2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIAFreightliner Columbia 2004

Complaint Information: Recalls, Investigations, Consumer Complaints, Service Bulletins, Recall Investigations, OBD II Codes

NHTSA Mandated Recalls
  • Recall 137941 [USA]: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
    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
    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.
    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.

  • Recall 66242 [USA]: 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.
    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 develop a substantial diesel fuel leak.
    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, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
    daimler trucks' campaign number is 11c-2.Owners 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 .

  • Recall 66921 [USA]: An oil leak may result in a fire.
    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.
    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.
    daimler trucks recall no. Fl-558. Owners 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 .

  • Recall 89072 [USA]: 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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

  • Recall 55338 [USA]: The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.
    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.
    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.
    freightliner recall no. Fl-471.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.

  • Recall 36119 [USA]: If this occurs, the vehicle could suffer a loss of steering ability, which could result in a crash.
    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.
    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.
    freightliner recall no. Fl-452.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.

  • Recall 56588 [USA]: This taper may cause cracking or fractures of the front hub. this could cause a crash without prior warning.
    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.
    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.
    freightliner recall no.Fl-451. 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.

  • Recall 41633 [USA]: A possible vehicle crash could occur should the seat fall backwards during use.
    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.
    dealers will repair these vehicles. The recall began on april 20, 2005. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
    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.

  • Recall 33567 [USA]: 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.
    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.
    dealers will replace the suspect male shaft yokes. The recall began on april 4, 2005. Owners should contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
    freightliner recall no. Fl-436.Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration?S auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

  • Recall 42786 [USA]: If shift lever detachment occurs, tha ability ro accelerate ot maintain speed will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    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.
    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).

  • Recall 2019237 [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 2011345 [Canada]: Fuel supply
    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 2009270 [Canada]: Engine
    On certain vehicles equipped with a caterpillar c15 engine, the variable valve actuation (vva) oil line may wear against the p-clip retaining the oil line. An oil leak could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: caterpillar dealers will replace the vva oil line with an updated version.

  • Recall 2007231 [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 2006009 [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 2006034 [Canada]: Engine
    On certain vehicles equipped with a caterpillar engine, the variable valve actuation oil line (vva line) used on 6 cylinder, 15l turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled diesel engines may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not oriented correctly. Oil line wear may cause an oil leak and a potential fire hazard. Correction: dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the vva line.

  • Recall 2006084 [Canada]: Suspension
    On certain vehicles, the rear suspension transverse beam castings were not made to specifications. If a casting were to break when the vehicle is in motion, parts could become projectiles with potential to cause property damage, personal injury or death. Also, the transverse beam may drop down low enough to contact the road surface causing sparks that could ignite a fire. Correction: dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transverse beams.

  • Recall 2005266 [Canada]: Steering
    On certain vehicles, the front hubs may fracture and allow the wheel assembly to separate from the vehicle. This could cause a crash without prior warning. Correction: dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the hubs.

  • Recall 2004058 [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 2004428 [Canada]: Powertrain
    On certain vehicles, bolt holes located on the earwork of the drive shaft male yoke were manufactured with an oversized thread diameter. This condition allows the bolts used in the holes to become detached which, in turn, could result in driveline separation. Correction: dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the male shaft yoke subassembly.

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

  • SS1032974 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Ss 1032974 high oil pressure on 2017 dtna vehicles instrument cluster display
  • SS1033638 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Ss 1033638 - power window express down module discontinued
  • TechTalk8141 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: Tech talk discussion on hard cold start.
  • 04TS-43REV4 - 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 o
  • SB35-036 - 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
  • SB54-278 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 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. Wh
  • SB35-036 - 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 11-1441
  • 20TS-01 - 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).
  • SID 146 07 0903- - EQUIPMENT: Service information bulletin
  • sb0036 - EQUIPMENT: Operating hours for the customer assistance center
  • sb0935 - ENGINE (PWS): SB0935 replacing the engine air filter element, donaldson air cleaner (03-33648-001-002)
  • sb2061 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: SB2061 replacement shunt tube, epa07 caterpillar c13 and c15 engines
  • sb2059 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: SB2059 replacing push-to-connect air line fittings with brass compression fittings
  • sb2058 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY: SB2058 early epa07 qld radiator replacement
  • sb2057 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: SB2057 new surge tank design
  • sb2056 - POWER TRAIN: SB2056 transmission oil line removal and installation
  • sb2055 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: SB2055 columbia surge tank shunt tube support bracket breaking
  • sb2045 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: SB2045 new surge tank cap
  • sb4267 - BRAKES (PWS): Sb4267 brake shimmy - meritor steelite x30 brake drum with excessive runout
  • sb3133 - EQUIPMENT: SB3133 step clamps are not reusable
  • 15-010 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: 15-010-dlr transmission cooler line photos
  • 14-028 - EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL : 14-028 remy extended coverage direct file
  • 14-027 - EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL : 14-027 detroit's new consolidated labor operations (clos
  • sb4268 - BRAKES (PWS): Sb4268 brake s-cam tube lubrication interval change
  • 13wo3re - EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL : 13wo3rev2_final actual labor hours on detroit claims
  • 811-14 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: 811-14 fmi 7: internal error with the dt12 shift stalk lever
  • 807-14 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: 807-14 fmi 8 scr inlet temperature signal spike
  • 18SP703 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: 18sp703 18sp703 - ghg14 km63 gen2 low pressure fuel pump-two-filter fuel system ki
  • SB42-68 - BRAKES (PWS): Freightliner: brake s-cam tube lubrication interval change. To ensure optimum service life and trouble-free operation, the recommended maintenance interval for lubricating meritor s-cam brake tubes on century class, columbia, cascadia and c
  • SB-46-47 - STEERING:RACK AND PINION: Freightliner truck: inner tie rod inspection and repair, rack and pinion gear. Increased length of the driver side inner tie rod (if the inner tie rod unthreads from the rack) may cause abnormal steer tire wear due to high toe in or an in
  • SB-54-247 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: Freightliner truck: intermittent electrical issues. Intermittent electrical issues have been reported on century class and columbia trucks. Issues with engine performance, automated transmission shifting, and chassis lighting. If issues
  • FSC-411A - SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: Freightliner service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Freightliner columbia front air brake hoses-air products inc. Only. On certain trucks, an elbow fitting connecting the brake air line hose to the front brake cha
  • TSB-54-237 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL: Freightliner: a new bulb socket is available for turn/park lights that is metalized to withstand high heat without out gassing. Model years unknown. Models columbia, business class m2 and cascadia. *pe updated on 6/14/201
  • 355 - SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY: Arvinmeritor rear drive axle lock screws. *kb
  • 8833 - STRUCTURE:BODY: Bug screen reinforcement on century class conventional and the columbia. The clips on the bug reinforcement may cause abrasions to the screen material. Freightliner. *kb
  • 338 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Icu4/4m lightbar low voltage indicators and lamps. *kb
Known Recall Investigations
  • Steering column weld cracks investigation as of 20060830

    Early warning aggregate data submitted to nhtsa by freightliner suggests that a steering (ewr code 01) problem exists for the 2004 and 2005 century and columbia class vehicles.The count of field reports submitted for the first quarter of 2006 was significantly higher than the average of the previous 6 quarters for the aggregate steering data.Further review of the ewr data foundfield reports that described steering column failures as a result of welds cracking or breaking.Information received from freightliner details a number of steering columnfailures on the subject vehicles.These failures were the result of missing and cracked welds on the steering column assembly.An engineering analysis (ea) is warranted to determine if the weld failures in the steering column create a situation where the vehicle becomes difficult to steer or startles the driver presenting a safety risk.

OBD-II Error Codes

Common OBD Error codes specific to this vehicle.

Most Recent Consumer Complaints and Accidents
CrashFireTowedInjuredDeathsFailure
Date
CrashFireN 1 Injured1 Dead20080206

Personal friend/truck driver was driving 2004 freightliner columbia with mercedes engine on interstate highway. Other motorist saw him driving erratically, and called police. Dash camera records him weaving in the road and finally veering into oncoming lane, crashing into concrete barrier. Impact with the wall causes fuel tank to separate from cab, causing small fire which did not burn driver or cab. Driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Autopsy revealed significantly high level of co in blood (61-65 %), but no heart attack or stroke or any other natural cause. Death is ruled accidental. Fortunately, there were no other serious injuries, but many others could have been killed. There is apparently a problem with the exhaust system on this vehicle, and others will die unless this problem is corrected. *tr

NoFireN NoneNone20070722

2004 freightliner columbia caught fire under the hood. *kb according to the report, the fire started due to a possible short in the wring. Ohio traffic crash report *jb

NoNoN 1 InjuredNone20061030

I have a freightliner columbia with a mbe 4000 mercedes engine. This is the second time i had to put the truck in a shop for an exhaust leak. This time the exhaust manifold was leaking fumes into the cab and made me sick with carbon monoxide. Took truck to penn detroit diesel in york haven,pa. They found that the exhaust manifold was off on port #1 and #2 by 1/16 inch there by allowing exhaust fumes to escape and enter the cab through the fresh air vent that is under the hood of the truck. They checked for exhaust leaks after the work was done and said it was fixed. I then hooked up to my trailer and did my walk around and smelled a strong odor of exhaust coming from the front of the truck. I when back in and reported this and they said that it was the oil burning off the manifold. I am still getting co in the truck. Will this end when i die or kill someone else??Any help on this matter would be grateful!!!! *nm

NoNoN NoneNone20061004

Have freightliner columbia with an mbe 4000 mercedes. Had flex pipe that was cracked letting in co fumes. Had this replaced but am still getting low levels of carbon monoxide in truck. It seams to be coming in through the air conditioning and heater vents. Jfb. *nm

NoNoN 1 InjuredNone20060610

Suspect carbon monoxide entering through vents making me ill having headaches ,eye infections and chest pains shortness of breath, fatigue blurred vision. Checked levels of carbon monoxide up to 31, coming through air vents. *jb

NoNoN 1 InjuredNone20060609

Having health issues, headaches, blurred vision, infection in eye, fatigue, hard breathing, chest pains, did test for carbon monoxide levels of 31,j ust sitting, no other vehicles around while testing. Been ill for a long time. Can taste the fumes coming in. These fumes coming through the air condition vents. Mercedes engine. *jb

NoNoN 2 InjuredNone20051103

Carbon monoxide leakage into cab from heater/air conditioning system on freightliner columbia trucks with detroit egr (epa compliant) engines about 2003 and newer. Carbon monoxide resulted in elevated blood pressure, nausea, flu like symptoms, headaches, tiredness, etc.. Truck has been worked on 5 times for this problem, numerous parts have been replaced. Has not corrected the problem, or only for a short while. Problem exists in several areas and is not readily apparent when doing in shop testing, repair and replacement. Some problems are related to freightliner and some to detroit diesel. Have been advised is not uncommon. *jb

NoNoN NoneNone20050807

Clutch was hard to release, check and found clutch was coming apart. Replace clutch,everything works fine now. *nm

NoNoN NoneNone20050707

Clutch explode going down the highway and locked truck in gear and fragments went thought the bell housing. Could have hit other autos on hghway or could have sent fragment into cab of truck and injured or killed driver.

NoNoN None1 Dead20040405

Our company has a fleet of 2004 freightliners columbia cabs semi-tractors, while i was in our repair shop this last weekend, they had a truck isolated, because a driver had died in it. Cod has not been determined at this point. We have had several rollover accidents in these trucks, and i have talked to numerous drivers about exhaust leaks. Our company is now in the process of installing carbon monocide detectors in these new trucks. My concern is, how many unexplainable accidents are we goning to have before these problems are resolved. I do not know if freightliner is moving fast enough to prevent future deaths and endangerment to the general public. I hope the nhtsa is already aware of this problem and working with them to resolve or remove these vehicles from operations, until the unsafe conditions are corrected.*ak

NoNoN NoneNone20040229

Consumer complained of exhaust fumes entering cab on a regular basis which was causing illness.*ak

NoNoN NoneNone20040211

Exhaust fumes coming in to the cab through the heater air condition vents. This seems to be a problem with all the freightliner colombia model trucks with the detroit diesel engine that walmart owns. One driver said that he put a co detector in his truck and it went off more than once. I put one in my truck, but it did not go off. We have had one driver run off the road. He said that he got so tired that he could hardly keep his eyes open. He was checked for heart attack and stroke and nothing was found. Nobody ever checked him for co. *jb

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