- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If shift lever detachment occurs, tha ability ro accelerate ot maintain speed will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Freightliner Century Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2003 Freightliner Century with NHTSA, most often about the wheels & tires (2) and the engine & cooling (1). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in May 2004 for the manual transmission. For comparison, the 2002 has 0 and the 2004 has 2.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Century year, for its age
#283 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Freightliner Century problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Freightliner Century recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- On certain trucks equipped with air brakes, the plastic push-to-connect air line fitting cartridge could be improperly welded into the nylon junction block housing allowing an air line to become disconnected.
- The risk
- This could lead to reduced brake control, loss of service brake control, or the emergency brakes automatically applying, possibly resulting in a crash without prior warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new cab air manifold. Owner notification is expected to begin on january 21, 2004. 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 freightliner at 800-547-0712.
What owners say
Be the first Century owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
4 complaints about the 2003 Freightliner Century
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The contact owns a 2003 Freightliner Century CST120 equipped with Yokohama Tires, Tire Line: TY517MC2, Tire Size: 295/75/R22, DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that the tires had cracked on the sidewalls. The contact called a tire center which scheduled an appointment. The tires were not yet inspected. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle failure mileage was 200,000. The tire failure mileage was unknown.
7 Month old steer tire on freightliner truck. Traveling around 65 mph vibration started and before we could figure out from where or get to a safe section of the road, all the tread separated from the tire. All the tread and several fairly large parts from the truck flew off. Luckily no one was in the way. This was a firestone fs 507 295/75 r 22.5 Dot wi bt 3pt 1207. The tire still had 99 lbs of air. I had to purchase a tire and 1100.00 In parts to safely operate truck. We cant get a straight answer from firestone or the ta. *Tr
2003 Freightliner century caught on fire while driving (ohio traffic crash report). *Ts *nm
While driving at any speed accelerator pedal stuck. Dealer inspected vehicle on several occasions, and was unable to duplicate the problem. Since january 2004 consumer was scared to drive this vehicle. *Ak *la
Freightliner Century: every year compared
All Century years2003 Freightliner Century vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Freightliner Century | 4 | 2 | B | |
| 2003 Freightliner Columbia | 10 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Freightliner Business Class | 7 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Freightliner Century Class | 2 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Freightliner Business Class M2 | 1 | 5 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Freightliner Discovery | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Freightliner Century
Does the 2003 Freightliner Century have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Freightliner Century: manual transmission (May 2004); service brakes, air (December 2003). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Freightliner Century?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the wheels & tires (2), engine & cooling (1), acceleration & cruise control (1).
How many complaints has the 2003 Freightliner Century had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 20, 2004 and the latest on April 22, 2025. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Freightliner Century a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 70 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Freightliner Century year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Freightliner Century years have the most complaints?
2000 (15), 1998 (9), 1999 (6). See every Freightliner Century year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Freightliner Century has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data