- The problem
- 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
- The risk
- In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2002 Freightliner Columbia Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2002 Freightliner Columbia with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (1) and the steering (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 1 fire. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in December 2017 for the equipment. For comparison, the 2001 has 3 and the 2003 has 10.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Columbia year, for its age
#356 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2002 Freightliner Columbia problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 Freightliner Columbia recalls 3
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 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.
- The risk
- A possible vehicle crash could occur should the seat fall backwards during use.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair these vehicles. The recall began on april 20, 2005. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If this condition is not noticed, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 2002 Freightliner Columbia
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
2002 Freightliner leaked diesel fuel due to a broken fuel line. *Ts *jb
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, [[redacted]]. 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...
Read the full complaint
is "loss of power steering assist when making left turns, usually (but not always) at low speeds". The problems sounds just like the subject of the recent gm recall. Other failures include our unit 3612 - 2001 freight -[[redacted]] failed 07/24/02;our unit 3624-2001 freight-[[redacted]] failed 06/22/02; our unit 3728-2001 freight-[[redacted]] failed 07/25/02;our unit 3729-2001 freight-[[redacted]] failed 07/12/02;our unit 3956-2001 freight-[[redacted]] failed 08/18/02; our unit 3650-2001 freight-[[redacted]] failed 09/14/02; our unit 3568-2001 freight -[[redacted]] failed 09/21/02;our unit 3626-2001 freight -[[redacted]] failed10/05/02;our unit 3681-2001 freight-[[redacted]] failed10/06/02;our unit 3749-2001 freight -[[redacted]]-10/23/02;our unit 3776-2001 freight -[[redacted]]-10/25/02;our unit 3827-2001 freight -[[redacted]]-10/26/02. We are also aware of approximately 15 additional failures at mississippi fast freight, another motor carrier. In all 19 of our failures the drivers claimed they could not turn left. It is our understanding that the failures at the other carrier were the same. Dt information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Freightliner Columbia: every year compared
All Columbia years2002 Freightliner Columbia vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Freightliner Columbia | 2 | 3 | C | |
| 2002 Freightliner Conventional | 2 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Freightliner FL70 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Freightliner Cargo | 1 | 0 | A | 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 2002 Freightliner Columbia
Does the 2002 Freightliner Columbia have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Freightliner Columbia: equipment (December 2017); seats (January 2005); service brakes, air (December 2002). 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 2002 Freightliner Columbia?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (1), steering (1).
How many complaints has the 2002 Freightliner Columbia had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 27, 2002 and the latest on August 22, 2006. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2002 Freightliner Columbia a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Freightliner Columbia 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 Columbia years have the most complaints?
2005 (38), 2006 (14), 2004 (13). See every Freightliner Columbia year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Freightliner Columbia 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