1997 Freightliner Century problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1997 Freightliner Century — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Century years?

Century NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Century years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Freightliner Century problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Other	2	40%	new
Engine	1	20%	new
Suspension	1	20%	new
Tires & Wheels	1	20%	new

Does the 1997 Freightliner Century have recalls?

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

00V232002BrakesAugust 7, 2000 · 35,405 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS AND SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.

98V326000Visibility & WipersDecember 21, 1998 · 6,720 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONNECTING LINKAGE SOCKETS CAN WEAR OUT PREMATURELY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT GREASING DURING ASSEMBLY.

Consequence

THIS CAN LEAD TO A SEPARATION OF THE LINKAGE AND LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONNECTING LINKAGES WITH NEW LINKS THAT ARE PROPERLY LUBRICATED.

98V085000SuspensionApril 21, 1998 · 22,186 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR INTERAXLE DRIVELINE U-JOINTS. DEFLECTOR RINGS, A PART OF THE SYSTEM TO SEAL THE U-JOINTS FROM CONTAMINATES, ARE LOOSE. THIS ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER THE U-JOINT BEARING AREA RESULT IN DILUTION OF THE LUBRICANT, OXIDATION OF THE BEARING AND SEAL SURFACES, AND LOSS OF LUBRICANT.

Consequence

IF THIS PROBLEM GOES UNDETECTED, THE INTERAXLE DRIVELINE CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE U-JOINTS WITH THE CURRENT DESIGN U-JOINTS.

97V112000SteeringJuly 16, 1997 · 11,366 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCK. LEAKS THROUGH THE FIREWALL OR STEERING SHAFT BOOTS ALLOWS WATER TO RUN DOWN THE STEERING SHAFT. THE STEERING SHAFT SLIP SPLINE CORRODES CAUSING IT TO SEIZE.

Consequence

INCREASED STEERING EFFORT CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT WITH A NEW DESIGN THAT IS INSTALLED IN AN INVERTED ORIENTATION SO NO WATER CAN ENTER THE SPLINES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONTINUAL PROBLEM WITH THE AIR GUAGES BEING INACCURATE, THEY WILL NOT DROP TO ZERO WHEN AIR TANKS ARE DRAINED THEY STILL SHOW 15-20 LBS OF AIR PRESSURE THEY ARE OFF 10-20% WHEN AIR TANKS ARE FULL, CHP INSPECTIONS AT TERMINAL HAVE FOUND ALL AIR GUAGES INCLUDING THE GUAGE THAT WAS REPLACED TO BE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 64 MPH, THE EXHAUST FUME CAME INTO THE CAB THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM INTAKE. THERE WAS A SMELL OF FUME PRESENT WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED EITHER WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN IN AN IDLE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 21, 2006

“WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING REAR LEFT LEAF SEPARATED FROM WHEEL FRAME, RESULTING IN MAJOR DAMAGE TO TRUCK. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED; HOWEVER UNABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

1997 Freightliner Century — common questions

Is the 1997 Freightliner Century reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Freightliner Century have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Freightliner Century. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Freightliner Century under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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 1997 compare to other Century years?

What are the most common 1997 Freightliner Century problems?

Does the 1997 Freightliner Century have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1997 Freightliner Century — common questions

Is the 1997 Freightliner Century reliable?

Does the 1997 Freightliner Century have recalls?

Is the 1997 Freightliner Century under NHTSA investigation?

Related