Freightliner Century Class 2005

Model Century Class made in 2005 by Freightliner got 5 consumer complains, 12 investigations there are 3 recalls as well as 9 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to electrical system, engine and engine cooling. Technical service bulletines regarding electrical system, engine and engine cooling and equipment. The car had one investigation (steering). There were some recalls concerningelectrical system, engine and engine cooling and fuel system, diesel.

Model 2005

Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
06V190000FREIGHTLINER LLCfrom 09/07/2004 to 10/17/2005V (Vehicle)6100012/18/2006MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC06/05/200606/05/2006
Defect SummaryOn certain trucks, the protective cover for the cab power distribution model (pdm) may be missing or improperly installed.
Consequence SummaryIf 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.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install a new cover free of charge. the recall began on december 18, 2006. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
NotesFreightliner recall no. fl-476.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
09V366000DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAfrom 04/01/2003 to 06/30/2009V (Vehicle)2536205/05/2009MFRDAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA09/23/200909/25/2009
Defect SummaryDaimler 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 SummaryAn oil leak may result in a fire.
Corrective SummaryDaimler 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.
NotesDaimler trucks recall no. fl-558. owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
08V113000DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAfrom 04/01/2004 to 04/30/2007V (Vehicle)6200007/09/2008MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC03/11/200803/12/2008
Defect SummaryDaimler 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.
Consequence SummaryIf 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.
Corrective SummaryPending validation of a permanent solution, drivers who suspect a fuel leak should contact a detroit diesel distributor, or a freightliner, sterling, or western star dealer, to have their vehicle inspected and repaired if necessary. the recall began on july 9, 2008. owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
NotesDaimler truck recall no. fl-526.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
SB-54-24709/01/200910031784Freightliner truck: intermittent electrical issues. intermittent electrical issues have been reported on century class and columbia trucks. issues with engine performance, automated transmission shifting, and chassis lighting. if issues01/13/2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
SB-49-2803/01/201110038248Daimler trucks: there are new cgi bellows, because the old ones are prone to fatigue and may fail. *rm06/14/2011
SB-49-2803/01/201110038248Ready06/14/2011
EQUIPMENT - OTHER - OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
ICI-10-02509/25/201010037075Daimler trucks: the 294 bolt is deemed serviceable and there is a procedure for replacing it. *rm05/04/2011
ICI-10-02509/25/201010037075Ready05/04/2011
(PWS)
SB42-6812/01/201210049539Freightliner: brake s-cam tube lubrication interval change. to ensure optimum service life and trouble-free operation, the recommended maintenance interval for lubricating meritor s-cam brake tubes on century class, columbia, cascadia and c01/16/2013
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
SB-46-4710/01/200910031824Freightliner truck: inner tie rod inspection and repair, rack and pinion gear. increased length of the driver side inner tie rod (if the inner tie rod unthreads from the rack) may cause abnormal steer tire wear due to high toe in or an in01/13/2010
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
SB-46-4710/01/200910031824Freightliner truck: inner tie rod inspection and repair, rack and pinion gear. increased length of the driver side inner tie rod (if the inner tie rod unthreads from the rack) may cause abnormal steer tire wear due to high toe in or an in01/13/2010
SUSPENSION - REAR - AXLE - NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
35501/01/2007355A10022818Arvinmeritor rear drive axle lock screws. *kb09/28/2007

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STEERING
PE06033FREIGHTLINER LLC08/30/200601/30/2007STEERING COLUMN WELD CRACKS
 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 were the result of missing and cracked welds on the steering column assembly.an engineering analysis (ea) is warranted to determine if the weld failures in the steering column create a situation where the vehicle becomes difficult to steer or startles the driver presenting a safety risk.
EA07002FREIGHTLINER LLC01/30/200707/12/2007STEERING COLUMN WELD CRACKS07V289000
 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 the aggregate steering data.odi's further review of the ewr data foundfield reports that described steering column failures as a result of steering column welds cracking or breaking.information received from freightliner detailed failures of the steering columns on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of missing and cracked welds on the steering column assembly.during testing of vehicles containing defective steering columns, odi determined that weld failures in the steering column create a situation where the vehicle becomes difficult to steer or may startle the driver upon failing, thus presenting a safety risk.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.
STEERING - COLUMN
EA07002FREIGHTLINER LLC01/30/200707/12/2007STEERING COLUMN WELD CRACKS07V289000
 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 the aggregate steering data.odi's further review of the ewr data foundfield reports that described steering column failures as a result of steering column welds cracking or breaking.information received from freightliner detailed failures of the steering columns on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of missing and cracked welds on the steering column assembly.during testing of vehicles containing defective steering columns, odi determined that weld failures in the steering column create a situation where the vehicle becomes difficult to steer or may startle the driver upon failing, thus presenting a safety risk.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.
PE06033FREIGHTLINER LLC08/30/200601/30/2007STEERING COLUMN WELD CRACKS
 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 were the result of missing and cracked welds on the steering column assembly.an engineering analysis (ea) is warranted to determine if the weld failures in the steering column create a situation where the vehicle becomes difficult to steer or startles the driver presenting a safety risk.
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
PE08009FREIGHTLINER LLC02/01/200807/03/2008POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURES
 Odi's investigation of the subject power steering pump has found that, with over five years of operational exposure, there have been no pump failures that resulted in loss of power steering assist while the vehicle was being driven on the road or any sudden drop off in the power steering assist at any time.there are no crashes or injuries.these reduction in assist events have only occurred during backing or parking maneuvers.freightliner and trw appear to have acted responsibly in providing information to customers and dealers regarding safe maintenance and repair procedures for power steering pumps that have experienced a reduction in speed of steer.freightliner's field service bulletin, fsb 46-38, is a diagnostic procedure for determining if the trw power steering pump is responsible for reduced power assist and describes corrective actions that should be taken once the determination is made.the corrective actions are:replace the spool valve assembly (vehicles built prior to 1/1/05) or, replace the power steering pump (vehicles built after 1/1/05).a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for more detailed information see document file.
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
PE08009FREIGHTLINER LLC02/01/200807/03/2008POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURES
 Odi's investigation of the subject power steering pump has found that, with over five years of operational exposure, there have been no pump failures that resulted in loss of power steering assist while the vehicle was being driven on the road or any sudden drop off in the power steering assist at any time.there are no crashes or injuries.these reduction in assist events have only occurred during backing or parking maneuvers.freightliner and trw appear to have acted responsibly in providing information to customers and dealers regarding safe maintenance and repair procedures for power steering pumps that have experienced a reduction in speed of steer.freightliner's field service bulletin, fsb 46-38, is a diagnostic procedure for determining if the trw power steering pump is responsible for reduced power assist and describes corrective actions that should be taken once the determination is made.the corrective actions are:replace the spool valve assembly (vehicles built prior to 1/1/05) or, replace the power steering pump (vehicles built after 1/1/05).a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for more detailed information see document file.
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
PE09040FREIGHTLINER LLC08/31/200911/19/2009RACK AND PINION FAILURE09V357000
 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 an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.
PE09040DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA08/31/200911/19/2009RACK AND PINION FAILURE09V357000
 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 an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.
STEERING - RACK AND PINION - PINION SHAFT
PE09040FREIGHTLINER LLC08/31/200911/19/2009RACK AND PINION FAILURE09V357000
 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 an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.
PE09040DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA08/31/200911/19/2009RACK AND PINION FAILURE09V357000
 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 an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.
STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK
PE09040DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA08/31/200911/19/2009RACK AND PINION FAILURE09V357000
 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 an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.
PE09040FREIGHTLINER LLC08/31/200911/19/2009RACK AND PINION FAILURE09V357000
 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 an internal failure of the rack and pinion assembly that resulted in crashes or a looseness of the inner tie rod end of the rack and pinion resulting in a poor alignment and premature tire wear.information received during this investigation from freightliner detailed failures of the rack and pinion assemblies on the subject vehicles.these failures were the result of the left hand inner tie rod end becoming loose over time.when the tie rod becomes loose, it may separate from the rack and pinion assembly and make the vehicle difficult to steer.frieghtliner has concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety does exist on the subject vehicles and has initiated a safety recall (09v-357) that will remedy all of them.this recall involves removing the tie rod and adding a compound to it that will prevent the tie rod from coming loose over time.a copy of the recall is attached.freightliner's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation and, therefore, this investigation is closed.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY - CABLES
06/30/20061
 The air force lost a semi truck-tractor in a vehicle fire on 6/30/2006. the vehicle, a 2005 freightliner century class tractor, was leased from general services administration. a semi-trailer owned by the air force was also destroyed. the vehicle departed travis afb, ca around 1115l on 6/30/2006. after the operator smelled an electrical burning odor. as he pulled off onto the right shoulder. opening the hood, he saw fire in the air cleaner. he retrieved the fire extinguisher to put out the flames but the fire regained intensity and spread throughout the engine compartment. the highway patrol/fire department arrived on scene at 1156l and 1204l respectively. safety investigation revealed the fire ignited when the battery cable arced on the right front leaf spring due to loose wire hangers. two bolts on the transmission hold the brackets that support the main battery cable/alternator cable. the loose bolts allowed the main battery cable/alternator cable to have significant movement on the underside of the transmission. investigators found the two inch long transmission/hanger bolt on the left side was backed out 1/2 inch and the bolt on the right was backed out 1/4 inch. a one-time inspection (oti) of all similar trucks discovered four additional tractors with loose battery cables/clamps. root cause of the problem is at the bell-housing and how the bracket where the battery cables attach is secured to the transmission. a minor repair is needed to fix the defect. because the bell-housing bolt holes are countersunk and circular, the bracket which secures the battery cables cannot be mounted flush with the bell-housing. this causes the bell-housing bolt to back out and let the bracket hang loose. the solution: add another flat washer behind the bracket to allow it to sit flush, and add a lock washer to the front of the bracket to prevent it from loosening. the fix takes about 15 minutes per vehicle. *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
11/21/2006304000206/01/2005
 Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, a foul odor from the exhaust system was present inside the vehicle. afterwards, the contact became physically ill due to the exhaust fumes. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the entire exhaust system was defective and needed to be replaced. although the exhaust system was replaced, the problem persisted. the manufacturer was not alerted.
11/15/2006
 Exhaust fumes in the cab. getting sick for about a month. sinus infection and other symptoms. no co test performed. vehicle has been in for repair 2 times with no success. the meter is reading over 50 ppm to 100 ppm if the fresh air intake is clear. currently the intake is plugged with plastic bags to prevent the co from entering the cab. with the bags in place the reading is 10 ppm. have been driving the vehicle for about 2.5 years. the problem seemd to start around 200,000 miles. i was tired all the time.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
11/02/20062
 Nov,2 of 2006, took the truck into freightliner in redding,ca. complained of exhaust fumes entering the cab again, they said that they fixed it, once again fumes comming in after i left there shop. became ill an stayed at home, lung problems, headakes, burning eyes. went to doctors. have brought this to company attention, they ignored me. now have to take truck into shop again this will 3 times. i have talked to other drivers within the company having same problem. it appears theres no fix to this. this is very dangerous, an unsafe. why are the fumes comming through the vents. *jb
06/11/20062543004006/01/2004
 After about 30 min could smell fumes coming into truck through air condition vent. when i get of truck for a couple of days, starting to feel better. while sitting in the truck i start feeling dizzy, sinus start up after about two hours in truck, tired all the time,wake up with headaches. suspect carbon monoxide coming in .detroit engine egr. *jb

Car dealers selling


StateCityZipNamePhone
VAARLINGTON22202-4502GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION(703) 605-5630