Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 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 PARK/RUN VALVE IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY STICK IN THE PARK POSITION. AN OUT OF BALANCE DIMENSION IN THE CYLINDER RESULTED IN AN UNDERSIZED BORE WHICH MAY CAUSE THE PLUNGER TO STICK. THEREFORE, THE WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL TO START.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTORS FOR CONVENTIONAL MODELS. ALSO, THE CONTROL VALVES ON THE DASH WILL BE REPLACED 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 1979 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.