2005 Freightliner Century Class Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Century Class years
- Not enough data 1st of 20 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 4 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Freightliner Century Class. That is the most of any Century Class model year in the database (20 years). The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (4 complaints, 80%), typically at around 279,150 miles. Complaints mention 1 fire, 1 injury. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 5 defect investigations involving it.
- 5owner complaints
- 4safety recalls
- 5NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2005 Freightliner Century Class problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 80% | 279,150 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 1 | 20% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
2005 Freightliner Century Class recalls (4)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Equipment
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
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Engine and engine cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel system, diesel
Problem: Daimler trucks is recalling 62,000 my 2005-2007 freightliner business class, century class, columbia, coronado, fld, classic, sterling a-line, l-line, and western star 4900 trucks. A fractured fuel line could leak diesel fuel.
Risk: If a leak continues undetected under certain conditions, fuel may ignite at a hot engine surface and/or fuel may be spilled on the road surface.
Fix: High pressure fuel lines and transfer tubes will be inspected and replaced free of charged. The recall began on july 9, 2008. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
Electrical system
Problem: On certain trucks, the protective cover for the cab power distribution model (pdm) may be missing or improperly installed.
Risk: If the protective cover is missing or not positioned correctly, any water intrusion from an open window or windshield leak may seep through the upper dash cover seam and drip onto the pdm. Water on the pdm circuits may cause a short circuit resulting in a fire that could cause personal injury.
Fix: Dealers will install a new cover free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2006. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Daimler Trucks North America Recalls (AQ18002) — opened Apr 23, 2018, closed Jul 11, 2024.
- Rack and pinion failure (PE09040) — opened Aug 31, 2009, closed Nov 19, 2009, led to recall 09V357000.
- Power steering pump failures (PE08009) — opened Feb 1, 2008, closed Jul 3, 2008.
- Steering column weld cracks (EA07002) — opened Jan 30, 2007, closed Jul 12, 2007, led to recall 07V289000.
- Steering column weld cracks (PE06033) — opened Aug 30, 2006, closed Jan 30, 2007.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The air force lost a semi truck-tractor in a vehicle fire on 6/30/2006. The vehicle, a 2005 freightliner century class tractor, was leased from general services administration. A semi-trailer owned by the air force was also destroyed. The vehicle departed travis afb, ca around 1115l on 6/30/2006…
Exhaust fumes in the cab. Getting sick for about a month. Sinus infection and other symptoms. No co test performed. Vehicle has been in for repair 2 times with no success. The meter is reading over 50 ppm to 100 ppm if the fresh air intake is clear. Currently the intake is plugged with plastic bags…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, a foul odor from the exhaust system was present inside the vehicle. Afterwards, the contact became physically ill due to the exhaust fumes. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the entire exhaust system was defective and needed…
Nov,2 of 2006, took the truck into freightliner in redding,ca. Complained of exhaust fumes entering the cab again, they said that they fixed it, once again fumes comming in after i left there shop. Became ill an stayed at home, lung problems, headakes, burning eyes. Went to doctors. Have brought…
After about 30 min could smell fumes coming into truck through air condition vent. When i get of truck for a couple of days, starting to feel better. While sitting in the truck i start feeling dizzy, sinus start up after about two hours in truck, tired all the time,wake up with headaches. Suspect…
Other Freightliner Century Class years
← 2004 Century Class · 2006 Century Class →
See all Freightliner Century Class problems by year, every Freightliner model, or the VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Freightliner Century Class?
Owners most often report engine and engine cooling, electrical system problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 4 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Freightliner Century Class?
Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2005 Freightliner Century Class a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Century Class model years, the 2005 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.