VehicleVerdict

2002 Freightliner Columbia problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2002 Freightliner Columbia — 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

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Columbia years?

Columbia NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted44 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 2 complaints2003: 12 complaints2004: 14 complaints2005: 44 complaints2006: 16 complaints2007: 12 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 3 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints
Columbia NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Columbia years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Freightliner Columbia problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System150%
Steering150%

Does the 2002 Freightliner Columbia have recalls?

3 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.

05V001000SeatsJanuary 3, 2005 · 1,770 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE SEAT FALL BACKWARDS DURING USE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

02V321001BrakesDecember 2, 2002 · 427 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 26, 2002 · crash · fire

2002 Freightliner Columbia — common questions

Is the 2002 Freightliner Columbia reliable?

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.

Does the 2002 Freightliner Columbia have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Freightliner Columbia. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Freightliner Columbia under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.