2002 Freightliner Columbia
Only 2 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 2 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 |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 10 |
| 2004 | 13 |
| 2005 | 38 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 11 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: steering.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021203
1 of 2 total reports mentions: fuel system, other.
Show complaint excerpts
2002 FREIGHTLINER LEAKED DIESEL FUEL DUE TO A BROKEN FUEL LINE. *TS *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20060823
SAFETY TIMELINE
INTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
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 UNEXPECTEDL
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
Campaign 02V321001 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Campaign 05V001000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 17V810000 — check if this car was fixed
Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Freightliner Columbia — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, other issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V321001 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V001000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V810000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 Freightliner Columbia 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 2002 Freightliner Columbia?
The most-reported component is steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion), accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Freightliner Columbia have?
3 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.