U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Freightliner COLUMBIA: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

2 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

Not available median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 2 complaints (50.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Engine operation	1	50.0%
Steering behavior	1	50.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Steering:Gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion)

Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings: 1; Steering:Gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion): 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

No usable failure mileage is recorded. 2 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002

2006

2002: 1; 2006: 1

Pattern summary

Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10166921 · 2006-08-22 (August 22, 2006)

2002 FREIGHTLINER LEAKED DIESEL FUEL DUE TO A BROKEN FUEL LINE. *TS *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10166921 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 770204 · 2002-11-27 (November 27, 2002)

PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED REPORT ON A TOTAL OF 5 FAILURES, ODI NUMBER 762991 ON 6/12/2002. SINCE THAT POINT WE HAVE HAD AN ADDITIONAL 14 FAILURES, AND 1 MORE ACCIDENT. TRW THE MANUFACTURER OF THE STEERING GEAR BOX HAS NOT MADE ANY EFFORT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE. PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER, [XXX]. BILL OF TRIDENT ENGINEERING IN ANNAPOLIS, MD HAS ADVISED US WE SHOULD REPORT EACH FAILURE. HE FEELS THERE IS A SUBSTANTIAL THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THE PROBLEM IS "LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHEN…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 770204 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

02V321001 · Service Brakes, Air

Reported: 2002-12-02 (December 2, 2002)

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.

Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: 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 FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HALDEX BRAKE SYSTEMS AT 816-801-2641 OR FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

05V001000 · Seats

Reported: 2005-01-03 (January 3, 2005)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

17V810000 · Equipment

Reported: 2017-12-15 (December 15, 2017)

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: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

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 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

2 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

0.0%Usable mileage0 / 2 records

100.0%Valid incident date2 / 2 records

100.0%Valid filing date2 / 2 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates2 / 2 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Power Train:Clutch Assembly	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10348226 · 330,000 mi 2008 CAT C15 ACERT ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. WE HAVE 3 OF THESE UNITS IN CLASS 8 TRUCKS ALL HAVE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE EXHAUST TREATMENT SYSTEM ALL HAVE BEEN IN FOR REPAIR MANY TIMES. WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILS THE ENGINE DERATES POWER CAUSING A TRAFFIC PROBLEM DUE TO SLOW MOVING VEHICLE ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, SOON AFTER IT DERATES THE ENGINE WILL SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY AGAIN A SAFETY ISSUE WITH A STALLED CLASS 8 VEHICLE STOPPED ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. *TR Look up ODI 10348226 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Clutch Assembly:Bell Housing	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Tires	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	19.1% ODI 10279432 2007 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA DASH BOARD INSTRUMENT UNIT OWN TRUCK FOR 3 YEARS AND I AM ON MY 3RD ONE, AND LOW VOLTGE SHUT DOWN, SHUTS DOWN ALL NON PRIMARY ELECTRICAL STUFF, THEY FREIGHTLINER DISCONNECTED IT AND ITS NEVER BEEN FIX, CAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, I THINK THAT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR TRUCK. *TR Look up ODI 10279432 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	19.1% ODI 10320468 · 413,238 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA. UPON ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STARTER AND POWER STEERING PUMP IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 413,238. Look up ODI 10320468 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)	218.2% ODI 10182468 · 1 mi THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE CAB OF A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE. *JB Look up ODI 10182468 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
No usable records for this analysis.

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2020: 0 complaints · 2021: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2020	0	0	0
2021	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2020	0	0	0
2021	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings	Steering:Gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion)
Fuel System, Other:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings	—	0
Steering:Gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion)	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

2 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 50.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 770204

Look up ODI 770204 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 50.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 770204

Look up ODI 770204 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Complaints over time data
Category	Count
2002	1
2006	1