1997 Freightliner Flc120 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCK/TRACTORS. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." CONTINUOUS POWER IS TO BE SUPPLIED TO THE TRAILER ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CIRCUIT. THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A SWITCH INSTALLED IN THE ABS CIRCUIT.
What could happen: THE ABS CIRCUIT CAN BE INTERRUPTED RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING ACTION TO THE TOWED VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ANTI-LOCK POWER CIRCUIT.
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 1997 FLC120.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V001000.
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCK/TRACTORS. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." CONTINUOUS POWER IS TO BE SUPPLIED TO THE TRAILER ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CIRCUIT. THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A SWITCH INSTALLED IN THE ABS CIRCUIT.
Consequence: THE ABS CIRCUIT CAN BE INTERRUPTED RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING ACTION TO THE TOWED VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ANTI-LOCK POWER CIRCUIT.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY MARCH 31, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE 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 1-800-547-0712. ALSO CALL THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (1), Engine (1), Electrical system (1), Visibility (wipers / glass) (1), Airbags (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
02/15/2003 · Suspension
MULTPULE REPAIRS AND SAFETY FACTORS, TOO MANY TO JUST START RAMBLING OFF. TIRES, FRAME, A/C, ALTERATORS, VIBRATION, WHICH INTURN CAUSES EXHAUST LEAKS. THE LIST GOES FROM STRUCTURE TO ELECTRICAL.