2003 Freightliner Century
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 9 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 15 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. SINCE JANUARY 2004 CONSUMER WAS SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. *AK *LA
NHTSA ODI report, 20040322
1 of 4 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
7 MONTH OLD STEER TIRE ON FREIGHTLINER TRUCK. TRAVELING AROUND 65 MPH VIBRATION STARTED AND BEFORE WE COULD FIGURE OUT FROM WHERE OR GET TO A SAFE SECTION OF THE ROAD, ALL THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20071221
1 of 4 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2003 Freightliner Century CST120 equipped with Yokohama Tires, Tire Line: TY517MC2, Tire Size: 295/75/R22, DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that the tires had cracked on the sidewalls.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250422
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
2003 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *TS *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20051222
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AIR BRAKES, THE PLASTIC PUSH-TO-CONNECT AIR LINE FITTING CARTRIDGE COULD BE IMPROPERLY WELDED INTO THE NYLON JUNCTION BLOCK HOUSING ALLOWING AN AIR LINE TO BECOME DISCO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW CAB AIR MANIFOLD. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JANUARY 21, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND D
Campaign 03V500000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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-
Campaign 04V205000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Freightliner Century — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V500000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V205000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Freightliner Century reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Freightliner Century?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Freightliner Century have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.