Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2002 Freightliner Columbia, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Steering1
- Fuel system, other1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 13 2002 Columbia vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 3 people died inside them, and 3 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
Recalls in Canada
5 Transport Canada recalls for the 2002 Freightliner Columbia.
| 2007231 11 Jul 2007 | 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 def… |
| 2006009 12 Jan 2006 | Steering On certain vehicles, the steering wheel was manufactured with incorrect length Huck fasteners that are too short to allow proper retaining collar engagement. S… |
| 2003179 29 Jul 2003 | Suspension On certain vehicles, manufacturing defects in the front axle unitized hubs may cause premature spalling of the wheel bearings. This condition will lead to even… |
| 2003158 19 Jun 2003 | Other On certain vehicles, fatigue cracks can initiate in the weld joining the bracket pin to its mounting flange on the fifth wheel assembly. Weld failures could le… |
| 2002222 21 Nov 2002 | Other On certain truck-tractor models equipped with ConMet Simplex stationary or sliding fifthwheels, the clinch pins that retain the fifthwheel pivot pins may not be… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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
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.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANIFOLD DASH VALVES WITH PUSH TO CONNECT FITTINGS USED TO CONTROL THE PARK BRAKE FUNCTION ON TRUCKS AND TRAILERS WITH AIR BRAKES, THE PARK KNOB CAN POP OUT UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS WILL EXHAUST THE AIR FROM THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM ON THE TRAILER AND APPLY THE PARKING BRAKES.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Freightliner told its dealers about the 2002 Freightliner Columbia: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10195659 | SS 1032974 High Oil Pressure on 2017 DTNA Vehicles Instrument Cluster Display |
| 10195478 | SS 1033638 - Power Window Express Down Module Discontinued |
| 10187830 | 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 performance and service life of any Detroit Diesel engine. |
| 10184785 | 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 11-30728-000) 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. |
| 10181759 | 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 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. |
| 10181049 | 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-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. |
| 10170603 | 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). |
| 10163599 | Warranty Information Letter sent to customers regarding new refrigerator supplier for returning parts. |
| 10163511 | Warranty Information Letter - Expanded guidelines for paint-related claims sent out to Freightliner, Western star, Thomas Built Bus, Export and Direct warranty customers |
| 10161128 | Steering Intermediate Shaft Replacement |
| 10160786 | Service Bulletin- sb54311 ICU Odometer Programming |
| 10160773 | fp00024 Cable-Tie Reference |
| 10158072 | Adjusting Tilt Lock Force on TRW Steering Columns |
| 10158051 | Adjusting Tilt Lock Force on TRW Steering Columns |
| 10158020 | Fuel Level Sending Unit Retrofit |
| 10156420 | Adjusting Tilt Lock Force on TRW Steering Columns |
| 10156399 | Adjusting Tilt Lock Force on TRW Steering Columns |
| 10156370 | Technical Publications Ordering |
| 10156368 | Fuel Level Sending Unit Retrofit |
| 10156351 | Reminder: Paper Service Bulletin Mailings Are Discontinued |
| 10154899 | Important Campaign Information on FL614 Recall |
| 10151533 | Service Bulletin: AirLiner Suspension Six-Piece Bolted Service Crossmember |
| 10151510 | Operating Hours for the Customer Assistance Center |
| 10142300 | sb9815 Paint Finish Standards |
| 10142285 | 33-28 - Bearing Spacer Replacement, ConMet PreSet Steer Hubs |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
INTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation