AutoDefect IQ

2006 Freightliner Columbia problems, complaints & recalls

Most-reported problem areas: Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System (3) · Tires (1) · Structure:body:door:hinge And Attachments (1)

14
Complaints
8
Recalls
213
Service bulletins
1
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Deaths

Safety recalls (8)

Exterior Lighting 2020-04-14 · campaign 20V214000 · 63,175 vehicles

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

Risk: The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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/Tank 2019-05-14 · campaign 19V370000 · 741 vehicles

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.

Fix: 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.

Equipment 2017-12-15 · campaign 17V810000 · 24,860 vehicles

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 fr

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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:diesel 2012-02-28 · campaign 12V074000 · 103,437 vehicles

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 CRACK

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.

Fix: 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 Pinion 2011-10-13 · campaign 11V514000 · 9,689 vehicles

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.

Fix: 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, Diesel 2011-09-16 · campaign 11V478000 · 73,500 vehicles

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.

Fix: 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.

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2011-09-08 · campaign 11V465000 · 4,444 vehicles

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 CAUS

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.

Fix: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling 2011-03-03 · campaign 11V146000 · 2,073 vehicles

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.

Fix: 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.

Service bulletins (213)

Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.

Engine And Engine Cooling 2021-02-19 · 04TS-43REV4 · 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 performance and service life of any detroit dies

Power Train 2020-12-23 · SB35-036 · 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 11-30728-000) as a replacement for the paper gasket

Equipment 2020-10-27 · SB54-278 · 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 troubleshooting powernet issues, use the bct-460dtna powe

Power Train 2020-10-07 · SB35-036 · 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-ring will provide better sealing and is re

Electrical System 2020-09-18 · TechTalk7699 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

tech talk discussion on gauges intermittently not functioning.

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 2020-01-21 · 20TS-01 · 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).

Showing the 6 most recent of 213 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.

What owners report

2014-04-16 · Seat Belts · 8,560 mi · 💥 crash

“tl* the contact owns a 2006 freightliner conventional columbia. the contact stated that while traveling 20 mph in icy conditions, the seat belt did not provide enough slack and made it difficult to reach the trailer brake and caused the contact to lose control and rollover. the contact sustained 3 broken ribs and a cracked shoulder blade. the truck…”

2013-08-27 · Tires · 487,125 mi

“steer tire pealed apart, 3 months old approximately 5k miles, on a 2006 freightliner 3 axle tractor. three other tires on three other tractors with the same brand tire also pealed apart. should be recalled extreme safety hazard. *tr…”

2013-05-30 · Electrical System · 827,725 mi

“the power wire coming from the alternator (approx. 4 gauge wire cable & encased in protective sleeve), wears thru by rubbing on the wires support assembly exposing the wire. the wire support assembly located on the trucks underside, there are (2) two individual wire supports, both of these assemblies are rubbing at both locations exposing the powe…”

2012-01-15 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 273,886 mi · 🔥 fire

“the spring in the parking brake chamber failed, broke in 3 places. then punctured the diaphragm causing a major air leak, the truck is equipped with four spring brake chambers, 3 out of the four springs were broken, the chamber that the spring was not broken was installed a few weeks prior to the incident. when the air pressure dropped to 55 lbs,…”

2010-06-17 · Service Brakes, Air:supply:check Valve · 500,000 mi

“tl* the contact owns a 2006 columbia freightliner. the contact stated the plastic fuel line fractured. the dealer replaced the plastic fuel line with a metal fuel line but it also failed. the semi was not yet taken to the dealer for the second failure. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 500,000 updated 8/18/10 *cn the …”

2010-02-18 · Equipment

“2006 freightliner columbia left front mudflap broke off vehicle and struck another vehicle. *kb ohio traffic crash report # 10-0023-90 updated letter 04/29/10 *bf…”

2009-07-16 · Engine And Engine Cooling · 270,000 mi

“i have carbon monoxide in my 2006 freightliner columbia with a mercedes motor. i have black soot that is in my vents all the time, i have constant headaches when in the truck and am tired, along with other things. *tr…”

2008-07-28 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine · 26,014 mi

“tl*the contact owns a 2006 freightliner columbia. prior to driving the vehicle, the contact discovered an oil leak, coolant leak, intake manifold leak, and exhaust manifold gasket leak. the vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately 15 times for engine failure due to leaks and other engine work. the dealer replaced the exhaust manifold gasket…”

2008-06-18 · Structure:body:door:hinge And Attachments

“2006 freightliner columbia was traveling through toll plaza. consumer's right rear trailer door came unsecured and struck the side of the toll booth. *nj the driver stated he had problems with the door prior to approaching the toll booth. ohio traffic crash report # 10-0391-90 updated 04/15/10 *bf updated 06/09/10.*jb…”

2007-01-12 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

“getting headaches, burning eyes, tired all the time. suspect exhaust fumes coming into cab through air vents. *nm…”

Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.

Other Freightliner Columbia years