Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1986 Freightliner Conventional — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
6
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 1 | 100% | new |
6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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
FASTENER THAT CONNECTS THE HARNESS BELT D RING TO THE B PILLAR MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO PROVIDE FULL THREAD ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ANCHORAGE WELD NUT.
Consequence
SEAT BELTS COULD FAIL AND NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT THEOCCUPANT.
Remedy
REPLACE MOUNTING HARDWARE WITH HEX SHOULDER BOLT AND .55 INCH SPACER.
Defect
INCORRECT SIZE AIR BRAKE ACTUATOR CHAMBERS WERE INSTALLED ON THE DRIVE AXLES.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE.
Remedy
REPLACE DRIVE AXLE BRAKE CHAMBERS WITH CORRECT SIZE CHAMBERS.
Defect
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN DEVELOP.
Consequence
SHORT CIRCUIT COULD RESULT IN TRUCKS CATCHING FIRE.
Remedy
REPLACE EXISTING PICTURE FRAME TYPE BATTERY RETAINER WITH AN I FRAME RETAINER AND INSTALL CONVOLUTED TUBING OVER POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE.
Defect
SEAT BELTS CAN LOOSEN AS THE TRUCK IS DRIVEN. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: DRIVER AND PASSENGER WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH.
Remedy
REPLACE THE NON LOCKING RETRACTOR SEAT BELTS WITH AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR SEAT BELTS.
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 — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 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.