2009 Freightliner Columbia

Routine

Owners filed 2 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes. It has been recalled 20 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes1
000
Engine1
000

20 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting20V214000
Filed Apr 14, 202063,175 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America Llc

Defect. 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 Freightliner Century Class, 2006-2010 Freightliner FLD, and 2017 Western Star 5700 vehicles. The rear reflective tape may be partially covered by the mudflap hanger bracket, which may reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers on the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

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.

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel12V074000
Filed Feb 28, 2012103,437 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America

Defect. 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 TORQUE AND MAY BE DAMAGED DURING SERVICE WORK. AS A RESULT OF OTHER REPAIRS, THE LINE SUPPORTS MAY LOOSEN, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO FUEL LINE CRACKING AND A FUEL LEAK.

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.

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.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)11V465000
Filed Sep 8, 20114,444 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America

Defect. 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 INCLINATION CHARACTERISTICS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SLIP ANGLE CALCULATION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM. THIS MIGHT CAUSE THE ESC TO PERCEIVE AN OVER STEERING SITUATION AND THEREFORE APPLY THE OUTER WHEEL BRAKE ON THE FRONT AXLE UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PERCEIVED TO BE STABLE.

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.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables11V330000
Filed Jun 21, 201148,170 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America

Defect. DTNA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 FREIGHTLINER; CASCADIA, CENTURY CLASS, COLUMBIA, AND CORONADO, CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 STERLING; A-LINE AND L-LINE AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 WESTERN STAR CONSTELLATION VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 15, 2011, BUILT WITH DETROIT DIESEL 15 OR 16 ENGINES. THE BOLT ATTACHING A RUBBER ISOLATOR TO A SUPPORT BRACKET MAY BECOME LOOSE AND BACK OUT, POTENTIALLY CONTACTING AN UN-FUSED STARTER CABLE AND CREATING A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Risk. A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN AN UN-FUSED BATTERY CABLE AND CHASSIS GROUND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW BOLT AND ISOLATOR AND REPAIR THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump11V287000
Filed May 18, 2011268 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America

Defect. DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA, CORONADO, M2, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 19, 2009, THROUGH JULY 9, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC DD13 AND DD15 ENGINES ASSEMBLED WITH A BOSCH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ELEMENT WHICH MAY DEVELOP A CRACK DUE TO HYDROGEN INDUCED STRESS CORROSION. THE CRACK MAY RESULT IN A DIESEL FUEL LEAK.

Risk. IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED, FUEL MAY SPILL ONTO THE ROADWAY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES, FREE OF CHARGE. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS RECALL (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 10V-339). THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.

Engine and Engine Cooling11V146000
Filed Mar 3, 20112,073 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America

Defect. 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 INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.

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.

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump10V339000
Filed Jul 27, 201013,410 vehiclesDaimler Trucks North America

Defect. DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA, CORONADO, M2, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 19, 2009 THROUGH JULY 9, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC DD13 AND DD15 ENGINES ASSEMBLED WITH A BOSCH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ELEMENT WHICH MAY DEVELOP A CRACK DUE TO HYDROGEN INDUCED STRESS CORROSION. OVER TIME THE BARREL OF THE BOSCH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ELEMENT USED ON SPECIFIC DD13/DD15 ENGINES MAY DEVELOP A CRACK DUE TO HYDROGEN INDUCED STRESS CORROSION RESULTING IN A DIESEL FUEL LEAK.

Risk. IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED, FUEL MAY SPILL ONTO THE ROADWAY POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MARCH 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.

Showing 10 of 20 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Dec 6, 2013402,227 milesMD

2008 CATERPILLAR ACERT C13 CRANKCASE BREATHER FILTER CLOGGED BECAUSE OF DESIGN. CAUSED TRUCK TO SHUT DOWN IN TRAFFIC CREATING A SAFETY INCIDENT. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 4, 2013600,000 milesMN

A COMMERCIAL TRUCK VEHICLE MAINTENANCE VIOLATION, WAS ISSUED DURING A ROAD SIDE INCEPTION BY A CERTIFIED DOT INSPECTOR, FOR EMERGENCY BRAKE HOSE CHAFFING. A VIOLATION OF 393.45B2. OUR INVESTIGATION PROVED BEYOND ANY QUESTIONS THAT THIS IS THE WAY FREIGHTLINERS BUILD IT'S TRUCK FOR THE PAST DECADE AND STILL DOES. WE HAVE OBTAINED EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT OUR CLAIM. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY RISK, AS COMPROMISING THIS HOSE RESULTED IN A LOSS OF AIR PSI NEEDED FOR SEPARATING OF THE BRAKE SHOE FROM THE DRUMS WITHOUT ANY INDICATION TO THE DRIVER. ON A SEPARATE INCIDENT WHILE DRIVING IN WINNIPEG, M.B, THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY CAUGHT FIRE!. *JB FURTHER MORE, 393.45 SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCT AN EOM HOW TO BUILD SUCH LINE AND PROHIBITED THE CHAFFING @ TIME OF MANUFACTURING . WE KNOW THAT FREIGHTLINERS ARE AWARE OF THE FACT, AND KNOWINGLY SET IT'S COSTUMER TO FAIL @ A GREAT RISK TO OTHERS THAT SHARE THE ROADS. ALL OF OUR EVIDENCE CAN BE EMAILED. ANYONE CAN WALK INTO ANY FREIGHTLINER DEALERSHIP, LIKE WE DID, LOOK ON THAT HOSE, AND FIND IT TO BE IN VIOLATION OF 393.45. WE HAVE GONE A LONG WE TO OBTAINED OUR EVIDENCE, CONTACTED FREIGHTLINER, LEO'S, MANY DOT INSPECTORS, AND THE ONES THAT TRAINED THOSE INSPECTORS. WE ARE NOW CERTAIN THAT MOST OF ALL FREIGHTLINERS TRUCKS ON THE ROAD ARE IN FACT IN VIOLATION OF 393.45, @ GREAT RISK. ALL OF OUR EVIDENCE CAN BE E-MAILED. AND WE ARE WILLING TO HELP BY ANY MEANS TO HELP EXPLAIN OR SOLVE THIS RISK. *JB

2 of 2 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20210100Routine
20200200Routine
20190300Routine
20180200Routine
20170300Routine
20160300Routine
20150300Routine
20140500Routine
20130500Routine
20120600Routine
201101300Routine
201011800Routine
2009 — this page22000Routine
200813000Routine
2007112710Routine
2006142120Routine
2005381420Routine
2004131022Fatalities reported
200310500Routine
20022310Routine
20013100Routine
20001300Routine
19990200Routine
19980200Routine
19970100Routine

Compare every Columbia year →

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: Apr 14, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.