Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2004 Freightliner Century — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
2
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 50% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 50% | — flat |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCK AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH I-SHAFTS SUPPLIED BY ZF HEAVY DUTY STEERING, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR A FAILURE OF THE FORK/SHAFT CONNECTION.
Consequence
IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE COULD SUFFER A LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ATTACH A TENSION COLLAR TO THE STEERING SHAFT TO SECURE THE CONNECTION TO THE YOKE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Defect
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE INTERAXLE DRIVELINE YOKES. THE BOLT HOLES LOCATED ON THE EARWORK OF THE MALE SHAFT YOKES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN OVERSIZED MINOR THREAD DIAMETER.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION ALLOWS THE BOLTS USED IN THE HOLES TO BECOME DETACHED WHICH COULD RESULT IN A DRIVELINE SEPARATION. DRIVELINE SEPARATION COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT MALE SHAFT YOKES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, THE TAPERED JOINT THAT ATTACHES THE SHIFTER TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY BECOME LOOSE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO GEAR.
Consequence
IF SHIFT LEVER DETACHMENT OCCURS, THA ABILITY RO ACCELERATE OT MAINTAIN SPEED WILL BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL RE-SECURE THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE TRANSMISSION USING THREADLOCK AND RE-TORQUING THE FASTENING BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“FUMES COMING INTO CAB, MAKING ME SICK, HEADACHE, BURNING EYES, DISORIENTED. TIRED, FATIGUE, LAST EIGHT DAYS THIS STARTED. *JB”
“MY NAME IS [XXX]AND I AM A DRIVER FOR ARNOLD TRANSPORTATION. ON 12/21/2005, AT APPROX. 1500 HRS, I ATTEMPTED TO QUIT ARNOLDS TRUCKING BECAUSE THE COMPANY CONSTANTLY PUT ME IN POSITIONS WHEREAS I HAVE TO RUN ILLEGALLY TO MAKE SOME OF MY DELIVERIES ON TIME. WHEN I COMPLIANT ABOUT IT, I AM HARASSED,…”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Freightliner Century. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.