Owners have filed 12 complaints
about the 2003 Freightliner Columbia with NHTSA between 2003 and 2011.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 5 worst.
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 — 31
Against the median year of the Freightliner Columbia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
25% 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 2003 compares with every other Freightliner Columbia
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 Freightliner Columbia
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
650.0%
Median failure at 331,730 miles
Lights
216.7%
Median failure at 42,136 miles
Body & Structure
216.7%
Tires
18.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain
18.3%
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.
Mar 2003peak 2Jun 2011
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Freightliner Columbia
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.
On April 23, 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) opened Audit Query (AQ18002) to assess the timeliness and scope of four recalls filed by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (“DTNA”). NHTSA subsequently expanded AQ18002 to examine the timeliness and scope of three additional DTNA recalls and compliance with early warning reporting and manufacturer communications reporting requirements. NHTSA and DTNA entered into a Consent Order on December 29, 2020, to resolve NHTSA’s assertions that certain recalls within the scope of AQ18002 were untimely, DTNA failed to timely sub...
PE04036Opened 12 Apr 2004Closed 6 Dec 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
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 THROUGH THE CURRENT 2005 MY FREIGHTLINER TRUCK TRACTORS FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES.ODI?S INITIAL CONCERN STEMMED FROM THE AFFECTS OF POSSIBLE CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AND WHETHER OR NOT THIS PROBLEM MAY CONS...
Recalls on the 2003 Freightliner Columbia
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 200723118,536 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the internal rubber check valve inside the Bendix SR-7 spring brake modulating valve can become deformed over time. The effect of this defect is intermittent and presents a potential delay or failure in applying the parking brakes; potentially resulting in a vehicle roll away. Should this occur, the unattended roll away vehicle could strike a bystander or cause property damage. Correction: Dealers will install a check valve repair kit.
Recall 2006009361 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the steering wheel was manufactured with incorrect length Huck fasteners that are too short to allow proper retaining collar engagement. Steering wheel separation will result in a loss of steering control, possibly resulting in a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, repair or replace the steering wheel.
Recall 2004058741 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the tapered joint that attaches the shifter to the transmission may separate making it difficult to put the transmission into gear. The driver may not be able to engage a transmission gear, which would eliminate engine braking and disable the vehicle from moving under its own power. Correction: Dealer will re-secure the shift lever to the transmission.
Recall 200334815 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles equipped with air brakes, the plastic push-to-connect air line fitting cartridge could be improperly welded into the nylon junction block housing. This could allow an air line to become disconnected. The separation of an air line at the junction manifold fitting may affect the normal function of some brake controls. Correction: Dealer will affect repairs.
Recall 2003158152 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, fatigue cracks can initiate in the weld joining the bracket pin to its mounting flange on the fifth wheel assembly. Weld failures could lead to the loss of the pin and the potential separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure without warning. Correction: Dealers will replace the bracket pins.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Prattville, AL1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
THERE ARE NO HAND HOLDS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR TO AID IN ENTERING OR EXITING THE TRUCK. I WAS INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE TO PROVIDE HANDHOLDS WHEN I SLIPPED OF THE TOP STEP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I HAVE UNDER GONE SURGERY ON MY LEFT KNEE FROM WHICH I HAVE NOT RECOVERED, AND WILL IN THE NEAR FUTURE UNDERGO SURGERY ON MY RIGHT ELBOW AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE TO PROVIDE A SAFE WAY TO ENTER OR EXIT THE TRUCK. THERE ARE NO FMCSA REGULATIONS IN REGARDS TO THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10209257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THERE ARE NO HAND HOLDS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR TO AID IN ENTERING OR EXITING THE TRUCK. I WAS INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE TO PROVIDE HANDHOLDS WHEN I SLIPPED OF THE TOP STEP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I HAVE UNDER GONE SURGERY ON MY LEFT KNEE FROM WHICH I HAVE NOT RECOVERED, AND WILL IN THE NEAR FUTURE UNDERGO SURGERY ON MY RIGHT ELBOW AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE TO PROVIDE A SAFE WAY TO ENTER OR EXIT THE TRUCK. THERE ARE NO FMCSA REGULATIONS IN REGARDS TO THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10209257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 633,461 milesWilliamsburg, KY2 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING CAN SMELL EXHAUST FUMES FUMES COMING INTO CAB THROUGH AIR VENTS,WIFE GETTING ILL AN BURNING EYES, HARD TO BREATH,HEADACHES,TIRED ALL THE TIME, ALSO OTHER DRIVER GETTING ILL, ONLY BEEN IN THIS FREIGHTLINER 2 MONTHS, WITH DETROIT. AFTER 10 TO 12 HRS OF SLEEPING, IT ONLY TAKES ABOUT 4 HRS BEHIND THE WHEEL START GETTING TIRED AGAIN, SOMETHINGS NOT RIGHT, THIS ISN'T SAFE, HOW COME DRIVERS AREN'T BEING TOLD ABOUT THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10172048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Republic, OH
TIRES
2005 FREIGHTLINER CONVENTIONAL, UNIT 1 AND 2 WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE, WHEN UNIT 1 RIGHT SIDE TRAILER TIRE BLEW CAUSING TIRE DEBRIS TO STRIKE UNIT 2. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT# 10-0163-89)
NHTSA complaint #10404851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Randolph, NE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
EXHAUST FUMES COMING INTO CAB, CAUSING DIZZINESS, BURNING EYES, AND STUFFY AND BURNING SENSATION IN NOSE AND ON SKIN. I HAVE HAD ALL EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND GASKETS REPLACED AND I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. I FINALLY WENT TO THE INTERNET TO SEE IF THERE WAS SOMETHING I COULD DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT OTHER DRIVERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. THE TRUCK THAT I OWN AND DRIVE IS A FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA WITH SERIES 60 DETROIT ENGINE. I AM GOING TO TAKE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR ALONG ON MY NEXT TRIP TO SEE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10226335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prattville, AL1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
THERE ARE NO HAND HOLDS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR TO AID IN ENTERING OR EXITING THE TRUCK. I WAS INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE TO PROVIDE HANDHOLDS WHEN I SLIPPED OF THE TOP STEP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I HAVE UNDER GONE SURGERY ON MY LEFT KNEE FROM WHICH I HAVE NOT RECOVERED, AND WILL IN THE NEAR FUTURE UNDERGO SURGERY ON MY RIGHT ELBOW AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE TO PROVIDE A SAFE WAY TO ENTER OR EXIT THE TRUCK. THERE ARE NO FMCSA REGULATIONS IN REGARDS TO THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10209257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THERE ARE NO HAND HOLDS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR TO AID IN ENTERING OR EXITING THE TRUCK. I WAS INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE TO PROVIDE HANDHOLDS WHEN I SLIPPED OF THE TOP STEP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I HAVE UNDER GONE SURGERY ON MY LEFT KNEE FROM WHICH I HAVE NOT RECOVERED, AND WILL IN THE NEAR FUTURE UNDERGO SURGERY ON MY RIGHT ELBOW AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE TO PROVIDE A SAFE WAY TO ENTER OR EXIT THE TRUCK. THERE ARE NO FMCSA REGULATIONS IN REGARDS TO THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10209257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 633,461 milesWilliamsburg, KY2 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING CAN SMELL EXHAUST FUMES FUMES COMING INTO CAB THROUGH AIR VENTS,WIFE GETTING ILL AN BURNING EYES, HARD TO BREATH,HEADACHES,TIRED ALL THE TIME, ALSO OTHER DRIVER GETTING ILL, ONLY BEEN IN THIS FREIGHTLINER 2 MONTHS, WITH DETROIT. AFTER 10 TO 12 HRS OF SLEEPING, IT ONLY TAKES ABOUT 4 HRS BEHIND THE WHEEL START GETTING TIRED AGAIN, SOMETHINGS NOT RIGHT, THIS ISN'T SAFE, HOW COME DRIVERS AREN'T BEING TOLD ABOUT THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10172048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hobart, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
DT: FUMES COMING INSIDE EQUIPMENT THROUGH AIR VENTS OF TRUCK. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER 3-4 DIFFERENT TIMES AND THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER FIXED. THESE FUMES CAUSED HEADACHES, NAUSEA,BURNING EYES, AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. NOW, DIAGNOSED WITH COPD. HAVE TALKED TO OTHER DRIVERS AND SAME PROBLEMS HAVE OCCURRED.*AK THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BECAUSE THE CONSUMER FELT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10120286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hobart, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK, THE CONSUMER WOULD SMELL A ROTTEN EGG ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE OWNER HAS MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10047752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesHobart, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
FUMES COMING INTO CAB, 2003,FREIGHTLINER,COLUMBIA,RELATED EGR VALVE LEAKING ENTS FROM DASH.
NHTSA complaint #10043867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moultrie, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. IT WILL BE HARD TO GET THE VEHICLE BACK STARTED.DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10033748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,136 milesFranklin, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A GROUP OF 40 FREIGHTLINER TRACTORS IN OCTOBER 2002. TRACTORS WERE BUILT WITH AN H7 LOW BEAM HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. WE HAVE SINCE HAD MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THIS STYLE HEADLAMP AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN BOTH HEADLAMPS BURNED OUT AT THE SAME TIME WHILE DRIVER WAS OPERATIONG VEHICLE IN DARKNESS. ALL DATA ON THIS LAMP THAT I CAN FIND, SHOWS A SERVICE LIFE IN THE 200 HOUR RANGE. MOST STANDARD HEADLAMPS ARE RATED FOR 1000+ HOURS. MOST USA APPLICATIONS FOR THIS H7 BULB ARE FOR THE FOG LAMP POSITION, NOT LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT. TRUCKS BUILT AFTER THIS GROUP HAVE BEEN FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT 9007 HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WHICH WORKS JUST FINE. FREIGHTLINER REFUSES TO DISCUSS THE SAFETY ASPECTS OF THIS DESIGN. DRIVERS ARE NOW VERY CONCERNED ABOUT OPERATING VEHICLES AFTER DARK.
NHTSA complaint #10028725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,136 milesFranklin, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS
WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A GROUP OF 40 FREIGHTLINER TRACTORS IN OCTOBER 2002. TRACTORS WERE BUILT WITH AN H7 LOW BEAM HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. WE HAVE SINCE HAD MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THIS STYLE HEADLAMP AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN BOTH HEADLAMPS BURNED OUT AT THE SAME TIME WHILE DRIVER WAS OPERATIONG VEHICLE IN DARKNESS. ALL DATA ON THIS LAMP THAT I CAN FIND, SHOWS A SERVICE LIFE IN THE 200 HOUR RANGE. MOST STANDARD HEADLAMPS ARE RATED FOR 1000+ HOURS. MOST USA APPLICATIONS FOR THIS H7 BULB ARE FOR THE FOG LAMP POSITION, NOT LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT. TRUCKS BUILT AFTER THIS GROUP HAVE BEEN FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT 9007 HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WHICH WORKS JUST FINE. FREIGHTLINER REFUSES TO DISCUSS THE SAFETY ASPECTS OF THIS DESIGN. DRIVERS ARE NOW VERY CONCERNED ABOUT OPERATING VEHICLES AFTER DARK.
NHTSA complaint #10028725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Marys, OH
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, AND LOCKED IN THE GEAR IT WAS IN.
NHTSA complaint #10011381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.