1997 Freightliner Freightliner 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. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCK/TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A HYDRAULIC PARKING BRAKE. A CASTING ERROR IN THE HYDRAULIC PARKING BRAKE RELAY VALVE CAUSES EXCESSIVE PRESSURE IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM WHICH CAN RESULT IN A HYDRAULIC HOSE SEPARATION.
What could happen: IF THIS OCCURS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WILL BE LOST AND THE BRAKES WILL BE OPERATING FROM THE BACK-UP SYSTEM.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CHECK VALVE MODIFICATION KIT TO REDUCE THE SYSTEM PRESSURE.
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 FREIGHTLINER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V003000.
- 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: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:AIR
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCK/TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH A HYDRAULIC PARKING BRAKE. A CASTING ERROR IN THE HYDRAULIC PARKING BRAKE RELAY VALVE CAUSES EXCESSIVE PRESSURE IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM WHICH CAN RESULT IN A HYDRAULIC HOSE SEPARATION.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WILL BE LOST AND THE BRAKES WILL BE OPERATING FROM THE BACK-UP SYSTEM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CHECK VALVE MODIFICATION KIT TO REDUCE THE SYSTEM PRESSURE.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 4, 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 CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE FOUR FASTENERS THAT RETAIN THE OUTPUT SHAFT BEARING TO THE STEERING COLUMN TILT/TELESCOPING MECHANISM WAS NOT TORQUED PROPERLY.
What could happen: IF THESE FASTENERS BECOME LOOSE AND ALL FALL OUT, THE STEERING COLUMN DRIVELINE WILL DISCONNECT FROM THE TILT/TELESCOPING MECHANISM AND THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WILL BE LOST.
The fix: THE VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR LOOSE FASTENERS AND RETORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE.
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 FREIGHTLINER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V167000.
- 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: STEERING:COLUMN
Summary: THE FOUR FASTENERS THAT RETAIN THE OUTPUT SHAFT BEARING TO THE STEERING COLUMN TILT/TELESCOPING MECHANISM WAS NOT TORQUED PROPERLY.
Consequence: IF THESE FASTENERS BECOME LOOSE AND ALL FALL OUT, THE STEERING COLUMN DRIVELINE WILL DISCONNECT FROM THE TILT/TELESCOPING MECHANISM AND THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WILL BE LOST.
Remedy: THE VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR LOOSE FASTENERS AND RETORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 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
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 1997 Freightliner Freightliner owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (3), Electrical system (2), Visibility (wipers / glass) (2), Hydraulic (2), Seats (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
07/17/2009 · Electrical system
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FREIGHTLINER TRADE WIND (NA). THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS INOPERATIVE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR. SHORTLY AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RESURFACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 55,000.
03/25/1999 · Seats
SEAT AND ARMREST BROKE ON TWO OCCASIONS.
03/25/1999 · Engine
ENGINE COOLANT LEAK.
03/25/1999 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
RIGHT SIDE MIRROR FAILED.
03/25/1999 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WINDSHIELD AND SUN ROOF GLASS LEAKING WATER.
03/25/1999 · Vehicle Speed Control
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR SHORTED OUT AND FAILED.
03/25/1999 · Brakes
BRAKE PAD ON FAN CLUTCH BROKEN, SURFACE CAME APART.
03/25/1999 · Equipment
AIR CONDITIONER BRACKET LOOSE, BOLTS BROKEN AND MISSING.