2004 Freightliner Century Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2004 Freightliner Century Class — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Century Class years?

Century Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Century Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Freightliner Century Class problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	1	100%	new

Does the 2004 Freightliner Century Class have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V810000OtherDecember 15, 2017 · 24,860 units

Defect

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

Consequence

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

09V366000EngineSeptember 23, 2009 · 25,362 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

AN OIL LEAK MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2004 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE.*BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE TRUCK HAD ENGINE TROUBLE. THE DRIVER COMPLAINED OF LEG AND SHOULDER INJURY WHEN HE JUMPED FROM THE TRUCK. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0397-91)*JB UPDATED 09/13/10*BF ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 7, 2010 · fire

2004 Freightliner Century Class — common questions

Is the 2004 Freightliner Century Class reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2004 Freightliner Century Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Freightliner Century Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Freightliner Century Class under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2004 compare to other Century Class years?

What are the most common 2004 Freightliner Century Class problems?

Does the 2004 Freightliner Century Class have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2004 Freightliner Century Class — common questions

Is the 2004 Freightliner Century Class reliable?

Does the 2004 Freightliner Century Class have recalls?

Is the 2004 Freightliner Century Class under NHTSA investigation?

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