2003 Freightliner Century recalls and problems

The 2003 Freightliner Century has 2 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Freightliner dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
4
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Freightliner Century vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Freightliner Century recalls

Recall 04V-205: Power Train

Reported May 4, 2004 · 14,000 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: If shift lever detachment occurs, tha ability ro accelerate ot maintain speed will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-500: Service Brakes, Air

Reported Dec 4, 2003 · 400 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Problem: On certain trucks equipped with air brakes, the plastic push-to-connect air line fitting cartridge could be improperly welded into the nylon junction block housing allowing an air line to become disconnected.

Risk: This could lead to reduced brake control, loss of service brake control, or the emergency brakes automatically applying, possibly resulting in a crash without prior warning.

Fix: Dealers will install a new cab air manifold. Owner notification is expected to begin on january 21, 2004. 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 800-547-0712.

2003 Freightliner Century problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Tires2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Engine and Engine Cooling1

Most reported parts

  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 200,000 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 2003 Freightliner Century complaints

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

Tires · at 200,000 miles · reported Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2003 Freightliner Century CST120 equipped with Yokohama Tires, Tire Line: TY517MC2, Tire Size: 295/75/R22, DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that the tires had cracked on the sidewalls. The contact called a tire center which scheduled an appointment. The tires were not yet inspected. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle failure mileage was 200,000. The tire failure mileage was unknown.
Tires · reported Dec 21, 2007
7 month old steer tire on freightliner truck. Traveling around 65 MPH vibration started and before we could figure out from where or get to a safe section of the road, all the tread separated from the tire. All the tread and several fairly large parts from the truck flew off. Luckily no one was in the way. This was a firestone fs 507 295/75 r 22.5 DOT wi bt 3pt 1207. The tire still had 99 lbs of air. I had to purchase a tire and 1100.00 in parts to safely operate truck. We cant get a straight answer from firestone or the ta.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 12,000 miles · reported Apr 20, 2004
While driving at any speed accelerator pedal stuck. Dealer inspected vehicle on several occasions, and was unable to duplicate the problem. Since january 2004 consumer was scared to drive this vehicle.

Other Freightliner Century years

Compare all Freightliner Century years · All Freightliner models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Freightliner Century have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Freightliner Century: 04V-205 (power train), 03V-500 (service brakes, air). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Freightliner Century?

Owners report tires problems most often (2 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 200,000 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.