Model year

2003 Freightliner Columbia

Heavy truck, diesel, 6x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Mar 11, 2003 to Jun 1, 2011.

Recall campaigns covering this model year5116k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints105.0 times the median 2003 heavy truck
Severity index20.02003 heavy trucks average 18.5
First 24 months5Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2003 Freightliner Columbia peaked in 2003, with 5 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

02462003520052007200920112013201520172019202120232026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

60% of complaints about the 2003 Freightliner Columbia name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
6
Lighting
1
Powertrain
1
Structure
1
Tires
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

5 recall campaigns cover the 2003 Freightliner Columbia

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2003 Freightliner Columbia
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
17V-810Dec 15, 2017These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the…Equipment24,860Part replacement
07V-302Jul 16, 2007Certain freightliner school bus chassis, heavy trucks, and thomas built school buses manufactured between july 2002 and july 3, 2007, equipped…Brakes75,000Repair or modification
05V-001Jan 3, 2005On certain trucks equipped with seats built by gra-mag, the seat pivot bolts can loosen and possibly fracture or dislodge, causing the seat back…Seats1,770Repair or modification
04V-205May 4, 2004On certain trucks equipped with manual transmission, the tapered joint that attaches the shifter to the transmission may become loose making it…Powertrain14,000Repair or modification
03V-500Dec 4, 2003On certain trucks equipped with air brakes, the plastic push-to-connect air line fitting cartridge could be improperly welded into the nylon…Brakes400Repair or modification
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2003 Freightliner Columbia

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

10 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Jun 1, 2011Failure Apr 24, 2011Republic, OHTires

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10404851
  2. Filed Apr 30, 2008Failure Mar 28, 2008Randolph, NEExhaust system

    EXHAUST FUMES COMING INTO CAB, CAUSING DIZZINESS, BURNING EYES, AND STUFFY AND BURNING SENSATION IN NOSE AND ON SKIN. I HAVE HAD ALL EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND GASKETS REPLACED AND I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. I FINALLY WENT TO THE INTERNET TO SEE IF THERE WAS SOMETHING I COULD DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT OTHER DRIVERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. THE TRUCK THAT I OWN AND DRIVE IS A FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA WITH SERIES 60 DETROIT ENGINE. I AM GOING TO TAKE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR ALONG ON MY NEXT TRIP TO SEE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10226335
  3. Filed Nov 18, 2007Failure Aug 1, 2007Prattville, ALHinge and attachments, Support device/strut1 injured

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10209257
  4. Filed Oct 28, 2006Failure Oct 28, 2006633,461 milesWilliamsburg, KYEmission control2 injured

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10172048
  5. Filed Jun 3, 2005Failure Jul 1, 2003Hobart, INExhaust system

    DT: FUMES COMING INSIDE EQUIPMENT THROUGH AIR VENTS OF TRUCK. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER 3-4 DIFFERENT TIMES AND THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER FIXED. THESE FUMES CAUSED HEADACHES, NAUSEA,BURNING EYES, AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. NOW, DIAGNOSED WITH COPD. HAVE TALKED TO OTHER DRIVERS AND SAME PROBLEMS HAVE OCCURRED.*AK THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BECAUSE THE CONSUMER FELT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *NM

    NHTSA complaint 10120286
  6. Filed Nov 12, 2003Failure Aug 12, 2003Hobart, INExhaust system

    WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK, THE CONSUMER WOULD SMELL A ROTTEN EGG ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE OWNER HAS MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH

    NHTSA complaint 10047752
  7. Filed Oct 29, 2003Failure Oct 28, 200330,000 milesHobart, INEmission control

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

    NHTSA complaint 10043867
  8. Filed Aug 12, 2003Failure Jul 6, 2003Moultrie, GAEngine

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10033748
  9. Filed Jul 21, 2003Failure Jan 18, 200342,136 milesFranklin, WIHeadlights, Fog lights

    WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A GROUP OF 40 FREIGHTLINER TRACTORS IN OCTOBER 2002. TRACTORS WERE BUILT WITH AN H7 LOW BEAM HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. WE HAVE SINCE HAD MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THIS STYLE HEADLAMP AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN BOTH HEADLAMPS BURNED OUT AT THE SAME TIME WHILE DRIVER WAS OPERATIONG VEHICLE IN DARKNESS. ALL DATA ON THIS LAMP THAT I CAN FIND, SHOWS A SERVICE LIFE IN THE 200 HOUR RANGE. MOST STANDARD HEADLAMPS ARE RATED FOR 1000+ HOURS. MOST USA APPLICATIONS FOR THIS H7 BULB ARE FOR THE FOG LAMP POSITION, NOT LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT. TRUCKS BUILT AFTER THIS GROUP HAVE BEEN FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT 9007 HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WHICH WORKS JUST FINE. FREIGHTLINER REFUSES TO DISCUSS THE SAFETY ASPECTS OF THIS DESIGN. DRIVERS ARE NOW VERY CONCERNED ABOUT OPERATING VEHICLES AFTER DARK.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 10028725
  10. Filed Mar 11, 2003Saint Marys, OHManual transmission

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

    NHTSA complaint 10011381
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

2 NHTSA investigations on file

  • AQ18002 Audit query, Lighting
    Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
    Opened Apr 23, 2018, closed Jul 11, 2024
  • PE04036 Preliminary evaluation, Engine and cooling
    DIESEL EXHAUST GAS INTRUSION
    Opened Apr 12, 2004, closed Dec 6, 2004
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

167 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • SS1032974 Jul 11, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SS 1032974 High Oil Pressure on 2017 DTNA Vehicles Instrument Cluster Display
  • SS1033638 Jun 28, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SS 1033638 - Power Window Express Down Module Discontinued
  • TechTalk566576K Apr 30, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Tech Talk discussion on Prototype or pre production DPF Penske wanted to share.
  • 04TS-43REV4 Feb 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 optimize the perfo…
  • SB35-036 Dec 23, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 number 11-30728-…
  • SB54-278 Oct 27, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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. When troubleshootin…
  • SB35-036 Oct 7, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 11-14418-000). The new O…
  • 20TS-01 Jan 21, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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).
  • 19-008WI Aug 7, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Warranty Information Letter sent to customers regarding new refrigerator supplier for returning parts.
  • 19-009WI Aug 5, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Warranty Information Letter - Expanded guidelines for paint-related claims sent out to Freightliner, Western star, Thomas Built Bus, Export and Direct warranty customers
  • fp46907 Apr 30, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Steering Intermediate Shaft Replacement
  • sb54311 Mar 20, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin- sb54311 ICU Odometer Programming
  • fp00024 Mar 8, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    fp00024 Cable-Tie Reference
  • sb4641 Jul 17, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Adjusting Tilt Lock Force on TRW Steering Columns
  • sb4641 Jul 17, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Adjusting Tilt Lock Force on TRW Steering Columns
  • sb54296 Jun 17, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fuel Level Sending Unit Retrofit
  • sb4641 Jul 17, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Adjusting Tilt Lock Force on TRW Steering Columns
  • sb4641 Jul 17, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Adjusting Tilt Lock Force on TRW Steering Columns
  • sb0002 Jun 17, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Technical Publications Ordering
  • sb54296 Jun 17, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fuel Level Sending Unit Retrofit
  • sb00044 Feb 25, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Reminder: Paper Service Bulletin Mailings Are Discontinued
  • ICI12-016 FL614 Dec 17, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Important Campaign Information on FL614 Recall
  • SID 146 07 0903- Sep 30, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service information Bulletin
  • sb3125 AirLiner Aug 14, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin: AirLiner Suspension Six-Piece Bolted Service Crossmember
  • sb0036 Jul 23, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Operating Hours for the Customer Assistance Center
  • sb9815 Jan 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb9815 Paint Finish Standards
  • 33-28 Sep 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    33-28 - Bearing Spacer Replacement, ConMet PreSet Steer Hubs
  • 35-30 Sep 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    35-30 - Bearing Spacer Replacement, ConMet PreSet Drive Hubs
  • 54-277 Sep 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    54-277 - Resetting Erroneous Learned Roll Call ECUs on Vehicles with ICU4M
  • 54-278 Sep 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    54-278 - Powernet Troubleshooting Guide: Batteries, Path, Alternator, and Starter
  • 54-274 Sep 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    54-274 - Plastic Battery Box Cover Retainer Clip
  • sb54215 Apr 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb54215 ICU4M Missing VORAD Information or Reporting Fault SA 42 SPN FMI 07
  • sb0935 Jul 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb0935 Replacing the Engine Air Filter Element, Donaldson Air Cleaner (03-33648-001-002)
  • sb54290 Mar 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb54290 Guidelines for Repairing or Replacing an Electrical Harness
  • sb98020 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb98020 Axalta Paint Finish CareB
  • sb54296 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb54296 Fuel Level Sending Unit RetrofitB
  • sb54251 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb54251 Condensation and Possible Water Entry Points in Headlamp Assemblies
  • sb54202 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb54202 Rerouting the DDEC IV Relative-Humidity-Sensor Harness
  • sb54194 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb54194 Required Maintenance for Freightliner-Branded and Delco Cassette Players
  • sb54148 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb54148 Radio and Integrated Thin-Film Antenna Troubleshooting, and Field Service UpdatesB
  • sb54122 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb54122 ICU3 Service Cluster AvailableB
  • sb31034 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb31034 Towing ProceduresB
  • sb4267 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb4267 Brake Shimmy?Meritor® SteeLite X30? Brake Drum with Excessive RunoutB
  • sb2069 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb2069 Kysor Fan Clutch Sticking
  • sb2068 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb2068 Conventional Fully-Formulated Coolant with SCA Color Change
  • sb2063 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb2063 Coolant Filter Inspection Procedure, DD13 DD15 DD16 Only
  • sb2061 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb2061 Replacement Shunt Tube, EPA07 Caterpillar C13 and C15 Engines
  • sb2059 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb2059 Replacing Push-to-Connect Air Line Fittings with Brass Compression Fittings
  • sb2058 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb2058 Early EPA07 QLD Radiator Replacement
  • sb2057 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb2057 New Surge Tank Design
  • sb2056 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb2056 Transmission Oil Line Removal and Installation
  • sb2055 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb2055 Columbia Surge Tank Shunt Tube Support Bracket Breaking
  • sb2051 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb2051 Radiator Surge Tank Vent Line Plumbing
  • sb2048 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb2048 New Design Replacement Surge Tanks for Pre-EPA04 Vehicles
  • sb2046 Feb 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb2046 ABA Hose Clamp Torque Values
  • fp47019 Feb 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    fp47019 25-Inch Diameter Fuel Tanks
  • sb3131 Nov 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb3131 Huck-Spin 2 Changeover
  • sb3233 May 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some vehicles may have been incorrectly shimmed at the factory, and may lean slightly to the right or left. While this does not affect the operation of the vehicle, it may be visually unpleasing to many customers.
  • sb4267 Aug 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    sb4267 Brake Shimmy - Meritor SteeLite X30 Brake Drum with Excessive Runout
  • 12-022 Aug 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    12-022-DLR Daimler Trucks Remarketing Corporation (DTR) Now Requires Pre-approval for Repairs $1,200 (USD) and Greater
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.