Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 2 of 15 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Suspension. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports
What owners actually said
15 reports
901,137 miles · Jul 6, 2009
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE DRIVER FELT A RUMBLE AND THUMP COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, BUT THE WHEEL BEARINGS BECAME LOOSE. AS A RESULT, THE WHEEL WAS HANGING ON THE STEERING SPINDLE, THE BRAKES WERE HANGING IN PIECES, AND T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE DRIVER FELT A RUMBLE AND THUMP COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, BUT THE WHEEL BEARINGS BECAME LOOSE. AS A RESULT, THE WHEEL WAS HANGING ON THE STEERING SPINDLE, THE BRAKES WERE HANGING IN PIECES, AND THE AIR LINE FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE PLASTIC ACCESS PANEL FAILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER AND REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V112000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 910,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 900,000. UPDATED 07/14/09.*LJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HE MISSED THE RECALL BY 4 WEEKS AND A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS THE SAME HUB UNIT THAT WAS RECALLED AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 07/16/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10275837
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
CAME ACROSS THIS SITE BY WORD OF MOUTH. NOTICED THAT I'VE GOT SOOT RESIDUE IN MY VENTS. I'VE BEEN HAVING A FLU LIKE SYSTEM THAT MY DR COULDN'T DIAGNOSIS AND CLAIMED IT MIGHT BE ALLERGIES. MY BLOOD PRESSURE HAS BEEN GOING UP AND WE'VE BEEN ADJUSTING THE MEDS MORE FREQUENTLY SINCE I'VE BEEN IN THIS TRUCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10224765
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingInjury
DON'T SMOKE, COUGHING, WAKING UP WITH HEADACHES, PASTOUT WHILE IN TRUCK ,VOMITING, TIRED ALL THE TIME, WHAT'S GOING ON HERE. I AM IN MY 30'S, THIS ISN'T RIGHT. I ALSO HAVE A FAMILY TO TAKE CARE OF, WILL THIS CAUSE ME PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE (HEALTH WISE). *NM
NHTSA ODI #10179259
50,000 miles · Jan 6, 2005
Structure
WHEN IT RAINS WATER COMES IN ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE WATER COMES IN THROUGH THE DRIP PAN, PER A GLASS COMPANY. DEALER STATED IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10106956
Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2004
SteeringSuspension
TRACTOR FAILURE, TIE ROD AND KING PINS AND BEARINGS WERE ALL IN POOR CONDITION. *BF *JB
NHTSA ODI #10099495
Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2004
Seats
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT WAS ALTERED BY THE MANUFACTURER WHO DISABLED THE FULL RECLINE. AS A RESULT THERE WAS A GREATER CHANCE OF WHIPLASH, SPINAL INJURY OR DRIVER EJECTION FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONCERNS ABOUT EXECUTIVE ORDERS DEALING WITH ERGONOMIC WORKPLACE SAFETY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10096825
Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2001
Visibility
THE INTAKE FOR THE HEATER/AC,IS UNDER THE HOOD AND IS SUPPOSE TO BE SEALED FROM THE REST OF THE ENGINE BY A RUBBER GASKET WICH FITS POORLY AND THERE ARE DRAIN TUBES THAT ALLOW FOUL AIR FROM UNDDER THE HOOD (CRANKCASE BLOWBY,EXTERNAL OIL LEAK BURNOFF) TO BE SUCKED INTO THE CAB,I HAVE IT HAPPEN ALMOST EVERY DAY WITH THIS TRUCK SOM…
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THE INTAKE FOR THE HEATER/AC,IS UNDER THE HOOD AND IS SUPPOSE TO BE SEALED FROM THE REST OF THE ENGINE BY A RUBBER GASKET WICH FITS POORLY AND THERE ARE DRAIN TUBES THAT ALLOW FOUL AIR FROM UNDDER THE HOOD (CRANKCASE BLOWBY,EXTERNAL OIL LEAK BURNOFF) TO BE SUCKED INTO THE CAB,I HAVE IT HAPPEN ALMOST EVERY DAY WITH THIS TRUCK SOMETIMES THE SMOKE IS ACTUALY VISABLE IN THE CAB,THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF EXHAUST LEAKING SO IT HAS TO BE BLOW BY OR FUEL PUDDLING IN TURBO AT IDLE AND BEING PUSHED OUT TURBO SEAL AND BURRNING OFF THEN BY POOR LOCATION OF HVAC INTAKE GETS SUCKED INTO PASS. COMPARTMENT. THIS IS NOT MY TRUCK I AM JUST THE DRIVER AND I HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO FREIGHTLINERS ATT. AND I MIGHT AS WELL TALK TO A WALL THEY SAID SOME OF THE TRUCKS DO THAT BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHY
NHTSA ODI #755876
Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2000
Suspension
THE LEFT FRONT SPRING HANGER IS LOOSE, CAUSING THE AXLE TO SHIFT. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #558099
Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2000
Suspension
FRONT SPRING HANGER IS LOOSE ON THE FRAME, THIS IS CAUSING THE AXLE TO SHIFT. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #557386
Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2000
Suspension
FRONT SPRING HANGER IS LOOSE, THIS IS CAUSING THE AXLE TO SHIFT. *SLC
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRUCK HUB UNITS MANUFACTURED BY SKF EXCLUSIVELY FOR USE ON ARVINMERITOR'S FF98X SERIES NON-DRIVE STEER AXLES, THE HUB UNIT BEARINGS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SEIZURE OF THE BEARINGS CAN CAUSE WHEEL SEPARATION OR WHEEL END FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT HUBS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 20, 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 FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRW TIE ROD ENDS ON CERTAIN MERITOR AXLES. THE TIE ROD AND DRAG LINK BALL STUD ENDS CONTAIN BEARINGS THAT ARE BELOW THE SPECIFIED CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR WITH POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET, INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE ALL AFFECTED TIE RODS AND DRAG LINKS WITH DIFFERENT DESIGNED ENDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 8, 2001. 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 FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CERTAIN HALDEX BRAKE SYSTEM TWO AND FOUR PORT RELAY VALVES. THE VALVE MAY STICK OPEN WHEN A HIGH-PRESSURE APPLICATION IS RELEASED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THE VALVE STICKS OPEN, IT CAN RESULT IN A TOTAL LOSS OF AIR FROM EITHER THE SERVICE OR THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DRIVER MAY LOSE BRAKING ABILITY UNDER A SERVICE APPLICATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE VALVES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 17, 2001. 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 FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS AND SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EATON AUTOSHIFT GEN II TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLIES. DUE TO A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IN THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLIES, THE TRANSMISSION WILL SELECT THE WRONG GEAR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF AN INAPPROPRIATE GEAR IS SELECTED WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S KNOWLEDGE, THE VEHICLE WILL REACT DIFFERENTLY THAN EXPECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOSHIFT TRANSMISSIONS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS BUILT WITH DUAL LEAF SPRING TYPE AIR RIDE SUSPENSIONS AND VEHICLES BUILT WITH SINGLE LEAF SPRING TYPE AIR RIDE SUSPENSIONS. REAR SUSPENSION SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE THROUGH THE CENTER BOLT HOLE AFTER VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF UNDETECTED, THE REAR END OF THE SPRING COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING A HAZARDOUS ROAD DEBRIS SITUATION.
Remedy: FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SINGLE LEAF SPRINGS, DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE ALL SPRINGS. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DUAL LEAF SPRINGS, DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKED SPRINGS AND REPLACE IF CRACKED.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
PE03005 · Front Brake Air Hose Leaks
Opened Feb 7, 2003 · Closed Aug 22, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
CERTAIN 1998-2001 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY AND COLUMBIA VEHICLES EXHIBIT A HIGHER RATE OF FRONT BRAKE AIR HOSE LEAKS THAN EARLIER VINTAGE FREIGHTLINER VEHICLES.THE LEAKS HAVE BEEN FREQUENTLY DISCOVERED AT FMCSA ROADSIDE INSPECTIONS SINCE THESE INSPECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED (PRESSURIZING THE AIR HOSE) WHEREAS DRIVER PRE-TRIP INSPECTIONS MAY NOT ALWAYS BE PERFORMED WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. AFTER A THOROUGH TECHNICAL REVIEW OF THIS MATTER,ODI HAS CONCUDED THAT WHILE THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EXHIBIT A HIGHER RATE OF FRONT BRAKE AIR HOSE LEAKS THAN EARLIER VINTAGE AND PEER VEHICLES, THESE LEAKS APPEAR TO BE MINOR. FREIGHTLINER HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THIS COMPONENT TO 5 YEARS, 500,000 MILES AND WILL ASSIST IN ALERTING THOSE VEHICLE OWNERS WHOSE VEHICLES ARE MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO FRONT BRAKE AIR HOSE LEAKAGE BY ISSUING A SERVICE BULLETIN ALERTING THOSE OWNERS TO THE POTENTIAL FOR FRONT BRAKE AIR HOSE LEAKAGE TO OCCUR. SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR FULL TECHNICAL DETAILS.
PE02088 · Integral Hub And Bearing Assembly
Opened Nov 22, 2002 · Closed May 1, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Wheels
FREIGHTLINER SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ON MARCH 21, 2003 IN WHICH THEY IDENTIFIED APPROXIMATELY 5000 TRUCKS AS POSSIBLY BEINGAFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM.ARVINMERITOR (FRONT AXLE MFR) SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ONAPRIL 16, 2003, WHICH IDENTIFIES 6098 FREIGHTLINER TRUCKS ASBEING AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL AND 1191 AXLES SOLD TO FREIGHTLINER IN THE AFTERMARKET. ODI NOTES THAT THERE ARE TWOINTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLIES PER FRONT AXLE.FREIGHTLINER IDENTIFIED VEHICLES INCLUDINGFREIGHTLINER,STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR BRAND NAME AS BEINGAFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Wheels
FREIGHTLINER SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ON MARCH 21, 2003 IN WHICH THEY IDENTIFIED APPROXIMATELY 5000 TRUCKS AS POSSIBLY BEINGAFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM.ARVINMERITOR (FRONT AXLE MFR) SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ONAPRIL 16, 2003, WHICH IDENTIFIES 6098 FREIGHTLINER TRUCKS ASBEING AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL AND 1191 AXLES SOLD TO FREIGHTLINER IN THE AFTERMARKET. ODI NOTES THAT THERE ARE TWOINTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLIES PER FRONT AXLE.FREIGHTLINER IDENTIFIED VEHICLES INCLUDINGFREIGHTLINER,STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR BRAND NAME AS BEINGAFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Wheels
FREIGHTLINER SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ON MARCH 21, 2003 IN WHICH THEY IDENTIFIED APPROXIMATELY 5000 TRUCKS AS POSSIBLY BEINGAFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM.ARVINMERITOR (FRONT AXLE MFR) SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ONAPRIL 16, 2003, WHICH IDENTIFIES 6098 FREIGHTLINER TRUCKS ASBEING AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL AND 1191 AXLES SOLD TO FREIGHTLINER IN THE AFTERMARKET. ODI NOTES THAT THERE ARE TWOINTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLIES PER FRONT AXLE.FREIGHTLINER IDENTIFIED VEHICLES INCLUDINGFREIGHTLINER,STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR BRAND NAME AS BEINGAFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Wheels
FREIGHTLINER SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ON MARCH 21, 2003 IN WHICH THEY IDENTIFIED APPROXIMATELY 5000 TRUCKS AS POSSIBLY BEINGAFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM.ARVINMERITOR (FRONT AXLE MFR) SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ONAPRIL 16, 2003, WHICH IDENTIFIES 6098 FREIGHTLINER TRUCKS ASBEING AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL AND 1191 AXLES SOLD TO FREIGHTLINER IN THE AFTERMARKET. ODI NOTES THAT THERE ARE TWOINTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLIES PER FRONT AXLE.FREIGHTLINER IDENTIFIED VEHICLES INCLUDINGFREIGHTLINER,STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR BRAND NAME AS BEINGAFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
2000 Freightliner Century Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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