2002 Freightliner Columbia
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Freightliner Columbia is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 15 on record.
2002 Freightliner Columbia at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2002 Freightliner Columbia recalls 3
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 activ…
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 …
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
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.
Fix: HALDEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THE VALVE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FRE…
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
2002 Freightliner Columbia common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 2
Daimler Trucks North America Recalls Closed
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…
NHTSA #AQ18002 · Steering, Exterior Lighting · opened Apr 2018 · closed Jul 2024INTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY Closed
FREIGHTLINER SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ON MARCH 21, 2003 IN WHICH THEY IDENTIFIED APPROXIMATELY 5000 TRUCKS AS POSSIBLY BEING AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. ARVINMERITOR (FRONT AXLE MFR) SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ON APRIL 16, 2003, WHICH IDENTIFIES 6098 FREIGHTLINER TRUCKS AS BEING AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL AND 1191 AXLES SOLD TO FREIGHTLINER IN THE AFTERMARKET. ODI NOTES THAT THERE ARE TWO INTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLI…
NHTSA #PE02088 · Wheels · opened Nov 2002 · closed May 2003An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 164
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 164.
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 performa…
Bulletin 04TS-43REV4 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2021Revised 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)…
Bulletin SB35-036 · Power Train · Dec 2020Updated 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 P…
Bulletin SB54-278 · Electrical System, Equipment · Oct 2020Freightliner 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-ri…
Bulletin SB35-036 · Power Train, Equipment · Oct 2020Technical 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).
Bulletin 20TS-01 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Jan 2020Warranty Information Letter sent to customers regarding new refrigerator supplier for returning parts.
Bulletin 19-008WI · Equipment · Aug 2019Warranty Information Letter - Expanded guidelines for paint-related claims sent out to Freightliner, Western star, Thomas Built Bus, Export and Direct warranty customers
Bulletin 19-009WI · Structure · Aug 2019Steering Intermediate Shaft Replacement
Bulletin fp46907 · Steering · Apr 2019Service Bulletin- sb54311 ICU Odometer Programming
Bulletin sb54311 · Electrical System · Mar 2019fp00024 Cable-Tie Reference
Bulletin fp00024 · Equipment · Mar 2019Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the COLUMBIA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 5
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2002 Freightliner Columbia. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
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 defect is intermittent and presents a potential delay or failure in applying the parking brakes; potentially resulting in a vehicle roll away. Should this occur, the unattended roll away vehicle could strike a bystander or c…
Transport Canada #2007231 · Jul 2007Steering
On certain vehicles, the steering wheel was manufactured with incorrect length Huck fasteners that are too short to allow proper retaining collar engagement. Steering wheel separation will result in a loss of steering control, possibly resulting in a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, repair or replace the steering wheel.
Transport Canada #2006009 · Jan 2006Suspension
On certain vehicles, manufacturing defects in the front axle unitized hubs may cause premature spalling of the wheel bearings. This condition will lead to eventual breakdown of the bearing and potential loss of vehicle control amidst the presence of warning signals such as activation of ABS warning light, steering wheel vibration, brake drag, noise and vehicle pull. Correction:…
Transport Canada #2003179 · Jul 2003Other
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 lead to the loss of the pin and the potential separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure without warning. Correction: Dealers will replace the bracket pins.
Transport Canada #2003158 · Jun 2003Other
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 fully installed. Correction: The fifthwheel will be inspected, and missing pins will be replaced.
Transport Canada #2002222 · Nov 2002Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.