2006 Freightliner Columbia
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Freightliner › Columbia › 2006
These records cover every 2006 Freightliner Columbia. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
21 recalls name the 2006 Freightliner Columbia. Newest first.
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2006-2020 Freightliner Columbia, 2006-2021 Freightliner Business Class M2, 2007-2020 Freightliner Coronado, 2014-2021 Freightliner 122 SD, 2007 Sterling A 9500, 2006 Freightliner Argosy, 2006-2007 Sterling AT9500, 2008-2021 Freightliner Cascadia, 2006-2008 Freightliner Classic, 2006-2011…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reposition the reflective tape to ensure that it is completely visible, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 29, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL848.
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2004-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Columbia, Classic, FL80, FLD 120SD, Business Class M2, Western Star 4700, 4900, 6900, Sterling Acterra, L7500, LT7500, L8500, LT8500, L9500, and LT9500 vehicles. The vehicles may have an insufficient service brake air reservoir capacity. As…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will add air reservoir capacity to the affected vehicles. Owner letters were mailed on November 29, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-815.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Daimler trucks (dtna) IS recalling certain model year 2006-2013 freightliner, sterling, and western star vehicles, equipped with detroit diesel epa07 and epa10, DD13 and dd15/16 engines, manufactured from january 20, 2006, through february 20, 2012. the pump to rail high pressure fuel line support system used on these engines IS sensitive to assembly…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak could create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. also a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dtna will notify owners, and where necessary, the high pressure fuel line support system will be replaced by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. the safety recall began on april 27, 2012. owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712.
Daimler trucks IS recalling certain model year 2005-2011 freightliner cascadia, columbia, century, coronado, and classic XL trucks manufactured from november 1, 2004, through june 15, 2010 for the rack and pinion steering system. the lower pinion bearing may corrode and fail. a failed bearing may lead to damage of the spool valve seals. a damage spool…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The steering could unexpectedly turn left or right, making the vehicle more difficult to control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Daimler trucks will inspect the lower bearing for corrosion. if corrosion IS found, the rack and pinion system will be replaced. if no corrosion IS found, on the bearing, the bearing will be packed with grease and the rubber bellows will be replaced with sealant added between the bellows and the rack housing. an interim letter was mailed in december 2011. owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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 IS recalling certain model year 2006-2012 freightliner business class M2, cascadia, century, columbia, coronado and sterling a-line vehicles built with meritor wabco electronic stability control (esc) system manufactured from september 15, 2005 through september 1, 2011. under certain road and driving conditions, vehicle body roll and road…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the driver IS slow to react during this esc intervention, the vehicle may deviate from the intended line of travel increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Daimler trucks will notify owners, and dealers will replace the esc module with the appropriate software version as necessary, free of charge. an interim owner notification will be mailed on or about november 21, 2011. the date for availability of the final remedy IS subject to validation testing and parts availability. the safety recall began on march 28, 2012. owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712.
Daimler trucks (dtna) IS recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 freightliner, cascadia, century, columbia fld, and M2, sterling 9500, and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from march 20, 2006, through june 30, 2010, equipped with specific mbe4000 epa07 model engines. the intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail due to excessive…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A short circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy
Dtna will notify owners of the recall during march 2011. another notification will be issued once the remedy IS released. dtna expects the remedy to be available by december 1, 2011. repairs will be performed by dtna dealers free of charge. owners may contact dtna toll-free at 1-800-547-0712. this recall IS asscociated with a previous recall, campaign number 10v-341.
Daimler trucks IS recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 heavy trucks manufactured between january 17, 2006 and march 31, 2009, equipped with epa07 model mbe4000 engines built with plastic low pressure fuel lines. the plastic lines may experience leaks due to fatigue cracks caused by stress and vibration combined with high internal pressure.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a diesel fuel leak continues undetected under certain conditions fuel may ignite on a hot engine surface and/or fuel may spill on the road increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Daimler trucks will notify owners and the remedy will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities and direct warranty customers. the safety recall began on may 7, 2010. owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An oil leak may result in a fire.
Remedy
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 IS recalling 62,000 my 2005-2007 freightliner business class, century class, columbia, coronado, fld, classic, sterling a-line, l-line, and western star 4900 trucks. a fractured fuel line could leak diesel fuel.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a leak continues undetected under certain conditions, fuel may ignite at a hot engine surface and/or fuel may be spilled on the road surface.
Remedy
High pressure fuel lines and transfer tubes will be inspected and replaced free of charged. the recall began on july 9, 2008. owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
On certain truck-tractors equipped with holland simplex SE or SE II fifth wheels, the latch lever pivot bolt assembly may have been over-tightened which could distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve. corrosion or contaminates in the pivot may cause it to bind and prevent the fifth wheel jaw from latching securely around the trailer king pin.
Risk and remedy
Risk
There IS a possibility that the fifth wheel may fail to latch without the driver's knowledge. when the occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the pivot bolt and sleeve with a hex head shoulder bolt and washer. the recall began on january 3, 2008. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
On certain trucks equipped with rack and pinion steering, the ball socket assembly at the inner end of the driver side tie rod may be damaged in a sharp turn. excessive tie rod angles may loosen the tie rod in the ball socket or damage the threaded tie rod socket attachment to the steering rack on the driver side. the threaded end of the ball socket…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fractured tie rod assembly will make the vehicle more difficult to control at higher speeds and a crash may occur.
Remedy
Dealers will change the front axle steering stops to prevent interference in the tie rod ball socket assembly and steering components will be replaced free of charge. the recall began on july 8, 2008, and will be mailed in phases through december 31, 2008. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
On certain trucks equipped with rack and pinion steering, the tie rod arms may have been incorrectly installed. the threaded end of the ball socket assembly may fracture and separate.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fractured tie rod assembly will make the vehicle more difficult to control at higher speeds and a crash may occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for installation of the steering arms. steering components will be replaced on trucks that have incorrectly installed tie rod arms. the recall began on may 1, 2008. owner may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Certain freightliner school buses and trucks manufactured from october 23, 2004, to march 21, 2006. during the steering column manufacturing process two welds may have been missing.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Columns with two welds missing may fatigue and fracture and allow the steering wheel to progressively be moved out of its normal position which may cause the steering to respond differently than expected. if this condition IS ignored, a crash may occur.
Remedy
Freightliner will notify owners and inspect and repair the affected vehicle free of charge. the recall began on august 30, 2007. owners can contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
On certain trucks built with front axles assembled by arvinmeritor, the front spindle nut may be over-tightened causing preload on the front wheel bearings which could lead to premature bearing wear.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If rapid bearing wear IS allowed to progress, the front wheel assembly may separate from the vehicle which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front hub installation for correct bearing adjustment. if the bearing adjustment IS incorrect, the front wheel bearings will be replaced. the recall began on june 28, 2007. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-385-4357.
On certain trucks equipped with arvinmeritor front axle assemblies, the front spindle nut may be over-tightened causing preload on the front wheel bearings which may lead to premature bearing wear.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If rapid bearing wear IS allowed to progress, the front wheel assembly may separate from the vehicle and cause a crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front hub installation for correct bearing adjustment. if the bearing adjustment IS incorrect, the front wheel bearings will be replaced free of charge. the recall began on january 22, 2007. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
On certain trucks, the protective cover for the cab power distribution model (pdm) may be missing or improperly installed.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the protective cover IS missing or not positioned correctly, any water intrusion from an open window or windshield leak may seep through the upper dash cover seam and drip onto the pdm. water on the pdm circuits may cause a short circuit resulting in a fire that could cause personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new cover free of charge. the recall began on december 18, 2006. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.
Remedy
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.
On certain trucks and motor home chassis, the top flange of the front axle i-beam may fatigue and fracture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Driver may experience loss control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the front axle assembly. the recall began on march 15, 2006, for phase i. phase 2 will begin during august 2006. this recall IS being conducted in two phases. phase I will replace the complete axle assembly; and phase II will replace the axle beam and steering knuckles. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Owner complaints
14 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2006 freightliner conventional columbia. The contact stated that while traveling 20 mph in icy conditions, the seat belt did not provide enough slack and made it difficult to reach the trailer brake and caused the contact to lose control and rollover. The contact sustained 3…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 freightliner conventional columbia. The contact stated that while traveling 20 mph in icy conditions, the seat belt did not provide enough slack and made it difficult to reach the trailer brake and caused the contact to lose control and rollover. The contact sustained 3 broken ribs and a cracked shoulder blade. The truck was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,560. updated 6/10/14*cn
- Tires
Steer tire pealed apart, 3 months old approximately 5K miles, on a 2006 freightliner 3 axle tractor. three other tires on three other tractors with the same brand tire also pealed apart. should be recalled extreme safety hazard. *tr
- Electrical system
The power wire coming from the alternator (approx. 4 gauge wire cable & encased in protective sleeve), wears thru by rubbing on the wires support assembly exposing the wire. The wire support assembly located on the trucks underside, there are (2) two individual wire supports, both of these assemblies are rubbing at both locations exposing the power wire in two places. Creating the potential for a fire hazard. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The spring in the parking brake chamber failed, broke in 3 places. Then punctured the diaphragm causing a major air leak, the truck IS equipped with four spring brake chambers, 3 out of the four springs were broken, the chamber that the spring was not broken was installed a few weeks prior to the…
The spring in the parking brake chamber failed, broke in 3 places. Then punctured the diaphragm causing a major air leak, the truck IS equipped with four spring brake chambers, 3 out of the four springs were broken, the chamber that the spring was not broken was installed a few weeks prior to the incident. When the air pressure dropped to 55 lbs, that chamber started to apply the parking brake, the truck was operating on an interstate highway, at 65 mph, the driver did not feel one wheel dragging and operated the vehicle until the wheel got so hot the tire blew, the driver heard the tire blow,and pulled over, when he go out of the truck, the second tire blew, and the truck started on fire, the truck burned an was a total loss.
- Fuel system, diesel · Service brakes, air › Supply › Check valve
TL* the contact owns a 2006 columbia freightliner. The contact stated the plastic fuel line fractured. The dealer replaced the plastic fuel line with a metal fuel line but it also failed. The semi was not yet taken to the dealer for the second failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. the…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 columbia freightliner. The contact stated the plastic fuel line fractured. The dealer replaced the plastic fuel line with a metal fuel line but it also failed. The semi was not yet taken to the dealer for the second failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 500,000 updated 8/18/10 *cn the consumer stated when he parked, he noticed that all of the brakes were smoking. The consumer stated the dealer informed him there was a recall. However, his truck was not included. updated 08/19/10*jb
- Equipment
2006 freightliner columbia left front mudflap broke off vehicle and struck another vehicle. *kb ohio traffic crash report # 10-0023-90 updated letter 04/29/10 *bf
- Engine and engine cooling
I have carbon monoxide in my 2006 freightliner columbia with a mercedes motor. I have black soot that IS in my vents all the time, I have constant headaches when in the truck and am tired, along with other things. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 freightliner columbia. prior to driving the vehicle, the contact discovered an oil leak, coolant leak, intake manifold leak, and exhaust manifold gasket leak. the vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately 15 times for engine failure due to leaks and other engine…
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 freightliner columbia. prior to driving the vehicle, the contact discovered an oil leak, coolant leak, intake manifold leak, and exhaust manifold gasket leak. the vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately 15 times for engine failure due to leaks and other engine work. the dealer replaced the exhaust manifold gasket twice, the acm screw, the head gasket four times, the egr valve, and the intake manifold. the vin was unknown. the current mileage was 357,000 and failure mileage was 26,014.
- Structure › Body › Door · Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
2006 freightliner columbia was traveling through toll plaza. consumer's right rear trailer door came unsecured and struck the side of the toll booth. *nj the driver stated he had problems with the door prior to approaching the toll booth. Ohio traffic crash report # 10-0391-90 updated 04/15/10 *bf updated 06/09/10.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Getting headaches, burning eyes, tired all the time. suspect exhaust fumes coming into cab through air vents. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
I am a company driver, got in this truck in feb of 2006, can smell fumes coming into cab, air cond vents, having headaches, eyes burning, went to doctor in june of 2006, he said my blood pressure was 200/110. Never have had problems before. Don't smoke or drink. When I get out of truck for a few…
I am a company driver, got in this truck in feb of 2006, can smell fumes coming into cab, air cond vents, having headaches, eyes burning, went to doctor in june of 2006, he said my blood pressure was 200/110. Never have had problems before. Don't smoke or drink. When I get out of truck for a few days start to feel better, but when I get back in, the same thing all over again. I am now spitting up a little bit of flem. Why are the fumes coming into my cab, thru the air cond vents, have talked to other drivers with same problem. Why aren't drivers told about this? This IS dangerous. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Been driving this truck now almost 3 months, getting burning eyes, headaches, tired all the time,blood pressure going up, joint problems, vomiting. Put face up to air condition vent makes me dizzy, eyes burning, fumes coming through the air condition vents. Having problems with memory, having problems waking up, never had these problems before. *jb
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
2006 freightliner columbia engine caught fire. *Kb the vehicle's power steering hose broke causing the fire in the engine compartment. the consumer used the fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
My company has taken delivery of 3 of 10 new 2006 columbia freightliner tractors with 70 inch sleepers. All are equipped with mbe 4000 engines with egr. All 3 the drivers have complained of exhaust fumes in the cab at various times. one driver started his truck and went inside the office to do…
My company has taken delivery of 3 of 10 new 2006 columbia freightliner tractors with 70 inch sleepers. All are equipped with mbe 4000 engines with egr. All 3 the drivers have complained of exhaust fumes in the cab at various times. one driver started his truck and went inside the office to do some paperwork he returned approx 20 mins later climbed into his truck and he noticed a slight smell of exhaust in the cab. He turned on his heater and was overcome with exhaust fumes that lead to his emergency room visit for co poisoning. This happened on 12/27/2005 the weather conditions were, no wind approx 33 degrees. In a open parking lot with no other vehicles nearby. *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
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…
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 submit certain manufacturer communications to NHTSA, and DTNA failed to submit field reports to NHTSA as required. As part of the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to a total civil penalty of thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), of which ten million dollars ($10,000,000) was paid on January 12, 2021. Also, of that total civil penalty, DTNA agreed to spend five million dollars ($5,000,000) on the specific performance obligations to develop advanced data analytics capabilities to enhance its ability to detect and study emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles (“Safety Data Analytics infrastructure”) and an advanced data analytics and reporting platform that integrates data on emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles and recall lessons learned (“Safety Communications Platform”). The Consent Order also held fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) of the civil penalty in abeyance pending DTNA’s satisfactory completion of the requirements of the Consent Order, and its compliance with the Safety Act, and regulations thereunder. NHTSA and DTNA agreed to a two-year term for the Consent Order—with an option for NHTSA to extend the Consent Order for an additional year, if warranted. In the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to numerous performance obligations, including monthly meetings with NHTSA to discuss potential safety issues, recent manufacturer communications, and recall decision-making, among other things; quarterly meetings with NHTSA to discuss DTNA’s progress on the performance obligations under the Consent Order, including the Safety Data Analytics infrastructure and Safety Communications Platform, and any issues related to compliance with the Consent Order, Safety Act, or regulations; development of written procedures and employee training materials to help DTNA comply with its legal obligations to timely identify and report safety defects and noncompliances, submit complete and accurate recall filings, and timely submit manufacturer communications and field reports to NHTSA; and identifying and reporting previously unreported manufacturer communications and field reports. Also, via the Consent Order, DTNA acknowledged that the failure or inability to identify a specific root cause, develop an adequate remedy or repair, or confirm the affected population of vehicles are not bases for delaying filing a recall with NHTSA. On December 22, 2022, NHTSA extended the Consent Order for a term of one year due to concerns about DTNA’s compliance with its recall-related obligations. Specifically, NHTSA expressed concerns about the completeness of DTNA’s recall reports and issues identified with owner notification letters during the term of the Consent Order, as well as the length of time that DTNA took to consider a straightforward noncompliance issue before filing a recall and DTNA’s interactions with NHTSA during the term of the Consent Order. NHTSA addressed these concerns with DTNA during the third year of the Consent Order. The extended term of the Consent Order expired on December 28, 2023. Based on the Consent Order, this investigation, AQ18002, is closed. Closure of this AQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order or DTNA’s ongoing legal obligations, and it does not represent a determination by NHTSA as to DTNA’s performance under the Consent Order.
- 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…
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 internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall IS attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation IS closed.
- 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.
- Steering column weld cracks
As a result of the odi investigation, freightliner has agreed to recall (number 07v-289) all of the vehicles manufactured with steering columns potentially missing welds.the recall remedy will involve inspecting the recalled vehicles for missing welds and if found replace the steering column.early warning aggregate…
As a result of the odi investigation, freightliner has agreed to recall (number 07v-289) all of the vehicles manufactured with steering columns potentially missing welds.the recall remedy will involve inspecting the recalled vehicles for missing welds and if found replace the steering column.early warning aggregate data submitted to nhtsa by freightliner suggested that a steering problem (ewr code 01) existed for the 2004 and 2005 century and columbia class vehicles.the count of field reports submitted for the first quarter of 2006 was higher than the average of the previous 6 quarters for the aggregate steering data.odi's further review of the ewr data foundfield reports that described steering column failures as a result of steering column welds cracking or breaking.information received from freightliner detailed failures of the steering columns on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of missing and cracked welds on the steering column assembly.during testing of vehicles containing defective steering columns, odi determined that weld failures in the steering column create a situation where the vehicle becomes difficult to steer or may startle the driver upon failing, thus presenting a safety risk.a copy of the recall IS attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation IS closed.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10195659SS 1032974 High Oil Pressure on 2017 DTNA Vehicles Instrument Cluster Display
- 10195478SS 1033638 - Power Window Express Down Module Discontinued
- 10187830Revised 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 optimize the performance and service life of any Detroit Diesel engine.
- 10184785Revised 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 number 11-30728-000) as a replacement for the paper gasket (part number 11-14418-000). The new O-ring will provide better sealing and is reusable. It is quicker and easier to use compared to the paper gasket, because using a paper gasket requires cleaning the hub when the axle shaft is removed.
- 10181759Updated 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. When troubleshooting Powernet issues, use the BCT-460DTNA PowerNet Assessment Tool. As of May 29, 2018, the AutoMeter is the only Daimler-approved tool for troubleshooting vehicle Powernet issues.
- 10181049Freightliner 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 11-14418-000). The new O-ring will provide better sealing and is reusable. It is quicker and easier to use compared to the paper gasket, because using a paper gasket requires cleaning the hub when the axle shaft is removed.
- 10180453Tech Talk discussion on gauges intermittently not functioning.
- 10170603Technical 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).
- 10164491Technical Solution for finding Bill of Material
- 10163599Warranty Information Letter sent to customers regarding new refrigerator supplier for returning parts.
- 10163511Warranty Information Letter - Expanded guidelines for paint-related claims sent out to Freightliner, Western star, Thomas Built Bus, Export and Direct warranty customers
- 10161128Steering Intermediate Shaft Replacement
- 10160786Service Bulletin- sb54311 ICU Odometer Programming
- 10160773fp00024 Cable-Tie Reference
- 10158072Adjusting Tilt Lock Force on TRW Steering Columns
- 10158051Adjusting Tilt Lock Force on TRW Steering Columns
- 10158020Fuel Level Sending Unit Retrofit
- 10156420Adjusting Tilt Lock Force on TRW Steering Columns
- 10156399Adjusting Tilt Lock Force on TRW Steering Columns
- 10156370Technical Publications Ordering
- 10156368Fuel Level Sending Unit Retrofit
- 10156351Reminder: Paper Service Bulletin Mailings Are Discontinued
- 10154899Important Campaign Information on FL614 Recall
- 10153391Towing Procedures
- 10151637Spn 2659 mcm epa07
- 10151616Service Bulletin 9814- Bumper Paint
- 10151615Service Bulletin 9816- DuPont? Imron Elite
- 10151613Service Bulletin 9817- Paint Supplier Change
- 10151611Service Bulletin 9813- Side Fairing Primer Repair
- 10151609Service Bulletin 9818- Repainting Plastic Bumper Components
- 10151600Service information Bulletin
- 10151533Service Bulletin: AirLiner Suspension Six-Piece Bolted Service Crossmember
- 10151510Operating Hours for the Customer Assistance Center
- 10142300sb9815 Paint Finish Standards
- 1014228533-28 - Bearing Spacer Replacement, ConMet PreSet Steer Hubs
- 1014228435-30 - Bearing Spacer Replacement, ConMet PreSet Drive Hubs
- 1014227554-277 - Resetting Erroneous Learned Roll Call ECUs on Vehicles with ICU4M
- 1014227254-278 - Powernet Troubleshooting Guide: Batteries, Path, Alternator, and Starter
- 1014227154-274 - Plastic Battery Box Cover Retainer Clip
- 10142073sb54215 ICU4M Missing VORAD Information or Reporting Fault SA 42 SPN FMI 07
Every Freightliner Columbia model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.