2004 Freightliner Century St problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2004 Freightliner Century St — 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 St years?

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

See all Century St years to avoid →

Does the 2004 Freightliner Century St have recalls?

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

07V302000BrakesJuly 16, 2007 · 75,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FREIGHTLINER SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, HEAVY TRUCKS, AND THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 2002 AND JULY 3, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE CONTROL VALVES. THE PARKER SCV BRASS 90 DEGREE SINGLE CHECK VALVES (SCV) WHICH ATTACH TO THE SUPPLY PORT OF A BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE CAN BREAK APART. PIECES OF THE PARKER SCV CAN BECOME LODGED INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING EITHER LEAKAGE OUT OF THE SR-7 VALVE OR PREVENTING AIR FROM PROPERLY EXHAUSTING FROM THE SR-7 VALVE. ALSO, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE INTERNAL RUBBER CHECK VALVE INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVES, THE VALVES CAN BECOME DEFORMED AND NOT SEAT PROPERLY.

Consequence

THESE CONDITIONS COULD EITHER RESULT IN LEAKAGE AND CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKE WITHOUT WARNING OR POSSIBLY LEAD TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY OR BRAKE DRAG WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.

Remedy

FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2008 TO FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS OWNERS; TO THOMAS BUILT BUS OWNERS ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

05V285000Tires & WheelsJune 14, 2005 · 1,786 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 3RD GENERATION CONMET ALUMINUM WHEELS, THE DRUM MOUNTING FLANGE ON THE CONMET TRUTURN BRAKE DRUM MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A TAPER FROM THE PILOT HOLE TO THE BARREL OF THE DRUM.

Consequence

THIS TAPER MAY CAUSE CRACKING OR FRACTURES OF THE FRONT HUB. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND TESTING, FREIGHTLINER HAS REVISED THE POPULATION AND THE REMEDY (DECEMBER 22, 2005). THEREFORE, THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

2004 Freightliner Century St — common questions

Is the 2004 Freightliner Century St reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2004 Freightliner Century St have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Freightliner Century St. 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 St under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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 St years?

Does the 2004 Freightliner Century St have recalls?

2004 Freightliner Century St — common questions

Is the 2004 Freightliner Century St reliable?

Does the 2004 Freightliner Century St have recalls?

Is the 2004 Freightliner Century St under NHTSA investigation?

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