2002 Freightliner Columbia Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Columbia years
- Not enough data 7th of 25 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Freightliner Columbia. That ranks 7th out of 25 Columbia model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel system, other (1 complaints, 50%). Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.
- 2owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 2NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2002 Freightliner Columbia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 50% | — | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 50% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2002 Freightliner Columbia recalls (3)
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.
Seats
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.
Risk: A possible vehicle crash could occur should the seat fall backwards during use.
Fix: Dealers will repair these vehicles. The recall began on april 20, 2005. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Service brakes, air
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.
Risk: If this condition is not noticed, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
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.
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.
- Integral hub and bearing assembly (PE02088) — opened Nov 22, 2002, closed May 1, 2003, led to recall 03E019000.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
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…
Other Freightliner Columbia years
← 2001 Columbia · 2003 Columbia →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Columbia | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 Columbia | 0 | 2 |
| 2019 Columbia | 0 | 3 |
| 2018 Columbia | 0 | 2 |
| 2017 Columbia | 0 | 3 |
| 2016 Columbia | 0 | 3 |
| 2015 Columbia | 0 | 3 |
| 2014 Columbia | 0 | 5 |
| 2013 Columbia | 0 | 5 |
| 2012 Columbia | 0 | 6 |
| 2011 Columbia | 0 | 13 |
| 2010 Columbia | 1 | 18 |
| 2009 Columbia | 2 | 20 |
| 2008 Columbia | 1 | 30 |
| 2007 Columbia | 11 | 27 |
| 2006 Columbia | 14 | 21 |
| 2005 Columbia | 38 | 14 |
| 2004 Columbia | 13 | 10 |
| 2003 Columbia | 10 | 5 |
| 2002 | 2 | 3 |
| 2001 Columbia | 3 | 1 |
| 2000 Columbia | 1 | 3 |
| 1999 Columbia | 0 | 2 |
| 1998 Columbia | 0 | 2 |
| 1997 Columbia | 0 | 1 |
See all Freightliner Columbia problems by year, every Freightliner model, or the VIN decoder.
Similar Freightliner models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Freightliner Columbia?
Owners most often report fuel system, other, steering problems. The top one, fuel system, other, accounts for 1 complaint.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Freightliner Columbia?
Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2002 Freightliner Columbia a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Columbia model years, the 2002 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.