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2004 Freightliner Columbia problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Freightliner Columbia is engine and cooling, typically around 295,400 miles. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical Columbia model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Year score
51/100
Owner complaints
13
Recalls
10
Service bulletins
36
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2004 Freightliner Columbia problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    9
  • Transmission
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Tires
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    9
  • Transmission
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 10

EquipmentReported December 15, 2017 · 24,860 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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:
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.

Recall number 17V810000 · Recall details

Fuel system, dieselReported September 16, 2011 · 73,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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 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.

Recall number 11V478000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported September 23, 2009 · 25,362 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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 1‑800‑447‑4986 or daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V366000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: supply: check valveReported July 16, 2007 · 75,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 can become lodged inside the sr-7 spring brake modulating valve, potentially causing either leakage out of the sr-7 valve or preventing air from properly exhausting from the sr-7 valve. Also, due to a manufacturing defect in the internal rubber check valve inside the sr-7 spring brake modulating valves, the valves can become deformed and not seat properly.
Risk
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 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V302000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported February 8, 2006 · 5,771 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 06V030000 · Recall details

Steering: linkagesReported September 13, 2005 · 37,029 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 05V408000 · Recall details

Wheels: hubReported June 14, 2005 · 1,786 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 05V285000 · Recall details

SeatsReported January 3, 2005 · 1,770 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 05V001000 · Recall details

Power train: drivelineReported December 15, 2004 · 1,095 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 04V590000 · Recall details

Power train: manual transmissionReported May 4, 2004 · 14,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 04V205000 · Recall details

See all 10 recalls for the 2004 Freightliner Columbia

Defect investigations

Steering column weld cracksOpened August 30, 2006, closed January 30, 2007

Early warning aggregate data submitted to the federal safety agency 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.

PE06033

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Freightliner Columbia 36

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 36 bulletins for the 2004 Freightliner Columbia

What 2004 Freightliner Columbia owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 7, 2008 · Engine · SC · crash · fire · 1 injury

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.

Filed Feb 14, 2008 · Tires · OH · crash

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.

Filed Aug 28, 2007 · Electrical · MI · fire

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

Filed Nov 10, 2006 · Engine · 295,400 miles · PA · 1 injury

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!!!!

Filed Oct 22, 2006 · Engine · 287,737 miles · PA

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.

Filed Jun 11, 2006 · Engine · 300,000 miles · NE · 1 injury

Having health issues, headaches, blurred vision, infection in eye, fatigue, hard breathing, chest pains, did test for carbon monoxide levels of 31,j ust sitting, no other vehicles around while testing. Been ill for a long time. Can taste the fumes coming in. These fumes coming through the air condition vents. Mercedes engine.

Filed Jun 11, 2006 · Engine · 300,000 miles · NE · 1 injury

Suspect carbon monoxide entering through vents making me ill having headaches ,eye infections and chest pains shortness of breath, fatigue blurred vision. Checked levels of carbon monoxide up to 31, coming through air vents.

Filed Nov 7, 2005 · Engine · 150,000 miles · CA · 2 injuries

Carbon monoxide leakage into cab from heater/air conditioning system on freightliner columbia trucks with detroit egr (epa compliant) engines about 2003 and newer. Carbon monoxide resulted in elevated blood pressure, nausea, flu like symptoms, headaches, tiredness, etc.. Truck has been worked on 5 times for this problem, numerous parts have been replaced. Has not corrected the problem, or only for a short while. Problem exists in several areas and is not readily apparent when doing in shop testing, repair and replacement. Some problems are related to freightliner and some to detroit diesel. Have been advised is not uncommon.

Filed Sep 7, 2005 · Transmission · 185,011 miles · ID

Clutch was hard to release, check and found clutch was coming apart. Replace clutch,everything works fine now.

Filed Jul 21, 2005 · Transmission · 206,407 miles · ID

Clutch explode going down the highway and locked truck in gear and fragments went thought the bell housing. Could have hit other autos on hghway or could have sent fragment into cab of truck and injured or killed driver.

Compare the 2004 Freightliner Columbia

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Questions about the 2004 Freightliner Columbia

Is the 2004 Freightliner Columbia reliable?

Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 2004 Freightliner Columbia, 1.3 times a typical Columbia model year.

What is the 2004 Freightliner Columbia year score?

The 2004 Freightliner Columbia scores 51 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Freightliner Columbia: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Freightliner Columbia?

Engine and cooling, with 9 complaints, typically around 295,400 miles. Next is transmission (2).

How many recalls does the 2004 Freightliner Columbia have?

10 recalls, covering equipment, fuel system, diesel and engine and engine cooling.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Freightliner Columbia engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 09V366000, 06V030000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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