1996 Freightliner Fl-70 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER THAT INCLUDES A PARK BRAKE POSITION. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER/PARK BRAKE LEVER CAN BIND BEFORE FULLY ENGAGING IN THE PARK BRAKE POSITION CAUSING A FALSE PARK CONDITION.
What could happen: THE VEHICLE CAN MOVE AFTER BEING PLACED IN PARK INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPACER PLATE IN THE SHIFTER AND INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "E" CLIP THAT DETAINS THE DETENT PIN.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 FL-70.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V052000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER THAT INCLUDES A PARK BRAKE POSITION. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER/PARK BRAKE LEVER CAN BIND BEFORE FULLY ENGAGING IN THE PARK BRAKE POSITION CAUSING A FALSE PARK CONDITION.
Consequence: THE VEHICLE CAN MOVE AFTER BEING PLACED IN PARK INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPACER PLATE IN THE SHIFTER AND INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "E" CLIP THAT DETAINS THE DETENT PIN.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MAY 6, 1997. NOTE: 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 1-503-735-8662. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
2. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EATON DRIVE AXLES AND AXILOK SPINDLE NUTS. THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSINGS CONSIST OF A PLATE STEEL CENTER SECTION AND TWO FORGED SPINDLES, ONE OF WHICH IS WELDED TO EACH END OF THE CENTER SECTION. EACH SPINDLE CONTAINS A KEYWAY SLOT IN WHICH THE LOCKING TAB FOR THE WHEEL BEARING NUT LOCKING MECHANISM IS INSERTED. THE LENGTH OF THE KEYWAY SLOT MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ACCOMMO…
What could happen: THIS LOCKING TAB PREVENTS THE WHEEL BEARING NUT FROM LOOSENING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IF THIS TAB IS DEFORMED, THE NUT CAN LOOSEN ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE AXLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSING NUTS WITH A CONVENTIONAL WHEEL NUT HARDWARE SYSTEM.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 FL-70.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V233003.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EATON DRIVE AXLES AND AXILOK SPINDLE NUTS.
THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSINGS CONSIST OF A PLATE STEEL CENTER SECTION AND TWO FORGED SPINDLES, ONE OF WHICH IS WELDED TO EACH END OF THE CENTER SECTION. EACH SPINDLE CONTAINS A KEYWAY SLOT IN WHICH THE LOCKING TAB FOR THE WHEEL BEARING NUT LOCKING MECHANISM IS INSERTED. THE LENGTH OF THE KEYWAY SLOT MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE THE TAB CAUSING THE TAB TO BE DEFORMED OR DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION.
Consequence: THIS LOCKING TAB PREVENTS THE WHEEL BEARING NUT FROM LOOSENING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IF THIS TAB IS DEFORMED, THE NUT CAN LOOSEN ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE AXLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSING NUTS WITH A CONVENTIONAL WHEEL NUT HARDWARE SYSTEM.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 18, 1996. NOTE: 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 1-503-735-8000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Vehicle Speed Control (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
12/14/2000 · Vehicle Speed Control
THE ACCELERATOR STICKS TO THE FLOOR DUE TO ACCELERATOR CABLE FAILURE. *YH
12/14/2000 · Vehicle Speed Control
CONSUMER STATES THAT ACCELERATOR CABLE STICKS TO FLOOR DUE TO A FRAYED CABLE. *TT
12/14/2000 · Vehicle Speed Control
THE ACCELERATOR STICKS TO THE FLOOR DUE TO ACCELERATOR CABLE FAILURE. *YH
12/14/2000 · Vehicle Speed Control
CONSUMER STATES THAT ACCELERATOR CABLE STICKS TO FLOOR DUE TO A FRAYED CABLE. *TT