Owners have filed 12 complaints
about the 2007 Freightliner Columbia with NHTSA between 2006 and 2014.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 43
8.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 73
43% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2007 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 2007 Freightliner Columbia
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
433.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 25,000 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
325.0%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
216.7%
Body & Structure
216.7%
Electrical System
18.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
342.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
114.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
228.6%
150,000+ miles
114.3%
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.
Oct 2006peak 2Apr 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 2007 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...
PE09040Opened 31 Aug 2009Closed 19 Nov 2009STEERING:RACK AND PINION
RACK AND PINION FAILURE
A CONSUMER COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE AGENCY ON AUGUST 22, 2009, BY AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR LEASING A 2009 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA.THE COMPLAINT ALLEGES THAT IN APRIL OF 2009 AT APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES HE EXPERIENCED A SEAL RUPTURE IN THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY.A NEW SEAL WAS INSTALLED AND AT 56,000 MILES HE FOUND HIS RIGHT STEER TIRE COMPLETELY BALD.THE REPAIR SHOP IDENTIFIED AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE RAPID WEAR OF THE TIRE.ODI HAS IDENTIFIED EWR FIELD REPORTS RELATED TO FAILED RACK AND PINIONS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE REPORTS IDENTIFY EITHER AN...
PE07047Opened 14 Sep 2007Closed 19 Nov 2007TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY
INSECURE FIFTH WHEEL LATCHING
ON NOVEMBER 19, 2007, FREIGHTLINER FILED DEFECT REPORT 07V-530 WHICH OUTLINES A SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM TO NOTIFY THE AFFECTED OWNERS AND CORRECT THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recalls on the 2007 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 2020158873 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain trucks equipped with "Fleet Engineer" mud flaps, the bracket for the mud flaps may partially cover the rear reflective tape. Canadian regulations require that reflective tape must be visible on the rear of the truck. Safety Risk: Reflective tape that is covered may make the truck less visible to others and could create an increased risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Daimler Trucks of North America (DTNA) will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your truck to an authorized DTNA Service Facility to inspect the reflective tape. It will be moved as necessary to meet the regulations.
Recall 2019237110 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: Certain trucks were built with air reservoir tanks that are too small in relation to the size of the air brake chambers. Canadian regulations require enough air reservoir capacity to ensure the brakes work even with heavy use or when there is a partial loss of the air system. Safety Risk: Reduced braking could cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their truck to a Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facility to modify the truck to ensure it meets Canadian regulations.
Recall 201208011,923 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain trucks equipped with a Detroit Diesel DD13, DD15 or DD16 engine, the support system for the high pressure fuel line (between the fuel pump and the fuel delivery rail) may be damaged during a service repair procedure. Incorrect torque applied to the dampener "P" clip fasteners may damage the fasteners, which could allow the clips to loosen. This could result in a cracked fuel line and a diesel fuel leak. Diesel fuel leakage may ignite on a hot engine surface and cause a fire. As well, diesel fuel spilt on the roadway could endanger other road users by making the roadway unexpectedly slippery. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the high pressure fuel line and install a more robust fuel line support system.
Recall 20114111,412 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles equipped with an MBE4000 (EPA07) engine, the intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail. This could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install an additional external relay to prevent battery connection to the grid heater when the vehicle is not running and when grid heater control signal is absent.
Recall 20113671,457 units in Canada
Steering
On certain trucks equipped with a rack & pinion steering system, the lower pinion bearing may corrode and fail. As a result, the vehicle may require additional steering input while driving in a straight line. This could also cause a loss of steering power assist. These issues could ultimately result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the rack and pinion gear assembly. If it passes the inspection, new bellows will be installed and grease added to the bottom pinion bearing. A steering gear that fails the inspection will be replaced.
Recall 20113461,027 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, specific operating conditions (such as tight, successive, highly banked curves in opposite directions), could trigger unintended Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system intervention. As a result, the ESC may unnecessarily apply one of the front brakes in order to correct the perceived oversteer condition. This may cause the vehicle to deviate from the intended path, thereby increasing the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the ESC module.
Recall 201134512,000 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain trucks, the plastic low-pressure fuel line between the engine-mounted fuel filter and the engine block may develop a diesel fuel leak. The location of the leak is unlikely to result in a vehicle fire; however, diesel fuel spilt on the roadway could endanger other road users by making the roadway unexpectedly slippery. This could ultimately result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the plastic low-pressure fuel line with a steel version.
Recall 20092873,080 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain trucks, the plastic low-pressure fuel line may fatigue crack and leak. Diesel fuel leakage may ignite on a hot engine surface and cause a fire, which could result in property damage, personal injury or death. As well, diesel fuel spilt on the roadway could endanger other road users. Correction: Dealers will replace the plastic low-pressure fuel line with a steel low-pressure line.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 50,000 milesHouston, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
A DRIVER FOR OUR COMPANY WAS OPERATING A 2007 FREIGHTLINER CL 112 TRACTOR WITH 50,000 MILES EQUIPPED WITH A MERCEDES BENZ (MBE4000) WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. UNIT WAS BEING DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS WHEN SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING IN THE CAB. DRIVER PULLED THE TRUCK TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DRIVER TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT WAS UNABLE TO CONTAIN IT. THE FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED AND DID PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE TRACTOR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. AT THIS TIME NO CAUSE FOR THE FIRE HAS BEEN DETERMINED.
NHTSA complaint #10204654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Manteca, CA
STRUCTURE
THE VIN LAST 6: [XXX] ; ZF MERIT OR,12 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION THE CENTER CARRIER BEARING WHICH SUPPORTS THE OUTPUT SHAFT AFTER THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT LAST MORE THAN 3 YEARS AND HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY. THE FIRST REPAIR INVOICE WAS ON 3/1/2012 AND THE MOST RECENT REPAIR WAS ON 4/28/2014. THE RUBBER COMPOUND USED IN THE CENTER CARRIER BEARING NEEDS TO BE REEVALUATED. ONCE THE CENTER CARRIER BEARING HAS PLAY IN THE Z DIRECTION, THERE WOULD BE EXCESSIVE VIBRATION THAT CAN FATIGUE OTHER COMPONENTS AND CAUSE FAILURE BY INITIATING A FATIGUE CRACK AND PROPAGATING DUE TO CYCLIC STRESSES. MERITOR SHOULD REEVALUATE THE RELIABILITY OF THEIR CENTER CARRIER ASSEMBLY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10585701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesRoswell, NM
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA 120 TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WATER FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD OBSTRUCT HIS VIEW WHENEVER IT WAS RAINING AND WATER WAS ON THE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRRORS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 1,000,000. UPDATED 06/15/10 *BF UPDATED 07/14/10.
NHTSA complaint #10327701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 413,238 milesAntlers, OK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA. UPON ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STARTER AND POWER STEERING PUMP IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 413,238.
NHTSA complaint #10320468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2007 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA DASH BOARD INSTRUMENT UNIT OWN TRUCK FOR 3 YEARS AND I AM ON MY 3RD ONE, AND LOW VOLTGE SHUT DOWN, SHUTS DOWN ALL NON PRIMARY ELECTRICAL STUFF, THEY FREIGHTLINER DISCONNECTED IT AND ITS NEVER BEEN FIX, CAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, I THINK THAT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR TRUCK.
NHTSA complaint #10279432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesHomestead, FL
VISIBILITY
WIPERS ON LOWEST INTERMITTENT POSITION DURING A LIGHT MIST, AFTER ABOUT 45 MINUTES IN THIS POSITION, WIPERS STOPPED SUDDENLY AND REMAINED IN THEIR "TRANSIT" POSITION. VISIBILITY IMMEDIATELY WENT TO ZERO (I WAS IN OUTSIDE LANE AND PULLED OVER TO SHOULDER.) I REPLACED THE FUSE/CIRCUIT WITH A STANDARD FUSE OF EQUAL RATING AND IT IMMEDIATELY BLEW. AFTER ABOUT THIRTY MINUTES, I RE-INSTALLED THE ORIGINAL FUSE/CIRCUIT AND THE WIPERS BEGAN WORKING. I CONTINUED WITH THE WIPERS IN THE STANDARD RUN POSITION WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER DURING A SNOW STORM IN COLORADO I HAD THE WIPER IN THE LOW INTERMITTENT POSITION AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS RESULTED IN HAVING STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY UNTIL THE WIPERS RESUMED OPERATING. THIS TIME IT TOOK ONLY A FEW MINUTES.
NHTSA complaint #10251857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thornton, CO
STRUCTURE:BODY
ROOF LEAK THAT HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE TAKING DELIVERY OF TRUCK BRAND NEW IN JUNE OF 2007. WHEN TRUCK IS SUBJECTED TO HEAVY RAIN, AND SOMETIMES JUST A TRUCK WASH, WATER COMES IN ROOF AT SOME POINT AND SHORTS OUT THE ELECTRONIC MODULES LOCATED IN SIDE PILLAR NEXT TO DRIVERS SEAT. HAVE ALSO HAD EPISODES WHERE THE DASH INSTRUMENTS WILL SURGE POWER ON AND OFF WITH NO KEY IN IGNITION, OR IF TRUCK IS RUNNING IT CANNOT BE SHUT OFF WITH KEY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. HAVE PUT TRUCK IN DEALER SHOP ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. EACH TIME THEY HAVE REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC MODULES THAT HAVE SHORTED OUT, AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A LEAK SOMEWHERE. HOWEVER, DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO ISOLATE THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT. NOT EVEN SURE OF WHERE ELSE THE WATER IS GOING INSIDE TRUCK. ONLY KNOW ABOUT IT INSIDE PILLAR BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRONIC MODULES IT DAMAGES. TRUCK HAS SINCE STARTED TO ACQUIRE A MUSTY DAMP ODOR AND HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE IT FOR EXTENDED PERIODS BECAUSE IT MAKES ME EXTREMELY SICK, AND AM CURRENTLY HAVING CONTINUOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS. I AM AT THE POINT WHERE I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHERE I STAND ON THIS SITUATION BECAUSE AS FAR AS I KNOW I HAVE NO LEGAL PROTECTION SUCH AS A LEMON LAW ON A COMMERCIAL TRUCK, EVEN THOUGH DEALER IS UNABLE TO FIX IT.
NHTSA complaint #10228086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesHouston, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
A DRIVER FOR OUR COMPANY WAS OPERATING A 2007 FREIGHTLINER CL 112 TRACTOR WITH 50,000 MILES EQUIPPED WITH A MERCEDES BENZ (MBE4000) WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. UNIT WAS BEING DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS WHEN SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING IN THE CAB. DRIVER PULLED THE TRUCK TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DRIVER TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT WAS UNABLE TO CONTAIN IT. THE FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED AND DID PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE TRACTOR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. AT THIS TIME NO CAUSE FOR THE FIRE HAS BEEN DETERMINED.
NHTSA complaint #10204654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Anthony, MN
EQUIPMENT
I FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR A SAFETY RELATED ISSUES WITH A 5TH WHEEL ON HEAVY TRUCKS. I HAVE MORE LOTS MORE INFORMATION THAT I CAN FORWARD TO YOU. OVER 300 VINS AND A LETTER FROM THE VENDOR OF THE EQUIPMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10200553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Anthony, MN
TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY
I FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR A SAFETY RELATED ISSUES WITH A 5TH WHEEL ON HEAVY TRUCKS. I HAVE MORE LOTS MORE INFORMATION THAT I CAN FORWARD TO YOU. OVER 300 VINS AND A LETTER FROM THE VENDOR OF THE EQUIPMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10200553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesConnelly Springs, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE CAB OF A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10182468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesConnelly Springs, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
I AM A COMPANY DRIVER AND HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING OF EXHAUST FUMES IN THE TRUCK. I HAVE BEEN SLEEPING MUCH MORE THAN NORMAL 12 - 14 HRS A DAY NOW, WAKE UP SLOW WITH SICK FEELING AND VERY BAD HEADACHES. MY MEMORY AND CONCENTRATION HAVE BECOME DIMINISHED, ALONG WITH A RISE IN BLOOD PRESSURE.
NHTSA complaint #10182470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 825 milesTonawanda, NY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER TWO TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE RECREATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10171808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.