VehicleVerdict

1997 Freightliner Fld problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1997 Freightliner Fld — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Fld years?

Fld NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted2 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 1 complaints2004: 2 complaints2005: 1 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints
Fld NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fld years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Freightliner Fld problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1100%

Does the 1997 Freightliner Fld have recalls?

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

02V077000Speed ControlMarch 20, 2002 · 97 units

Defect

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS CONVERTED FROM SLEEPERCABS TO DAY CABS AND EQUIPPED WITH A DETROIT DIESEL OPTIMIZED IDLE SYSTEM. THE IDLE SYSTEM WAS NOT COMPLETELY DISABLED IN THE CAB CONVERSION PROCESS.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN UNINTENTIONAL ENGINE STARTING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL COMPLETELY DISABLE THE OPTIMIZED IDLE SYSTEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 3, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE REAR AXLE OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL WIRING FAILURE, EVIDENCE OF BURNT TAIL LIGHTS AND WIRING. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 2, 2000 · fire

1997 Freightliner Fld — common questions

Is the 1997 Freightliner Fld reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Freightliner Fld have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Freightliner Fld. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.