2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
14
Owner Complaints
10
Recalls
2
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA
The 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA has received a total of 14 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 10 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EQUIPMENT, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2 technical service bulletins have been issued by FREIGHTLINER LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System (7 complaints), Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe (2 complaints), and Power Trainclutch Assembly (2 complaints).
Recalls for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA
NHTSA has recorded 10 recalls for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA, potentially affecting up to 260,173 vehicles.
Recall 17V810000 — EQUIPMENT
| 24,860 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 11V478000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
| 73,500 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 09V366000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
| 25,362 vehicles affected
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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 07V302000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
| 75,000 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 06V030000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
| 5,771 vehicles affected
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.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 05V285000 — WHEELS:HUB
| 1,786 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 3RD GENERATION CONMET ALUMINUM WHEELS, THE DRUM MOUNTING FLANGE ON THE CONMET TRUTURN BRAKE DRUM MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A TAPER FROM THE PILOT HOLE TO THE BARREL OF THE DRUM.
Consequence: THIS TAPER MAY CAUSE CRACKING OR FRACTURES OF THE FRONT HUB. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND TESTING, FREIGHTLINER HAS REVISED THE POPULATION AND THE REMEDY (DECEMBER 22, 2005). THEREFORE, THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
View full details →Recall 05V408000 — STEERING:LINKAGES
| 37,029 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCK AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH I-SHAFTS SUPPLIED BY ZF HEAVY DUTY STEERING, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR A FAILURE OF THE FORK/SHAFT CONNECTION.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE COULD SUFFER A LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ATTACH A TENSION COLLAR TO THE STEERING SHAFT TO SECURE THE CONNECTION TO THE YOKE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
View full details →Recall 05V001000 — SEATS
| 1,770 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE SEAT FALL BACKWARDS DURING USE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
View full details →Recall 04V590000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
| 1,095 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE INTERAXLE DRIVELINE YOKES. THE BOLT HOLES LOCATED ON THE EARWORK OF THE MALE SHAFT YOKES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN OVERSIZED MINOR THREAD DIAMETER.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION ALLOWS THE BOLTS USED IN THE HOLES TO BECOME DETACHED WHICH COULD RESULT IN A DRIVELINE SEPARATION. DRIVELINE SEPARATION COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT MALE SHAFT YOKES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
View full details →Recall 04V205000 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
| 14,000 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, THE TAPERED JOINT THAT ATTACHES THE SHIFTER TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY BECOME LOOSE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO GEAR.
Consequence: IF SHIFT LEVER DETACHMENT OCCURS, THA ABILITY RO ACCELERATE OT MAINTAIN SPEED WILL BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-SECURE THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE TRANSMISSION USING THREADLOCK AND RE-TORQUING THE FASTENING BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA
14 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System | 7 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Power Trainclutch Assembly | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemwiring | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
PERSONAL FRIEND/TRUCK DRIVER WAS DRIVING 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA WITH MERCEDES ENGINE ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. OTHER MOTORIST SAW HIM DRIVING ERRATICALLY, AND CALLED POLICE. DASH CAMERA RECORDS HIM WEAVING IN THE ROAD AND FINALLY VEERING INTO ONCOMING LANE, CRASHING INTO CONCRETE BARRIER. IMPACT WITH THE WALL CAUSES FUEL TANK TO SEPARATE FROM CAB, CAUSING SMALL FIRE WHICH DID NOT BURN DRIVER OR CAB. DRIVER WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. AUTOPSY REVEALED SIGNIFICANTLY HIGH LEVEL OF CO IN BLOOD (61-65 %), BUT NO HEART ATTACK OR STROKE OR ANY OTHER NATURAL CAUSE. DEATH IS RULED ACCIDENTAL. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO OTHER SERIOUS INJURIES, BUT MANY OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THERE IS APPARENTLY A PROBLEM WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE, AND OTHERS WILL DIE UNLESS THIS PROBLEM IS CORRECTED. *TR
2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA CONVENTIONAL TIRE BLOW OUT. CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN THE TIRE BLEW OUT IT CAUSED THE SECOND TRAILER TO HIT A GUARDRAIL IN TWO LOCATIONS. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0013-89. *JB
2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *KB ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE FIRE STARTED DUE TO A POSSIBLE SHORT IN THE WRING. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT *JB
I HAVE A FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA WITH A MBE 4000 MERCEDES ENGINE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAD TO PUT THE TRUCK IN A SHOP FOR AN EXHAUST LEAK. THIS TIME THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING FUMES INTO THE CAB AND MADE ME SICK WITH CARBON MONOXIDE. TOOK TRUCK TO PENN DETROIT DIESEL IN YORK HAVEN,PA. THEY FOUND THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS OFF ON PORT #1 AND #2 BY 1/16 INCH THERE BY ALLOWING EXHAUST FUMES TO ESCAPE AND ENTER THE CAB THROUGH THE FRESH AIR VENT THAT IS UNDER THE HOOD OF THE TRUCK. THEY CHECKED FOR EXHAUST LEAKS AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE AND SAID IT WAS FIXED. I THEN HOOKED UP TO MY TRAILER AND DID MY WALK AROUND AND SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF EXHAUST COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK. I WHEN BACK IN AND REPORTED THIS AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE OIL BURNING OFF THE MANIFOLD. I AM STILL GETTING CO IN THE TRUCK. WILL THIS END WHEN I DIE OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE??ANY HELP ON THIS MATTER WOULD BE GRATEFUL!!!! *NM
HAVE FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA WITH AN MBE 4000 MERCEDES. HAD FLEX PIPE THAT WAS CRACKED LETTING IN CO FUMES. HAD THIS REPLACED BUT AM STILL GETTING LOW LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN TRUCK. IT SEAMS TO BE COMING IN THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATER VENTS. JFB. *NM
View all Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System complaints →
Safety Rating for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA
FREIGHTLINER LLC has issued 2 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
TechTalk8141 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Tech Talk discussion on Hard Cold Start.
338 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ICU4/4M LIGHTBAR LOW VOLTAGE INDICATORS AND LAMPS. *KB
NHTSA Investigations for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA
- 1999 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA — 0 complaints
- 2000 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA — 1 complaint
- 2001 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA — 4 complaints
- 2002 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA — 2 complaints
- 2003 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA — 12 complaints
- 2004 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA (current)
- 2005 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA — 44 complaints
- 2006 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA — 16 complaints
- 2007 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA — 12 complaints
- 2008 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA — 1 complaint
- 2009 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA — 3 complaints
Other FREIGHTLINER Models
- FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA — 396 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER — 188 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER CONVENTIONAL — 117 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER CENTURY — 76 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 2500 — 64 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 — 62 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER FL-70 — 50 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER MT — 39 total complaints