Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1997 Freightliner Fln — 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
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN TRACTORS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE AIR LINES MAY NOT BE ROUTED PROPERLY TO THE DRIVE AXLE SERVICE BRAKE RELAY.
Consequence
THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARD.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CORRECT AIR LINE ROUTING AND REROUTE IF NECESSARY.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HALDEX MANIFOLD DASH VALVES (MDV) USED IN TRACTOR AND TRAILER PARKING BRAKES. THESE VALVES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." A LOSS OF THE ISOLATION OF THE TWO BRAKE SYSTEM CIRCUITS CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES WHEN THERE IS ANOTHER FAILURE OF ONE OF THE TWO BRAKE CIRCUITS.
Consequence
THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
A REPLACEMENT VALVE WILL BE PROVIDED TO OWNERS WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS WITH STEERING LINKAGES CONVERTED TO STAND-UP RIGHT-DRIVE BY FONTAINE MODIFICATION COMPANY. THESE VEHICLES HAVE A STEERING CROSS SHAFT THAT CONNECTS THE RIGHT SIDE STEERING COLUMN TO THE LEFT SIDE STEERING COLUMN, WITH A MITER BOX, AND U-JOINT AT EACH SIDE. THE CROSS SHAFT, MITER BOX SHAFT, AND U-JOINT HAVE KEYWAYS AND THE U-JOINT HAS A SET SCREW AT BOTH CONNECTIONS. THE KEYS CAN WORK LOOSE AND FALL OUT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL NUTS AND BOLTS THROUGH THE UNIVERSAL JOINT ENDS AND SHAFTS WHICH WILL CREATE A POSITIVE LOCK BETWEEN THE STEERING GEAR BOXES.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL STEERING. THE STEERING COLUMN PINCH BOLTS MAY BE UNDER-TORQUED OR MISSING.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE REQUIRED FASTENERS, INSTALL FASTENERS IS MISSING, AND RETORQUE TO SPECIFICATIONS.
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.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Freightliner Fln. 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.