2005 Freightliner Century Class recalls and problems

The 2005 Freightliner Century Class has 4 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Freightliner dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Freightliner Century Class vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Freightliner Century Class recalls

Recall 17V-810: Equipment

Reported Dec 15, 2017 · 24,860 vehicles affected · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Problem: 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. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or contact Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-759.

Recall 09V-366: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Sep 23, 2009 · 25,362 vehicles affected · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Problem: Daimler trucks is recalling model year 2004-2010 trucks equipped with caterpillar c15 engine. The variable valve actuation oil line may rub against the p-clips retaining the oil line, causing an oil leak.

Risk: An oil leak may result in a fire.

Fix: Daimler trucks is working with caterpillar to remedy these vehicles. Please see caterpillar's defect report 09e-020. Caterpillar will inspect and repair the necessary components free of charge. The recall began on may 5, 2009. Owners may contact caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986 or daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.

Recall 08V-113: Fuel System, Diesel

Reported Mar 11, 2008 · 62,000 vehicles affected · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Problem: Daimler trucks is recalling 62,000 my 2005-2007 freightliner business class, century class, columbia, coronado, fld, classic, sterling a-line, l-line, and western star 4900 trucks. A fractured fuel line could leak diesel fuel.

Risk: If a leak continues undetected under certain conditions, fuel may ignite at a hot engine surface and/or fuel may be spilled on the road surface.

Fix: High pressure fuel lines and transfer tubes will be inspected and replaced free of charged. The recall began on july 9, 2008. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.

Recall 06V-190: Electrical System

Reported Jun 5, 2006 · 61,000 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Problem: On certain trucks, the protective cover for the cab power distribution model (Pdm) may be missing or improperly installed.

Risk: If the protective cover is missing or not positioned correctly, any water intrusion from an open window or windshield leak may seep through the upper dash cover seam and drip onto the pdm. Water on the pdm circuits may cause a short circuit resulting in a fire that could cause personal injury.

Fix: Dealers will install a new cover free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2006. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.

2005 Freightliner Century Class problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Electrical System1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 304,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Freightliner Century Class complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Nov 22, 2006
The air force lost a semi truck-tractor in a vehicle fire on 6/30/2006. The vehicle, a 2005 freightliner century class tractor, was leased from general services administration. A semi-trailer owned by the air force was also destroyed. The vehicle departed travis afb, ca around 1115l on 6/30/2006. After the operator smelled an electrical burning odor. As he pulled off onto the right shoulder. Opening the hood, he saw fire in the air cleaner. He retrieved the fire extinguisher to put out the flames but the fire regained intensity and spread throughout the engine compartment. The highway…
Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Nov 21, 2006
Exhaust fumes in the cab. Getting sick for about a month. Sinus infection and other symptoms. No co test performed. Vehicle has been in for repair 2 times with no success. The meter is reading over 50 ppm to 100 ppm if the fresh air intake is clear. Currently the intake is plugged with plastic bags to prevent the co from entering the cab. With the bags in place the reading is 10 ppm. Have been driving the vehicle for about 2.5 years. The problem seemd to start around 200,000 miles. I was tired all the time.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 304,000 miles · reported Nov 21, 2006
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, a foul odor from the exhaust system was present inside the vehicle. Afterwards, the contact became physically ill due to the exhaust fumes. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the entire exhaust system was defective and needed to be replaced. Although the exhaust system was replaced, the problem persisted. The manufacturer was not alerted.
Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Nov 19, 2006
Nov,2 of 2006, took the truck into freightliner in redding,ca. Complained of exhaust fumes entering the cab again, they said that they fixed it, once again fumes comming in after I left there shop. Became ill an stayed at home, lung problems, headakes, burning eyes. Went to doctors. Have brought this to company attention, they ignored me. Now have to take truck into shop again this will 3 times. I have talked to other drivers within the company having same problem. It appears theres no fix to this. This is very dangerous, an unsafe. Why are the fumes comming through the vents.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 254,300 miles · reported Jun 11, 2006
After about 30 min could smell fumes coming into truck through air condition vent. When I get of truck for a couple of days, starting to feel better. While sitting in the truck I start feeling dizzy, sinus start up after about two hours in truck, tired all the time,wake up with headaches. Suspect carbon monoxide coming in .detroit engine EGR.

Other Freightliner Century Class years

Compare all Freightliner Century Class years · All Freightliner models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Freightliner Century Class have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2005 Freightliner Century Class: 17V-810 (equipment), 09V-366 (engine and engine cooling), 08V-113 (fuel system, diesel), 06V-190 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Freightliner Century Class?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (4 reports), followed by electrical system (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 304,000 miles.

Are Freightliner recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Freightliner dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.