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V112000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 910,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 900,000. UPDATED 07/14/09.*LJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HE MISSED THE RECALL BY 4 WEEKS AND A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS THE SAME HUB UNIT THAT WAS RECALLED AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 07/16/09.

NHTSA complaint #10275837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 16 Apr 2008 Pottersville, MO

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

CAME ACROSS THIS SITE BY WORD OF MOUTH. NOTICED THAT I'VE GOT SOOT RESIDUE IN MY VENTS. I'VE BEEN HAVING A FLU LIKE SYSTEM THAT MY DR COULDN'T DIAGNOSIS AND CLAIMED IT MIGHT BE ALLERGIES. MY BLOOD PRESSURE HAS BEEN GOING UP AND WE'VE BEEN ADJUSTING THE MEDS MORE FREQUENTLY SINCE I'VE BEEN IN THIS TRUCK.

NHTSA complaint #10224765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 20 Jan 2007 Lardo, TX 1 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

NHTSA complaint #10179259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 20 Jan 2007 Lardo, TX 1 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

NHTSA complaint #10179259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 6 Jan 2005 at 50,000 miles Castile, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY

WHEN IT RAINS WATER COMES IN ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE WATER COMES IN THROUGH THE DRIP PAN, PER A GLASS COMPANY. DEALER STATED IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY.

NHTSA complaint #10106956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 8 Nov 2004 Georgetown, KY

STEERING

TRACTOR FAILURE, TIE ROD AND KING PINS AND BEARINGS WERE ALL IN POOR CONDITION. *BF

NHTSA complaint #10099495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 8 Nov 2004 Georgetown, KY

SUSPENSION

TRACTOR FAILURE, TIE ROD AND KING PINS AND BEARINGS WERE ALL IN POOR CONDITION. *BF

NHTSA complaint #10099495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 14 Oct 2004 Alvin, TX

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT WAS ALTERED BY THE MANUFACTURER WHO DISABLED THE FULL RECLINE. AS A RESULT THERE WAS A GREATER CHANCE OF WHIPLASH, SPINAL INJURY OR DRIVER EJECTION FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONCERNS ABOUT EXECUTIVE ORDERS DEALING WITH ERGONOMIC WORKPLACE SAFETY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #10096825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 27 Dec 2001 Brimley, MI

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

THE INTAKE FOR THE HEATER/AC,IS UNDER THE HOOD AND IS SUPPOSE TO BE SEALED FROM THE REST OF THE ENGINE BY A RUBBER GASKET WICH FITS POORLY AND THERE ARE DRAIN TUBES THAT ALLOW FOUL AIR FROM UNDDER THE HOOD (CRANKCASE BLOWBY,EXTERNAL OIL LEAK BURNOFF) TO BE SUCKED INTO THE CAB,I HAVE IT HAPPEN ALMOST EVERY DAY WITH THIS TRUCK SOMETIMES THE SMOKE IS ACTUALY VISABLE IN THE CAB,THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF EXHAUST LEAKING SO IT HAS TO BE BLOW BY OR FUEL PUDDLING IN TURBO AT IDLE AND BEING PUSHED OUT TURBO SEAL AND BURRNING OFF THEN BY POOR LOCATION OF HVAC INTAKE GETS SUCKED INTO PASS. COMPARTMENT. THIS IS NOT MY TRUCK I AM JUST THE DRIVER AND I HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO FREIGHTLINERS ATT. AND I MIGHT AS WELL TALK TO A WALL THEY SAID SOME OF THE TRUCKS DO THAT BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHY

NHTSA complaint #755876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 23 Jan 2001 Morrisville, PA