NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Freightliner Columbia Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 Freightliner Columbia has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 10 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Freightliner dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Freightliner Columbia. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2003 Freightliner Columbia owner complaints

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Freightliner Columbia, describing incidents dated January 18, 2003 to April 24, 2011.

Most-cited components

Engine 6 complaints
Exterior Lighting 1 complaint
Power Train 1 complaint
Structure 1 complaint
Tires 1 complaint

Together, the 10 complaints on file report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10404851 · Filed June 1, 2011
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)*JB
ODI #10226335 · Filed April 30, 2008
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…
ODI #10209257 · Filed November 18, 2007
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…

Read all 10 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Freightliner Columbia in 2 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Audit Query AQ18-002: Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
Closed July 11, 2024
Preliminary Evaluation PE04-036: DIESEL EXHAUST GAS INTRUSION
Closed December 6, 2004

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

NHTSA #17V810000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported December 15, 2017 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Potentially affected: 24,860 vehicles

Repair completion: 0.92% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign FL-759 · Owners notified April 11, 2018 · Vehicles built July 11, 2001 – August 19, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Safety consequence

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

SR-7 SPRING BRAKE VALVE ASSEMBLY/BENDIX/PARKER

NHTSA #07V302000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Check Valve · NHTSA notice

Reported July 16, 2007 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 75,000 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-504 · Owners notified January 11, 2008 · Vehicles built July 1, 2002 – July 3, 2007 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING EITHER LEAKAGE OUT OF THE SR-7 VALVE OR PREVENTING AIR FROM PROPERLY EXHAUSTING FROM THE SR-7 VALVE. ALSO, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE INTERNAL RUBBER CHECK VALVE INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVES, THE VALVES CAN BECOME DEFORMED AND NOT SEAT PROPERLY.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-504.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

SEATS/GRA-MAG

NHTSA #05V001000 · Seats · NHTSA notice

Reported January 3, 2005 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 1,770 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-438 · Owners notified April 20, 2005 · Vehicles built August 1, 2002 – September 30, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE SEAT FALL BACKWARDS DURING USE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-438.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FREIGHTLINER/TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ATTACHMENT

NHTSA #04V205000 · Power Train — Manual Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported May 4, 2004 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 14,000 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-420 · Owners notified May 21, 2004 · Vehicles built starting October 17, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF SHIFT LEVER DETACHMENT OCCURS, THA ABILITY RO ACCELERATE OT MAINTAIN SPEED WILL BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-420.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FREIGHTLINER/AIR LINE CARTRIDGE

NHTSA #03V500000 · Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA notice

Reported December 4, 2003 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 400 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-418 · Owners notified January 26, 2004 · Vehicles built September 8, 2003 – September 25, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-418.CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2003 Freightliner Columbia. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

10 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Freightliner Columbia.

Tires

ODI #10404851

Incident: April 24, 2011 · Filed: June 1, 2011

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)*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10226335

Incident: March 28, 2008 · Filed: April 30, 2008

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. *TR

Structure

ODI #10209257

1 injury

Incident: August 1, 2007 · Filed: November 18, 2007

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. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10172048

2 injuries

Incident: October 28, 2006 · Filed: October 28, 2006

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. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10120286

Incident: July 1, 2003 · Filed: June 3, 2005

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. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10047752

Incident: August 12, 2003 · Filed: November 12, 2003

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. *PH

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10043867

Incident: October 28, 2003 · Filed: October 29, 2003

FUMES COMING INTO CAB, 2003,FREIGHTLINER,COLUMBIA,RELATED EGR VALVE LEAKING ENTS FROM DASH. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10033748

Incident: July 6, 2003 · Filed: August 12, 2003

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.*AK

Exterior Lighting

ODI #10028725

Incident: January 18, 2003 · Filed: July 21, 2003

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.*AK

Power Train

ODI #10011381

Filed: March 11, 2003

THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, AND LOCKED IN THE GEAR IT WAS IN. *JB

Other Freightliner Columbia model years

Check your 2003 Freightliner Columbia VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Freightliner Columbia at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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