VehicleVerdict

2011 Freightliner Columbia Glider problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2011 Freightliner Columbia Glider — 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

Does the 2011 Freightliner Columbia Glider have recalls?

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

15V616000Trailer HitchOctober 1, 2015 · 5,801 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Cascadia, Business Class M2, Coronado, and Columbia Glider vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to June 15, 2013. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.

Consequence

If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and DTNA authorized service facilities will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-692.

11V249000BrakesApril 20, 2011 · 1,591 units

Defect

DTNA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, COLUMBIA GLIDER KIT, CORONADO, M2, AND WESTERN STAR4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 16, 2010, THROUGH MARCH 9, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH GUNITE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 15, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2011. DUE TO AN INCOMPLETE "KNITTING" OF THE IRON AT THE TIME OF CASTING, INADEQUATE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING CAN OCCUR, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE HOUSING TO BREAK AT THE HANDLE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING LOADS.

Consequence

IF THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING WERE TO BREAK, THE WHEEL BRAKE TO WHICH THE SLACK ADJUSTER IS ATTACHED WOULD NO LONGER FUNCTION, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE REDUCED BRAKING CAPACITY AND, IF MOUNTED ON THE STEER AXLE, THE VEHICLE COULD PULL TO ONE SIDE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED SLACK ADJUSTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

2011 Freightliner Columbia Glider — common questions

Is the 2011 Freightliner Columbia Glider 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 2011 Freightliner Columbia Glider have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Freightliner Columbia Glider. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 Freightliner Columbia Glider under NHTSA investigation?

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

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.