VehicleVerdict

1987 Freightliner Conventional problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1987 Freightliner Conventional — 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Conventional years?

Conventional NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted27 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 3 complaints1991: 2 complaints1992: 2 complaints1993: 27 complaints1994: 1 complaints1995: 7 complaints1996: 8 complaints1997: 15 complaints1998: 5 complaints1999: 11 complaints2000: 14 complaints2001: 9 complaints2002: 2 complaints2007: 4 complaints2008: 2 complaints2018: 2 complaints
Conventional NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Conventional years to avoid →

Does the 1987 Freightliner Conventional have recalls?

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

88V160000SteeringOctober 11, 1988 · 92 units

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.

87V192000Seat BeltsDecember 18, 1987 · 180 units

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.

87V147000BrakesSeptember 15, 1987 · 41 units

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.

87V020000Electrical SystemFebruary 19, 1987 · 3,250 units

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.

1987 Freightliner Conventional — common questions

Is the 1987 Freightliner Conventional reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1987 Freightliner Conventional have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Freightliner Conventional. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Freightliner Conventional under NHTSA investigation?

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

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.