2003 Freightliner Columbia Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 60%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Freightliner Columbia, 60% of the 10 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Exhaust fumes coming into cab, causing dizziness, burning eyes, and stuffy and burning sensation in nose and on skin. I have had all exhaust manifolds and gaskets replaced and I still have the problem. I finally went to the internet to see if there was something I could do to fix the problem and found out that other drivers are complaining about this same issue. The truck that I own and drive is a Freightliner Columbia with series 60 detroit engine. I am going to take a carbon monoxide detector along on my next trip to see if there is a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10226335, filed 2008-04“While driving can smell exhaust fumes fumes coming into cab through air vents,wife getting ill an burning eyes, hard to breath,headaches,tired all the time, also other driver getting ill, only been in this Freightliner 2 months, with detroit. After 10 to 12 hrs of sleeping, it only takes about 4 hrs behind the wheel start getting tired again, somethings not right, this isn't safe, how come drivers aren't being told about this.”
NHTSA complaint #10172048, filed 2006-10“While driving the truck, the consumer would smell a rotten egg odor coming from the ventilation system. The owner has made contact with the dealership on five separate occasions and the problem still occurs. Please provide any additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10047752, filed 2003-11“Consumer states that while driving at any speed and with no warning vehicle will shut off, causing consumer to pull over. It will be hard to get the vehicle back started.dealer notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10033748, filed 2003-08Related service bulletins
- 10191849Apr 30, 2021Tech Talk discussion on Prototype or pre production DPF Penske wanted to share.
- 10187830Feb 19, 2021Revised Technical Service Letter for Series 60 and Series 50 Camshaft Timing Specifications. Camshaft timing, valve lash, injector height, and Jake Brake lash are all very…
- 10170603Jan 21, 2020Technical Service Letter for DDC Series 60 engines concerning Series 60 Cylinder Head Resurfacing/Finish. Detroit Diesel does not recommend third party resurfacing of Series 60…
- 10141707Feb 26, 2018sb2069 Kysor Fan Clutch Sticking
- 10141706Feb 26, 2018sb2068 Conventional Fully-Formulated Coolant with SCA Color Change
- 10141702Feb 26, 2018sb2063 Coolant Filter Inspection Procedure, DD13 DD15 DD16 Only
- 10141700Feb 26, 2018sb2061 Replacement Shunt Tube, EPA07 Caterpillar C13 and C15 Engines
- 10141699Feb 26, 2018sb2059 Replacing Push-to-Connect Air Line Fittings with Brass Compression Fittings
- 10141698Feb 26, 2018sb2058 Early EPA07 QLD Radiator Replacement
- 10141692Feb 26, 2018sb2051 Radiator Surge Tank Vent Line Plumbing
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Freightliner Columbia
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Freightliner Columbia
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology