Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1977 Freightliner Conventional — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE STEERING CONTROL SHAFT AND THE INPUT SHAFT ON THE STEERING GEAR BOX MAY BE DEFECTIVE. THE YOKE ON THE SHAFT MAY LOOSEN, ALLOWING THE SPLINED SURFACES ON THE YOKE AND SHAFT TO WEAR. CONTINUED OPERATION MAY RESULT IN WEAR AND EVENTUAL ROTATIONAL SLIPPAGE OF THE JOINT.
Remedy
THE YOKE WILL BE REPAIRED OR THE YOKE AND INPUT SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
Defect
THE CAB FRONT MOUNTS MAY CRACK AND LOSE THEIR ABILITY TO HOLD THE CAB FIRMLY TO ITS FRAME MOUNTS. SUCH A FAILURE COULD ALLOW THE FRONT OF THE CAB TO MOVE VERTICALLY WHEN ENCOUNTERING ROUGH ROAD SURFACES. IN EXTREME SITUATIONS, THE CAB COULD RISE TO THE EXTENT THAT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT COULD BECOME DISENGAGED.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL REDESIGNED LEFT AND RIGHT HAND CAB SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES AND LONGER, LOWER STEERING SHAFTS, AT NO COST TO OWNER.
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.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1977 Freightliner Conventional. 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.