Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1986 Freightliner C.O.E. — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
5 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
STEERING ARM MAY FAIL IF USED ON EATON EFA12F4 FROM AXLE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ROSS HFB70 POWER STEERING GEAR.
Consequence
A FAILED STEERING GEAR ARM COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
INSTALL A NONADJUSTABLE 1500 PSI POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE TO LIMIT STEERING ARM FORCES. REPLACE STEERING ARM WITH A DESIGN CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING HIGHER FORCES. ADJUST MAXIMUM POPPET VALVE SETTINGS TO 500 PSI AND ADJUST AXLE STOPS.
Defect
BUCKLING OF THE TILT CYLINDERS MAY OCCUR WHILE LOWERING THE VEHICLES CAB DUE TO IMPROPER USE OF THE CAB TILT SYSTEM.
Consequence
CAB MAY DROP TO ITS LOWERED POSITION.
Remedy
REPLACE THE 1 1/2 IN. DIAMETER TILT CYLINDERS ON ALL 104 IN. CABS WITH 2 IN. DIAMETER CYLINDERS.
Defect
THE HANDHOLD MOUNTING SYSTEM, WHICH CONSISTS OF A TUBULAR HANDLE HELD IN THREE PLACES BY CAST ALUMINUM BRACKETS AND ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE EXHAUST MUFFLER HEAT SHIELD. VIBRATION FROM THIS SYSTEM CAUSES THE HANDHOLD PARTS TO WEAR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE PARTS WEAR THIN THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT THE HANDHOLD MIGHT GIVE WAY UNDER THE WEIGHT OF A DRIVER. THIS COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
REPLACE THE END BRACKETS WITH A MODIFIED DESIGN UTILIZING A RUBBER ISOLATER. ALSO, ADD A PLASTIC SLEEVE TO THE CENTER BRACKET FOR ISOLATION.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 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.