Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1981 Freightliner C.O.E. — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BRACKET WELDS MAY CRACK UNDER CERTAIN STEERING LOAD CONDITIONS.
Consequence
STEERING CONTROL WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED WITHPOTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF TRUCK CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BRACKET WITH A REDESIGNED BRACKET.
Defect
CORROSION OF THE GRABHANDLE AT ITS MOUNTING SURFACE MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OR LOSS OF STRENGTH.
Consequence
FAILURE OF GRABHANDLE DURING USE COULD RESULT INPERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
REPLACE GRABHANDLE AND ITS FASTENER WITH IMPROVED GRABHANDLE; ALSO, INSTALL GASKET BETWEEN THE HANDLE AND AIR STARTER RESERVOIR.
Defect
CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE OIL FILTER MOUNTING BRACKETS NEAR THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE BRACKETS TO THE FRAME SIDE MEMBER. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF CRACKS PROGRESS TO THE POINT OF FAILURE, THE FILTER ASSEMBLY COULD FALL OUT AND POSSIBLY BE STRUCK BY OTHER VEHICLES CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
BRACKETS WILL BE REPLACED WITH IMPROVED DESIGN BRACKETS.
Defect
SOME DRAG LINK PARTS CAN SEPARATE FROM THE ASSEMBLY WHICH CONNECTS STEERING GEAR PITMAN ARM TO THE FRONT AXLE STEERING ARM.
Remedy
IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE DRAG LINKS WITH AN IMPROVED VERSION, WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Freightliner C.O.E.. 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.