2005 Freightliner Fln problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2005 Freightliner Fln — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Fln years?

Fln NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fln years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Freightliner Fln problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	1	100%	new

Does the 2005 Freightliner Fln have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V137000TransmissionMarch 25, 2008 · 28,764 units

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 28,764 MY 2001 THROUGH 2008 FCCC B2 AND FS65 SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, FCCC FB65 CONVENTIONAL BUSES, AND STERLING ACTERRA, FREIGHTLINER FLN, AND BUSINESS CLASS M2 HEAVY TRUCKS, BUILT FROM JANUARY 26, 2000, THROUGH MARCH 24, 2008, MANUFACTURED WITH ARVINMERITOR OR AXLE ALLIANCE COMPANY 6,000 THROUGH 8,000 POUND FRONT AXLES UTILIZING A FOUR PIECE SPINDLE-NUT SET. THESE AXLE ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH A THIN SPINDLE NUT WHICH MAY LEAD TO INCORRECT END PLAY, CONE SPIN, EXCESSIVE HEAT, DEGRADATION OF LUBRICATION, WEAR OF THE SPINDLE NUT AND BEARING JOURNAL, OIL CONTAMINATION WITH METAL SHAVINGS, AND PREMATURE BEARING FAILURE.

Consequence

CONTINUED OPERATION MAY LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION AND POSSIBLY A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 8, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2005 FREIGHTLINER CONVENTIONAL, UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING EAST ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE WHEN THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. TIRE FRAGMENTS TORE THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER COVER OFF AND REMOVED THE LEFT HEAD LAMP APPARATUS. UNIT 1 PULLED TO THE INSIDE BERM. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0155-89)*JB”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 19, 2011

2005 Freightliner Fln — common questions

Is the 2005 Freightliner Fln reliable?

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

Does the 2005 Freightliner Fln have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 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.

How does 2005 compare to other Fln years?

What are the most common 2005 Freightliner Fln problems?

Does the 2005 Freightliner Fln have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2005 Freightliner Fln — common questions

Is the 2005 Freightliner Fln reliable?

Does the 2005 Freightliner Fln have recalls?

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