IllustrationFUMES COMING INTO CAB, MAKING ME SICK, HEADACHE, BURNING EYES, DISORIENTED. TIRED, FATIGUE, LAST EIGHT DAYS THIS STARTED. *JB
2004 Freightliner Century
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Century years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
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: 1 of 2 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.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 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 reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
2 reportsMY NAME IS [XXX]AND I AM A DRIVER FOR ARNOLD TRANSPORTATION. ON 12/21/2005, AT APPROX. 1500 HRS, I ATTEMPTED TO QUIT ARNOLDS TRUCKING BECAUSE THE COMPANY CONSTANTLY PUT ME IN POSITIONS WHEREAS I HAVE TO RUN ILLEGALLY TO MAKE SOME OF MY DELIVERIES ON TIME. WHEN I COMPLIANT ABOUT IT, I AM HARASSED, REQUIRED TO HAVE MY LOG BOOK I…
Read full complaint
MY NAME IS [XXX]AND I AM A DRIVER FOR ARNOLD TRANSPORTATION. ON 12/21/2005, AT APPROX. 1500 HRS, I ATTEMPTED TO QUIT ARNOLDS TRUCKING BECAUSE THE COMPANY CONSTANTLY PUT ME IN POSITIONS WHEREAS I HAVE TO RUN ILLEGALLY TO MAKE SOME OF MY DELIVERIES ON TIME. WHEN I COMPLIANT ABOUT IT, I AM HARASSED, REQUIRED TO HAVE MY LOG BOOK INSPECTED AND BEEPED DURING MY 10 HOUR BREAK. I WAS ALSO TOLD TO LOG LOADING TIME AS OFF DUTY SO THAT IT DOESN'T AFFECT MY 7 DAY HOS. WHEN I REFUSED TO RUN OUTSIDE OF DOT REGULATIONS AND TRIED TO QUIT, I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TWO OPTIONS AND THOSE OPTIONS WERE "WORK OR BE TERMINATED", I WAS NEVER TOLD WHAT I WOULD BE TERMINATED FOR, NOR DID I ASK. WHEN I TRIED TO QUIT, I WAS IN CAMP HILL, PA, 700 MILES FROM HOME. THEY OFFER ME A BUS TICKET AND I TOLD THEM I HAD TO MUCH EQUIPMENT IN THE TRUCK AND IT COULD NOT BE SECURED ON A BUS. I ASK THAT I BE ROUTED HOME AND I WAS WILLING TO PICK UP A LOAD THAT WAS GOING TO ATLANTA. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, BUT I AM BEING FORCED TO WORK OR BE TERMINATED AND THEY KNOW I WILL NOT RISK BEING TERMINATED BECAUSE IT WOULD MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO GET ANOTHER JOB. THEY WON'T EVEN ALLOW ME TO GO THRU ATLANTA TO CHECK MY MAIL. THEY DID SAY THEY WOULD ALLOW ME SOME HOME TIME AT THE END OF THE MONTH, BUT I WANT OUT NOW. IN SOME CASES I HAVE RUN AS MUCH AS 98 HOURS IN 7 DAYS, I LOG IN MY LOG BOOK, BUT THEY JUST CONTINUE TO RUN ME AND I DON'T WANT TO DO IT ANY LONGER AND AS I SAID EARLIER, I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Official recalls
305V408000 · Steering:linkages
Sep 13, 2005
ON CERTAIN TRUCK AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH I-SHAFTS SUPPLIED BY ZF HEAVY DUTY STEERING, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR A FAILURE OF THE FORK/SHAFT CONNECTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE COULD SUFFER A LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ATTACH A TENSION COLLAR TO THE STEERING SHAFT TO SECURE THE CONNECTION TO THE YOKE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
04V590000 · Power Train:driveline
Dec 15, 2004
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE INTERAXLE DRIVELINE YOKES. THE BOLT HOLES LOCATED ON THE EARWORK OF THE MALE SHAFT YOKES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN OVERSIZED MINOR THREAD DIAMETER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION ALLOWS THE BOLTS USED IN THE HOLES TO BECOME DETACHED WHICH COULD RESULT IN A DRIVELINE SEPARATION. DRIVELINE SEPARATION COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT MALE SHAFT YOKES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
04V205000 · Power Train:manual Transmission
May 4, 2004
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF SHIFT LEVER DETACHMENT OCCURS, THA ABILITY RO ACCELERATE OT MAINTAIN SPEED WILL BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 1-800-547-0712.
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
2PE08009 · Power Steering Pump Failures
Opened Feb 1, 2008 · Closed Jul 3, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump
ODI'S INVESTIGATION OF THE SUBJECT POWER STEERING PUMP HAS FOUND THAT, WITH OVER FIVE YEARS OF OPERATIONAL EXPOSURE, THERE HAVE BEEN NO PUMP FAILURES THAT RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE ROAD OR ANY SUDDEN DROP OFF IN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST AT ANY TIME.THERE ARE NO CRASHES OR INJURIES.THESE REDUCTION IN ASSIST EVENTS HAVE ONLY OCCURRED DURING BACKING OR PARKING MANEUVERS.FREIGHTLINER AND TRW APPEAR TO HAVE ACTED RESPONSIBLY IN PROVIDING INFORMATION TO CUSTOMERS AND DEALERS REGARDING SAFE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PROCEDURES FOR POWER STEERING PUMPS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED A REDUCTION IN SPEED OF STEER.FREIGHTLINER'S FIELD SERVICE BULLETIN, FSB 46-38, IS A DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING IF THE TRW POWER STEERING PUMP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REDUCED POWER ASSIST AND DESCRIBES CORRECTIVE ACTIONS THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN ONCE THE DETERMINATION IS MADE.THE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS ARE:REPLACE THE SPOOL VALVE ASSEMBLY (VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 1/1/05) OR, REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP (VEHICLES BUILT AFTER 1/1/05).A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION SEE DOCUMENT FILE.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump
ODI'S INVESTIGATION OF THE SUBJECT POWER STEERING PUMP HAS FOUND THAT, WITH OVER FIVE YEARS OF OPERATIONAL EXPOSURE, THERE HAVE BEEN NO PUMP FAILURES THAT RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE ROAD OR ANY SUDDEN DROP OFF IN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST AT ANY TIME.THERE ARE NO CRASHES OR INJURIES.THESE REDUCTION IN ASSIST EVENTS HAVE ONLY OCCURRED DURING BACKING OR PARKING MANEUVERS.FREIGHTLINER AND TRW APPEAR TO HAVE ACTED RESPONSIBLY IN PROVIDING INFORMATION TO CUSTOMERS AND DEALERS REGARDING SAFE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PROCEDURES FOR POWER STEERING PUMPS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED A REDUCTION IN SPEED OF STEER.FREIGHTLINER'S FIELD SERVICE BULLETIN, FSB 46-38, IS A DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING IF THE TRW POWER STEERING PUMP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REDUCED POWER ASSIST AND DESCRIBES CORRECTIVE ACTIONS THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN ONCE THE DETERMINATION IS MADE.THE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS ARE:REPLACE THE SPOOL VALVE ASSEMBLY (VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 1/1/05) OR, REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP (VEHICLES BUILT AFTER 1/1/05).A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION SEE DOCUMENT FILE.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System
ODI'S INVESTIGATION OF THE SUBJECT POWER STEERING PUMP HAS FOUND THAT, WITH OVER FIVE YEARS OF OPERATIONAL EXPOSURE, THERE HAVE BEEN NO PUMP FAILURES THAT RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE ROAD OR ANY SUDDEN DROP OFF IN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST AT ANY TIME.THERE ARE NO CRASHES OR INJURIES.THESE REDUCTION IN ASSIST EVENTS HAVE ONLY OCCURRED DURING BACKING OR PARKING MANEUVERS.FREIGHTLINER AND TRW APPEAR TO HAVE ACTED RESPONSIBLY IN PROVIDING INFORMATION TO CUSTOMERS AND DEALERS REGARDING SAFE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PROCEDURES FOR POWER STEERING PUMPS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED A REDUCTION IN SPEED OF STEER.FREIGHTLINER'S FIELD SERVICE BULLETIN, FSB 46-38, IS A DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING IF THE TRW POWER STEERING PUMP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REDUCED POWER ASSIST AND DESCRIBES CORRECTIVE ACTIONS THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN ONCE THE DETERMINATION IS MADE.THE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS ARE:REPLACE THE SPOOL VALVE ASSEMBLY (VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 1/1/05) OR, REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP (VEHICLES BUILT AFTER 1/1/05).A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION SEE DOCUMENT FILE.
PE06033 · Steering Column Weld Cracks
Opened Aug 30, 2006 · Closed Jan 30, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column
EARLY WARNING AGGREGATE DATA SUBMITTED TO NHTSA BY FREIGHTLINER SUGGESTS THAT A STEERING (EWR CODE 01) PROBLEM EXISTS FOR THE 2004 AND 2005 CENTURY AND COLUMBIA CLASS VEHICLES.THE COUNT OF FIELD REPORTS SUBMITTED FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2006 WAS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE OF THE PREVIOUS 6 QUARTERS FOR THE AGGREGATE STEERING DATA.FURTHER REVIEW OF THE EWR DATA FOUNDFIELD REPORTS THAT DESCRIBED STEERING COLUMN FAILURES AS A RESULT OF WELDS CRACKING OR BREAKING.INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM FREIGHTLINER DETAILS A NUMBER OF STEERING COLUMNFAILURES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THESE FAILURES WERE THE RESULT OF MISSING AND CRACKED WELDS ON THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) IS WARRANTED TO DETERMINE IF THE WELD FAILURES IN THE STEERING COLUMN CREATE A SITUATION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO STEER OR STARTLES THE DRIVER PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:column
EARLY WARNING AGGREGATE DATA SUBMITTED TO NHTSA BY FREIGHTLINER SUGGESTS THAT A STEERING (EWR CODE 01) PROBLEM EXISTS FOR THE 2004 AND 2005 CENTURY AND COLUMBIA CLASS VEHICLES.THE COUNT OF FIELD REPORTS SUBMITTED FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2006 WAS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE OF THE PREVIOUS 6 QUARTERS FOR THE AGGREGATE STEERING DATA.FURTHER REVIEW OF THE EWR DATA FOUNDFIELD REPORTS THAT DESCRIBED STEERING COLUMN FAILURES AS A RESULT OF WELDS CRACKING OR BREAKING.INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM FREIGHTLINER DETAILS A NUMBER OF STEERING COLUMNFAILURES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THESE FAILURES WERE THE RESULT OF MISSING AND CRACKED WELDS ON THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) IS WARRANTED TO DETERMINE IF THE WELD FAILURES IN THE STEERING COLUMN CREATE A SITUATION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO STEER OR STARTLES THE DRIVER PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
Steering
EARLY WARNING AGGREGATE DATA SUBMITTED TO NHTSA BY FREIGHTLINER SUGGESTS THAT A STEERING (EWR CODE 01) PROBLEM EXISTS FOR THE 2004 AND 2005 CENTURY AND COLUMBIA CLASS VEHICLES.THE COUNT OF FIELD REPORTS SUBMITTED FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2006 WAS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE OF THE PREVIOUS 6 QUARTERS FOR THE AGGREGATE STEERING DATA.FURTHER REVIEW OF THE EWR DATA FOUNDFIELD REPORTS THAT DESCRIBED STEERING COLUMN FAILURES AS A RESULT OF WELDS CRACKING OR BREAKING.INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM FREIGHTLINER DETAILS A NUMBER OF STEERING COLUMNFAILURES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THESE FAILURES WERE THE RESULT OF MISSING AND CRACKED WELDS ON THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) IS WARRANTED TO DETERMINE IF THE WELD FAILURES IN THE STEERING COLUMN CREATE A SITUATION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO STEER OR STARTLES THE DRIVER PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.