CarRecallWatchThe 2006 Freightliner Columbia has 21 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 2 fires, 5 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine And Engine Cooling (6 reports).
2006 Freightliner Columbia recalls
Rear reflective tape may be hidden, reducing visibility to other drivers
On certain heavy trucks, the mudflap hanger bracket may partially cover the rear reflective tape.
Insufficient air brake reservoir may reduce braking, raising crash risk
Some heavy trucks may have an air brake reservoir (tank) that is too small to meet federal brake standards.
Fire extinguisher may fail to discharge or nozzle may detach
Certain heavy trucks are equipped with Kidde plastic-handle or push-button "Pindicator" fire extinguishers that may become clogged.
Most common 2006 Freightliner Columbia problems
Problem areas named in the 14 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 6 |
| Structure | 2 |
| Steering | 1 |
| Equipment | 1 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 1 |
What owners report
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FREIGHTLINER CONVENTIONAL COLUMBIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH IN ICY CONDITIONS, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH SLACK AND MADE IT DIFFICULT TO REACH THE TRAILER BRAKE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL AND ROLLOVER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED 3 BROKEN RIBS AND A CRACKED SHOULDER BLADE. THE TRUCK WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,560. UPDATED 6/10/14*CN
STEER TIRE PEALED APART, 3 MONTHS OLD APPROXIMATELY 5K MILES, ON A 2006 FREIGHTLINER 3 AXLE TRACTOR. THREE OTHER TIRES ON THREE OTHER TRACTORS WITH THE SAME BRAND TIRE ALSO PEALED APART. SHOULD BE RECALLED EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
THE POWER WIRE COMING FROM THE ALTERNATOR (APPROX. 4 GAUGE WIRE CABLE & ENCASED IN PROTECTIVE SLEEVE), WEARS THRU BY RUBBING ON THE WIRES SUPPORT ASSEMBLY EXPOSING THE WIRE. THE WIRE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY LOCATED ON THE TRUCKS UNDERSIDE, THERE ARE (2) TWO INDIVIDUAL WIRE SUPPORTS, BOTH OF THESE ASSEMBLIES ARE RUBBING AT BOTH LOCATIONS EXPOSING THE POWER WIRE IN TWO PLACES. CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE HAZARD. *TR
THE SPRING IN THE PARKING BRAKE CHAMBER FAILED, BROKE IN 3 PLACES. THEN PUNCTURED THE DIAPHRAGM CAUSING A MAJOR AIR LEAK, THE TRUCK IS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR SPRING BRAKE CHAMBERS, 3 OUT OF THE FOUR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN, THE CHAMBER THAT THE SPRING WAS NOT BROKEN WAS INSTALLED A FEW WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. WHEN THE AIR PRESSURE DROPPED TO 55 LBS, THAT CHAMBER STARTED TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE, THE TRUCK WAS OPERATING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, AT 65 MPH, THE DRIVER DID NOT FEEL ONE WHEEL DRAGGING AND OPERATED THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE WHEEL GOT SO HOT THE TIRE BLEW, THE DRIVER HEARD THE TIRE BLOW,AND PULLED OVER, WHEN HE GO OUT OF THE TRUCK, THE SECOND TIRE BLEW, AND THE TRUCK STARTED ON FI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 COLUMBIA FREIGHTLINER. THE CONTACT STATED THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE FRACTURED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE WITH A METAL FUEL LINE BUT IT ALSO FAILED. THE SEMI WAS NOT YET TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE SECOND FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500,000 UPDATED 8/18/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THERE WAS A RECALL. HOWEVER, HIS TRUCK WAS NOT INCLUDED. UPDATED 08/19/10*JB
2006 Freightliner Columbia questions
Does the 2006 Freightliner Columbia have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 21 safety recalls for the 2006 Freightliner Columbia: Rear reflective tape may be hidden, reducing visibility to other drivers; Insufficient air brake reservoir may reduce braking, raising crash risk; Fire extinguisher may fail to discharge or nozzle may detach; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel; Steering:Rack And Pinion. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Freightliner Columbia?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (6), Structure (2), Steering (1).
How do I check if a recall on my 2006 Freightliner Columbia has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.