Freightliner Columbia Complaints
96 consumer complaints on file.
- #10284361September 16, 2009WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
2005 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA WAS STOPPING FOR A TOLL BOOTH WHEN BOTH REAR RIGHT WHEELS DETACHED FROM THE SECOND REAR AXLE. ONE TIRE BROKE THE WINDOW OF THE TOLL BUILDING. *KB THE LUG NUTS BROKE OFF ON THE RIGHT SIDE SECOND TO THE REAR AXLE. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0752-91.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10279432August 5, 2009ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10276952July 16, 2009ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10251857December 15, 2008VISIBILITY
WIPERS ON LOWEST INTERMITTENT POSITION DURING A LIGHT MIST, AFTER ABOUT 45 MINUTES IN THIS POSITION, WIPERS STOPPED SUDDENLY AND REMAINED IN THEIR "TRANSIT" POSITION. VISIBILITY IMMEDIATELY WENT TO ZERO (I WAS IN OUTSIDE LANE AND PULLED OVER TO SHOULDER.) I REPLACED THE FUSE/CIRCUIT WITH A STANDARD FUSE OF EQUAL RATING AND IT IMMEDIATELY BLEW. AFTER ABOUT THIRTY MINUTES, I RE-INSTALLED THE ORIGINAL FUSE/CIRCUIT AND THE WIPERS BEGAN WORKING. I CONTINUED WITH THE WIPERS IN THE STANDARD RUN POSITION WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER DURING A SNOW STORM IN COLORADO I HAD THE WIPER IN THE LOW INTERMITTENT POSITION AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS RESULTED IN HAVING STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY UNTIL THE WIPERS RESUMED OPERATING. THIS TIME IT TOOK ONLY A FEW MINUTES. *TR
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10244649October 7, 2008ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
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. *TR
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 1
- #10235968July 28, 2008ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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 TWICE, THE ACM SCREW, THE HEAD GASKET FOUR TIMES, THE EGR VALVE, AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 357,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,014.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10231791June 18, 2008STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
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
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10228086May 17, 2008STRUCTURE:BODY
ROOF LEAK THAT HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE TAKING DELIVERY OF TRUCK BRAND NEW IN JUNE OF 2007. WHEN TRUCK IS SUBJECTED TO HEAVY RAIN, AND SOMETIMES JUST A TRUCK WASH, WATER COMES IN ROOF AT SOME POINT AND SHORTS OUT THE ELECTRONIC MODULES LOCATED IN SIDE PILLAR NEXT TO DRIVERS SEAT. HAVE ALSO HAD EPISODES WHERE THE DASH INSTRUMENTS WILL SURGE POWER ON AND OFF WITH NO KEY IN IGNITION, OR IF TRUCK IS RUNNING IT CANNOT BE SHUT OFF WITH KEY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. HAVE PUT TRUCK IN DEALER SHOP ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. EACH TIME THEY HAVE REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC MODULES THAT HAVE SHORTED OUT, AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A LEAK SOMEWHERE. HOWEVER, DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO ISOLATE THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT. NOT EVEN SURE OF WHERE ELSE THE WATER IS GOING INSIDE TRUCK. ONLY KNOW ABOUT IT INSIDE PILLAR BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRONIC MODULES IT DAMAGES. TRUCK HAS SINCE STARTED TO ACQUIRE A MUSTY DAMP ODOR AND HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE IT FOR EXTENDED PERIODS BECAUSE IT MAKES ME EXTREMELY SICK, AND AM CURRENTLY HAVING CONTINUOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS. I AM AT THE POINT WHERE I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHERE I STAND ON THIS SITUATION BECAUSE AS FAR AS I KNOW I HAVE NO LEGAL PROTECTION SUCH AS A LEMON LAW ON A COMMERCIAL TRUCK, EVEN THOUGH DEALER IS UNABLE TO FIX IT. *TR
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10226335April 30, 2008ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
EXHAUST FUMES COMING INTO CAB, CAUSING DIZZINESS, BURNING EYES, AND STUFFY AND BURNING SENSATION IN NOSE AND ON SKIN. I HAVE HAD ALL EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND GASKETS REPLACED AND I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. I FINALLY WENT TO THE INTERNET TO SEE IF THERE WAS SOMETHING I COULD DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT OTHER DRIVERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. THE TRUCK THAT I OWN AND DRIVE IS A FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA WITH SERIES 60 DETROIT ENGINE. I AM GOING TO TAKE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR ALONG ON MY NEXT TRIP TO SEE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM. *TR
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10218370February 14, 2008TIRES
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. *JB
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10209257November 18, 2007STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS, STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
THERE ARE NO HAND HOLDS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR TO AID IN ENTERING OR EXITING THE TRUCK. I WAS INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE TO PROVIDE HANDHOLDS WHEN I SLIPPED OF THE TOP STEP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I HAVE UNDER GONE SURGERY ON MY LEFT KNEE FROM WHICH I HAVE NOT RECOVERED, AND WILL IN THE NEAR FUTURE UNDERGO SURGERY ON MY RIGHT ELBOW AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE TO PROVIDE A SAFE WAY TO ENTER OR EXIT THE TRUCK. THERE ARE NO FMCSA REGULATIONS IN REGARDS TO THIS. *TR
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10207182October 24, 2007ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2005 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DASHBOARD DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL DEFECT. *KB (OHIIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10204654October 2, 2007ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
A DRIVER FOR OUR COMPANY WAS OPERATING A 2007 FREIGHTLINER CL 112 TRACTOR WITH 50,000 MILES EQUIPPED WITH A MERCEDES BENZ (MBE4000) WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. UNIT WAS BEING DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS WHEN SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING IN THE CAB. DRIVER PULLED THE TRUCK TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DRIVER TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT WAS UNABLE TO CONTAIN IT. THE FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED AND DID PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE TRACTOR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. AT THIS TIME NO CAUSE FOR THE FIRE HAS BEEN DETERMINED. *JB
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10201486August 28, 2007ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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 *JB
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10200553August 23, 2007TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY, EQUIPMENT
I FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR A SAFETY RELATED ISSUES WITH A 5TH WHEEL ON HEAVY TRUCKS. I HAVE MORE LOTS MORE INFORMATION THAT I CAN FORWARD TO YOU. OVER 300 VINS AND A LETTER FROM THE VENDOR OF THE EQUIPMENT. *TR
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10182468February 13, 2007ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE CAB OF A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE. *JB
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10182470February 13, 2007ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
I AM A COMPANY DRIVER AND HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING OF EXHAUST FUMES IN THE TRUCK. I HAVE BEEN SLEEPING MUCH MORE THAN NORMAL 12 - 14 HRS A DAY NOW, WAKE UP SLOW WITH SICK FEELING AND VERY BAD HEADACHES. MY MEMORY AND CONCENTRATION HAVE BECOME DIMINISHED, ALONG WITH A RISE IN BLOOD PRESSURE. *JB
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10178605January 12, 2007ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
GETTING HEADACHES, BURNING EYES, TIRED ALL THE TIME. SUSPECT EXHAUST FUMES COMING INTO CAB THROUGH AIR VENTS. *NM
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10177205December 28, 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
I AM A COMPANY DRIVER, GOT IN THIS TRUCK IN FEB OF 2006, CAN SMELL FUMES COMING INTO CAB, AIR COND VENTS, HAVING HEADACHES, EYES BURNING, WENT TO DOCTOR IN JUNE OF 2006, HE SAID MY BLOOD PRESSURE WAS 200/110. NEVER HAVE HAD PROBLEMS BEFORE. DON'T SMOKE OR DRINK. WHEN I GET OUT OF TRUCK FOR A FEW DAYS START TO FEEL BETTER, BUT WHEN I GET BACK IN, THE SAME THING ALL OVER AGAIN. I AM NOW SPITTING UP A LITTLE BIT OF FLEM. WHY ARE THE FUMES COMING INTO MY CAB, THRU THE AIR COND VENTS, HAVE TALKED TO OTHER DRIVERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. WHY AREN'T DRIVERS TOLD ABOUT THIS? THIS IS DANGEROUS. *JB
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10174572November 28, 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
BEEN DRIVING THIS TRUCK NOW ALMOST 3 MONTHS, GETTING BURNING EYES, HEADACHES, TIRED ALL THE TIME,BLOOD PRESSURE GOING UP, JOINT PROBLEMS, VOMITING. PUT FACE UP TO AIR CONDITION VENT MAKES ME DIZZY, EYES BURNING, FUMES COMING THROUGH THE AIR CONDITION VENTS. HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MEMORY, HAVING PROBLEMS WAKING UP, NEVER HAD THESE PROBLEMS BEFORE. *JB
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0