2005 Freightliner Columbia

Routine

Owners filed 38 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 14 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
173,036 milesMedian miles at failure

31 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000–200,000 miles.

Most common 2005 Freightliner Columbia problems

24 of the 38 complaints (63%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Clutch Assembly · transmission17
000
Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Bell Housing · transmission7
000
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs2
000
Tires2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System · engine2
000
Electrical System2
020
Wheels › Hub1
101
Suspension › Front › Hub1
001
Structure · body and frame1
003
Service Brakes · brakes1
000

2005 Freightliner Columbia transmission problems

63% of all complaints

24 of the 38 complaints are about the transmission.

Share of the 24 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
176,865 mi
median of 24 reports
Peak year of filing
2005
24 transmission complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 0 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the transmission
None
“Clutch making noise and hard to get into gear. Had clutch replaced , knowing what happens next we did not wait, know clutch is going to come apart. Truck works great now. *nm”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 8, 2005 at 178,361 miles
“Clutch hard to release and making noise sent to shop to have replaced, we know now what happens when this starts, next thing clucth explodes remove and replace clutch.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 26, 2005 at 139,336 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2005: 27 complaints, 24 about the transmission'052006: 4 complaints, 0 about the transmission'062007: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'072008: 0 complaints, 0 about the transmission'082009: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'092010: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'102011: 3 complaints, 0 about the transmission'112012: 1 complaints, 0 about the transmission'12Recall 05V185000 (wheels)Recall 05V467000 (suspension)Recall 06V030000 (engine)Recall 06V190000 (electrical system)Recall 07V289000 (steering)Recall 07V302000 (brakes)Recall 08V113000 (fuel system)Recall 09V366000 (engine)Recall 11V478000 (fuel system)Recall 11V514000 (steering)Recall 17V810000 (equipment)Recall 19V370000 (brakes)NHTSA investigation PE09040
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2005 Columbia peaked in 2005, with 27 filed that year. No recall on file covers the transmission, the subject of 63% of the complaints. In 2012 owners filed 1 so far.

14 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Air › Supply › Reservoir/Tank19V370000
Filed May 14, 2019741 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America LLC

Defect. 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 such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

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.

Equipment17V810000
Filed Dec 15, 201724,860 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America LLC

Defect. 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

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.

Steering › Rack and Pinion11V514000
Filed Oct 13, 20119,689 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America

Defect. 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 VALVE SEAL MAY ALLOW HYDRAULIC FLUID TO FLOW TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT TURN PORT INSTEAD OF FLOWING TO THE RETURN PORT.

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.

Fuel System, Diesel11V478000
Filed Sep 16, 201173,500 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America

Defect. 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.

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling09V366000
Filed Sep 23, 200925,362 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America

Defect. 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. 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.

Fuel System, Diesel08V113000
Filed Mar 11, 200862,000 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America

Defect. 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. 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.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly07V403000
Filed Sep 6, 2007450 vehiclesFreightliner LLC

Defect. 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 ASSEMBLY MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE.

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.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly07V400000
Filed Sep 5, 2007413 vehiclesFreightliner LLC

Defect. 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. 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.

Service Brakes, Air › Supply › Check Valve07V302000
Filed Jul 16, 200775,000 vehiclesFreightliner LLC

Defect. 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.

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.

Steering › Column07V289000
Filed Jul 3, 200725,643 vehiclesFreightliner LLC

Defect. 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. 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.

Electrical System06V190000
Filed Jun 5, 200661,000 vehiclesFreightliner LLC

Defect. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR THE CAB POWER DISTRIBUTION MODEL (PDM) MAY BE MISSING OR IMPROPERLY INSTALLED.

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling06V030000
Filed Feb 8, 20065,771 vehiclesFreightliner LLC

Defect. 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. 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.

Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle05V467000
Filed Oct 5, 20051,100 vehiclesFreightliner LLC

Defect. CERTAIN 2005 THOMAS BUILT FS-65 AND C-2 SCHOOL BUSES AND 2005 FREIGHTLINER ARGOSY, COLUMBIA, CENTURY ST, AND M2 BUSINESS CLASS TRUCKS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 4 AND JULY 8, 2005. THE SPINDLES IN THE REAR AXLE HOUSING WERE OVERHEATED DURING THE HEAT TREATMENT PROCESS. INCORRECTLY HEAT TREATED SPINDLES COULD RESULT IN A FRACTURE OF THE SPINDLE.

Risk. INCORRECTLY HEAT TREATED SPINDLES COULD FRACTURE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND INSPECT FOR THE HEAT TREAT DATE CODE ON THE END OF THE REAR SPINDLES AND REPLACE THE AXLE HOUSING IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JANUARY 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER

Wheels05V185000
Filed Apr 27, 20053,500 vehiclesFreightliner LLC

Defect. ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ACCURIDE ALUMINUM WHEELS, THE WHEELS WERE NOT PROPERLY PRE-STRESSED. THIS ALLOWS CRACKS TO DEVELOP OVER TIME.

Risk. THIS MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO WHEEL FAILURE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

All 14 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 4 name the 2005 Columbia.

Daimler Trucks North America RecallsAudit query AQ18002Closed
Opened Apr 23, 2018Closed Jul 11, 2024headlights

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 …

RACK AND PINION FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE09040Closed
Opened Aug 31, 2009Closed Nov 19, 2009Led to recall 09V357000steering

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 …

STEERING COLUMN WELD CRACKSEngineering analysis EA07002Closed
Opened Jan 30, 2007Closed Jul 12, 2007Led to recall 07V289000steering

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 …

STEERING COLUMN WELD CRACKSPreliminary evaluation PE06033Closed
Opened Aug 30, 2006Closed Jan 30, 2007steering

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 …

Technical service bulletins

198 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2005 Columbia. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 75engine 27electrical system 26fuel system 26body and frame 11transmission 9steering 8brakes 5
SB35-036Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 23, 2020transmission

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 …

sb2056Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 26, 2018transmission

sb2056 Transmission Oil Line Removal and Installation

14TL-7Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 10, 2015transmission

14TL-7Rev DD Platform Flywheel Housing Runout Tool W470589032100

sb01101Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 1, 2015transmission

sb01101 Pilot Bearing Spacer for Detroit Engines with Eaton transmissions

812-14Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 12, 2014transmission

812-14 FMI 3, 4: Engine Aux. Shutdown Input Failed High and Low

14TS21Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 12, 2014transmission

14TS21 HDEP Camshaft Position Sensor Change

Showing the newest 6 of 9 bulletins about the transmission, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 25, 2012106,222 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. A LOCAL MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE MEHCANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE VALVE FAILED AND WAS ALLOWING AIR TO ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 106,222.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 2, 2011AL

LOW PRESSURE, ERG VALVE, LEAKAGE, AND THE LOST OF POWER THAT THE TRUNK CANT BE CONTROLLED. *TR

Tires
Filed Jun 29, 2011NY

1990 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA, UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE IN THE RIGHT LANE WHEN THE RIGHT TIRE OF THE TRAILER SUDDENLY CAME OFF THE RIM OF THE TRAILER. UNIT 1 CAME TO FINAL REST ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE ROAD. *BF THE DRIVER STATED EVER SINCE THE COMPANY SWITCHED TO SUPER SINGLE TIRES, EVERYONE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING SOME TYPE OF TIRE FAILURE. THE RIM WAS DAMAGED. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0336-90)*JB UPDATED 8/30/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRE BLOW OUT OCCURRED ON THE TRACTOR, NOT THE TRAILER.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 1, 2011MA

2005 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA, UNIT 1 NOTICED SMOKE FROM HIS TRAILER AS HE PULLED AWAY FROM THE BOOTH AT EXIT 142. UNIT 1 PULLED TO THE BERM ON THE ON THE RAMP AND FOUND THE TRAILER WAS ON FIRE. THE TRACTOR WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE TRAILER AND PULLED AHEAD . *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0264-90)

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Aug 30, 2010IN

2005 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA , SUFFERED A MECHANICAL FAILURE WITH LEFT REAR DRIVE AXLE DUAL ASSEMBLY. *BF THE ASSEMBLY DETACHED FROM THE SEMI AND CROSSED INTO THE EASTBOUND LANES. THE BOLTS HOLDING THE TIRE ON HAD COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF. (OHO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0316-89) *JB UPDATED 09/13/10*BF

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Sep 16, 2009MI

2005 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA WAS STOPPING FOR A TOLL BOOTH WHEN BOTH REAR RIGHT WHEELS DETACHED FROM THE SECOND REAR AXLE. ONE TIRE BROKE THE WINDOW OF THE TOLL BUILDING. *KB THE LUG NUTS BROKE OFF ON THE RIGHT SIDE SECOND TO THE REAR AXLE. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0752-91.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 24, 2007193,000 milesPA

2005 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DASHBOARD DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL DEFECT. *KB (OHIIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Sep 18, 2006MO

WHILE DRIVING EYES START TO BURN, STARTED GETTING TIRED AFTER 4 HOURS, FUMES COMING FROM AIR CONDITION VENTS, WHILE AIR CONDITION WAS ON, ALSO FILM ON WINDOWS. I DON'T SMOKE. SUSPECT EXHAUST FUMES. ALSO WITH COTTON SWAB COULD PICK UP SOOT DEPOSITS ON AIR VENTS. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe1 injured
Filed May 30, 200676,454 milesAL

I TOOK POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE IN JANUARY 06 AND HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES FOR APRROX 2 WEEKS EACH TIME FOR AN EXHAUST LEAK IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE AND IN THE SLEEPING AREA THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BUT DID NOT HAVE A 100% FIX FOR IT AND THE PARTS THEY WERE TRYING WERE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET.. ON MAY 25 2006 THE PROBLEM HAD GOT TO A POINT THAT IT PUT ME IN THE ER WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Mar 23, 2006180,759 milesNE

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S EYES AND LUNGS BURNED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE EXHAUST GAS WAS LEAKING. THE EXHAUST GASKET AND MANIFOLD BOLTS WERE REPLACED, BUT THIS HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 5/16/2006 - *NM

Wheels › HubCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 18, 2006118,997 milesUT

REGARDING O.D.I. #10136263 I HAVE FOLLOWED THE RECALL FREIGHTLINER FL451 RECALL#05V285000. I HAD A WHEEL OFF SEPARATION DUE TO THIS HUB!! FAILURE. I WAS INJURED SO BADLY, THAT I CANNOT GET INSURANCE AT ALL. I HAVE TALK AND SHOWED THIS HUB TO SOME WELL KNOWN PEOPLE ABOUT THIS. THE THEORY OF THE BRAKE DRUM CAUSING THE PROBLEM IS VERY! HARD TO BELIEVE. THE TRUTURN DRUM IS CONMETS. I HAVE X30 ARVIN MERITOR. WHY DID THEY TERMINATE THE HUB! THE HUB WEIGHTS IS ONLY LESS THAN 2LB. LIGHTER. WHEN MY TRUCK WAS WORKED ON THEY REFUSSED TO COVER IT UNDER WARRENTY. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH HUBS AT MY EXSPENSE BECAUSE, I COULD NOT PUT SOMETHING THAT DANGEROUS OUT THERE AFTER KNOWING WHAT I KNOW. CONMET TOLD FREIGHTLINER ABOUT THE PROBLEM IN NOVEMBER 2004. SO THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, YET STILL DID NOTHING, THEY HAD MY TRUCK ABOUT 16 DAYS, AND DID NOTHING IT TOOK OVER 2 MONTHS BEFORE ANYONE TRIED TO CONTACT ME I HIRED A LAWER. *JB

Suspension › Front › Hub1 injured
Filed Sep 12, 2005118,997 milesUT

DT: 2005 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA. THE FRONT HUB BROKE, THE CASTING CAME COMPLETELY APART. THE NEW HUB IS A DIFFERENT STYLE THAN THE ORIGINAL. THE CONSUMER BROKE A BONE IN HIS NECK, AND HAS TWO BAD DISCS IN BOTH SHOULDERS. THERE WAS NO WRECK WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. HE WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 50-55 MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED ON JULY 19, 2005. HE COULD NOT GET AN ANSWER FROM FREIGHTLINER WHY THIS HAPPENED. THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW WHY THERE WAS A DIFFERENT HUB, AND IF HE SHOULD REPLACE THE OTHER ONE AS WELL. THE DOCTOR HAS YET TO RELEASE HIM FOR WORK. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT AXLE, BRAKE DRUM, WHEEL, TIRE, THE ABS VALVE, AND I-BEAM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS A RESULT OF THIS.*AK UPDATED

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 9, 2005173,036 milesID

CLUTCH WOULD NOT RELEASE, HAD TOWED TO SHOP REPLACE CLUTCH. *NM

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 9, 200597,543 milesID

CLUTCH MAKING NOISE AND HARD TO GET TO RELEASE, REPLACE CLUTCH. *NM

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 9, 200596,959 milesID

CLUTCH MAKING NOISE AND HARD TO GET INTO GEAR, REPLACED CLUTCH. *NM

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 8, 2005174,587 milesID

CLUCTH WOULD NOT RELEASE SOMETIMES, CHECK AND FOUND CLUTCH COMING APART. REPLACE CLUTCH. *NM

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 8, 2005231,929 milesID

TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT AT TIMES, HAS AUTO SHIFT TOP HOUSING, CHECK AND FOUND CLUTCH WOULD NOT RELEASE AT TIMES, REPLACE CLUTCH . WORKS FINE NOW. *NM

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 8, 2005187,400 milesID

CLUCTH WOULD NOT RELEASE AND MAKING NOISE, REPLACE CLUTCH. *NM

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 8, 2005178,361 milesID

CLUTCH MAKING NOISE AND HARD TO GET INTO GEAR. HAD CLUTCH REPLACED , KNOWING WHAT HAPPENS NEXT WE DID NOT WAIT, KNOW CLUTCH IS GOING TO COME APART. TRUCK WORKS GREAT NOW. *NM

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 8, 2005182,843 milesID

CLUTCH WAS MAKING NOISE,AND HARD TO GET INTO GEAR , REPLACE CLUTCH. *NM

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 8, 2005293,807 milesID

CLUTCH MAKING NOISE AND HARD TO GET TRUCK IN GEAR, REPLACED CLUTCH. *NM

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 8, 2005191,951 milesID

HAD TRUCK TOWED TO SHOP,TRUCK WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR, CHECK FOUND THE CLUTCH HAD CAME APART, REPLACE CLUTCH. *NM

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 7, 2005185,306 milesID

CLUTCH WOULD NOT RELEASE, REPLACE CLUTCH. *NM

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 7, 2005219,228 milesID

CLUTCH WOULD NOT RELEASE, CHECKED AND FOUND DISC COMING APART THIS IS A STANDARD TRANSMISSION WITH AUTO SHIFT TOP HOUSING. *JB

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Sep 7, 2005214,569 milesID

CLUTCH HARD TO RELEASE,CHECKED IT OUT STARTING TO COME APART JUST LIKE THE REST OF AUTO SHIFTS, REPLACE CLUTCH WORK FINE NOW. *JB

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Jul 26, 2005139,336 milesID

CLUTCH HARD TO RELEASE AND MAKING NOISE SENT TO SHOP TO HAVE REPLACED, WE KNOW NOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THIS STARTS, NEXT THING CLUCTH EXPLODES REMOVE AND REPLACE CLUTCH.

Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Bell Housing
Filed Jul 23, 2005176,865 milesID

CLUTCH EXPLODED GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND LOCKED TRUCK IN GEAR AND FRAGMENTS STAYED IN BELLHOUSING THIS TIME,REMOVE CLUTCH AND REPLACED CLUTCH ASSY.

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Jul 23, 2005148,691 milesID

DRIVER COULD NOT GET CLUTCH TO RELEASE, SENT TO SHOP THEY FOUND THE CLUTCH HAD EXPLODED IN BELL HOUSING REMOVE AND REPLACE CLUTCH.

Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Bell Housing
Filed Jul 23, 2005159,640 milesID

TRUCK WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR, SENT WRECKER HAD TOWED TO SHOP SHOP CHECK AND FOUND CLUCTH HAD EXPLODED, FRAGMENT WENT TRU, BELL HOUSING. RUNIED HOUSING AND CLUTCH.FRAGMENTS HAD HAVE HIT HIGHWAY. REMOVE AND REPLACE CLUCTH AND BELL HOUSING.

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Jul 23, 2005161,043 milesID

DRIVER COULD NOT GET TRUCK INTO GEAR, SENT WRECKER TO TAKE HIM TO SHOP. SHOP CHECK AND FOUND THE CLUCTH WAS STARTING TO COME APART,DID NOT DAMAGE BELLHOUSING. REMOVE CLUTCH AND REPLACE

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Jul 23, 2005183,729 milesID

HARD TO GET CLUTCH TO RELEASE,TO GET TRUCK INTO GEAR SENT TO SHOP FOUND CLUTCH COMING APART REMOVE AND REPLACE CLUTCH ASSY.

Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Bell Housing
Filed Jul 23, 2005132,157 milesID

CLUTCH EXPLODED GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND LOCKED TRUCK IN GEAR AND FRAGMENTS WENT THOUGHT THE BELL HOUSING.ALSO THIS BROKE THE REAR ENGINE BELL HOUSING. COULD HAVE HIT OTHER AUTOS ON HGHWAY OR COULD HAVE SENT FRAGMENT INTO CAB OF TRUCK AND INJURED OR KILLED DRIVER.

Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Bell Housing
Filed Jul 22, 2005152,510 milesID

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.DRIVER HAD TRUCK LOCKED IN GEAR AND WAS LUCKY TO GET TRUCK STOPED BEFORE HITTING OTHER CARS

Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Bell Housing
Filed Jul 22, 2005144,860 milesID

CLUTCH WOULD NOT RELEASE, AND THEN MADE LOUD POPING SOUND, THEN IT STARTING WORKING, GOT INTO OUR SHOP CHECK OUT FOUND IT HAD BLEW A HOLE IN CLUTCH HOUSING, PARTS OF CLUTCH DISC, CAME APART.R&R CLUCTH AND FLYWHEEL,WE KEPT OLD PARTS HERE.THE PART THAT CAME OUT OF DISC, HIT HIGHWAY SOMEWHERE.

Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Bell Housing
Filed Jul 22, 2005152,510 milesID

CLUCTH MAKING ALOT OF NOISE HARD TO GET INTO GEAR, CHECK, AND FOUND THE PIECE IN CLUCTH DISC PART WAY STUCK OUT OF DISC. REPLACE CLUTCH ASSY, CAUGHT THIS ONE BEFORE DISC CAME APART

Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Bell Housing
Filed Jul 22, 2005194,426 milesID

CLUCTH MAKING ALOT OF NOISE.AND HARD TO GET INTO GEAR, CHECK AND FOUND THE PIECE IN CLUTCH DISC PART WAY STUCK OUT OF DISC. REPLACED CLUTCH ASSY.CAUGHT THIS ONE BEFORE IT CAME APART.

Tires
Filed Jun 15, 200536,000 milesAR

DT: THE TIRE BLEW OUT. JUST DID A WALK AROUND 2 MILES BEFORE, THE TRAILER WAS EMPTY. THE TIRE WENT COMPLETELY OFF THE RIM AND OFF INTO THE BRUSH. NO TRUCK DAMAGE BUT THE RIM IS NOT USABLE.*AK

Structure3 injured
Filed May 23, 2005PA

2005 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE TURN SIGNALS, THE EXTERIOR MIRRORS AND THE ABSENCE OF A HAND RAIL ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAB FOR EXITING THE CAB.*MR THE MIRRORS ON THE TRUCK VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVER CANNOT SEE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THERE IS NOT WAY TO TIGHTEN THEM WITHOUT REPLACING THE ENTIRE UNIT. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE TURN SIGNAL SHOULD BE SELF CANCELING OR THAT THE AUDIBLE SIGNAL SOUND SHOULD BE LOUDER. *NM

All 38 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20210100Routine
20200200Routine
20190300Routine
20180200Routine
20170300Routine
20160300Routine
20150300Routine
20140500Routine
20130500Routine
20120600Routine
201101300Routine
201011800Routine
200922000Routine
200813000Routine
2007112710Routine
2006142120Routine
2005 — this page381420Routine
2004131022Fatalities reported
200310500Routine
20022310Routine
20013100Routine
20001300Routine
19990200Routine
19980200Routine
19970100Routine

Compare every Columbia year →

2005 Freightliner Columbia: questions buyers ask

Is the 2005 Freightliner Columbia a good car?

Owners filed 38 complaints with NHTSA; there are too few Columbia years on record to rank this one against the others. The most common complaint is about the transmission (63%).

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Freightliner Columbia?

The transmission: 24 of the 38 complaints (63%) are about it. The typical report comes at 176,865 miles.

How many recalls does the 2005 Freightliner Columbia have?

14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 14, 2019. The largest, 07V302000, covered 75,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2005 Freightliner Columbia problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 173,036 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 176,865 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2005 Freightliner Columbia?

Yes, 4 times. The latest, AQ18002 ("Daimler Trucks North America Recalls"), was opened Apr 23, 2018 and closed Jul 11, 2024.

Are there service bulletins for the 2005 Freightliner Columbia?

The manufacturer filed 198 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (27), the electrical system (26) and the fuel system (26). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 14, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.