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2003 Freightliner Business ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2003 Freightliner Business Class, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints72 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage94kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 4, 2015. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Freightliner Business Class has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling21
Tires21
Fuel system, diesel10
Structure10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2003 Freightliner Business Class recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Front: wheel bearing

Recall 04V-272 · Jun 7, 2004 · 9,602 vehicles

Risk. IF ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Freightliner.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other Business Class year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Business Class median. How we score

'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Business Class owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BUSINESS CLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIR FOR THE NHTSA RECALL, CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V418000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS PERFORMED ON HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE EGR ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN…
Complaint 10341670 · Jul 6, 2010 · 50,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING 2003 FRIEGHTLINER SPRINTER ON TWO OCCASIONS WAS OVERCOME WITH NOXIOUS FUMES, RESULTING IN CARBON MONOXIDE POSIONING THAT REQURIED A EMERGENCY VISIT TO THE HOSPITAL. VAN HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE AND CONTINUES TO HAVE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A COMPANY VAN.
Complaint 10196320 · Jul 13, 2007 · 137,336 miles

Own a 2003 Business Class?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.