Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1998 Freightliner American Lafrance — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIRE TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AIR TANK DRAIN HEATERS. THE WIRING USED IN THE HARNESS FOR THE AIR TANK DRAIN HEATER IS UNDERSIZED.
Consequence
IF THERE IS A SHORT IN THE HEATER AND THE CIRCUIT BREAKER DOES NOT TRIP, THE HARNESS WILL OVERHEAT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HARNESS WITH ONE THAT HAS LARGER GAUGE WIRES.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIRE APPARATUS CABS EQUIPPED WITH CENTER MOUNTED REAR SEATS. THE UPPER D-RING SEAT BELT ANCHORAGES FOR THE REAR SEATS FAIL TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE D-RING ANCHORAGES.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIRE APPARATUS VEHICLES. THE FRONT BRAKES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE BRAKE RELEASE TIMING REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Consequence
INCREASED BRAKING DISTANCE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Freightliner American Lafrance. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.