VehicleVerdict

1996 Freightliner MB80 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1996 Freightliner MB80 — 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

Does the 1996 Freightliner MB80 have recalls?

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

97V090002TransmissionSeptember 2, 1997 · 1,993 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM AND HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH ALLISON 500 SERIES TRANSMISSION AND A BENDIX 9X3 POWER APPLY PARK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE CAM LEVER OF THE POWERED APPLY BRAKE CAN MOVE FORWARD, BECAUSE A HOLE IN THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTING BOSS WAS DRILLED TOO DEEP.

Consequence

THIS CAN ALLOW THE CAM LEVER TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE PARKING BRAKE SHOES. THE OPERATOR WOULD HAVE NO WARNING THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT APPLIED ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL SHIMS IN THE DRILLED AREA OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARK BRAKE PIVOT PIN HOLE.

1996 Freightliner MB80 — common questions

Is the 1996 Freightliner MB80 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 Freightliner MB80 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Freightliner MB80. 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.