1999 Freightliner Cargo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1999 Freightliner Cargo — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Cargo years?

Cargo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cargo years to avoid →

Does the 1999 Freightliner Cargo have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V044002SteeringFebruary 21, 2001 · 16,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED BY TRW. THE SUSPECT TIE RODS CONTAIN 24-DL MODEL BALL SOCKETS. CERTAIN OF THE TIE ROD BALL-SOCKET BEARINGS HAVE A BELOW-SPECIFICATION CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS, WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR OF THE SOCKET.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE PARTIAL CONTROL OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BALL SOCKETS AND/OR DRAG LINKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 22, 2001. 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 1-800-547-0712 OR TRW CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-280-3287.

99V256000SteeringSeptember 20, 1999 · 422 units

Defect

THESE VEHICLES HAVE DUAL AXLE STEERING WITH A HYDRAULIC VALVE WHICH DIVERTS POWER ASSIST FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER AS NECESSARY. THE HYDRAULIC VALVE CAN BE CONTAMINATED CAUSING THE VALVE TO MALFUNCTION.

Consequence

IF THE VALVE FAILS, THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST OR THE INABILITY TO SWITCH POWER STEERING ASSIST FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER. THIS WILL INHIBIT THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING CONTROL VALVE AND PARKING BRAKE INTERLOCK FOR PROPER OPERATION. CONTAMINATED OR MALFUNCTIONING UNITS WILL BE REPLACED.

1999 Freightliner Cargo — common questions

Is the 1999 Freightliner Cargo reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 Freightliner Cargo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Freightliner Cargo. 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.

How does 1999 compare to other Cargo years?

Does the 1999 Freightliner Cargo have recalls?

1999 Freightliner Cargo — common questions

Is the 1999 Freightliner Cargo reliable?

Does the 1999 Freightliner Cargo have recalls?

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