Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 25 complaints on file for the 1998 Freightliner Mt — 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.
25
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 7 | 28% | new |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 20% | new |
| Electrical System | 4 | 16% | new |
| Engine | 3 | 12% | new |
| Other | 3 | 12% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 8% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 4% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER HOIST COMPONENTS CAN BECOME LOOSE WHILE TRAVELING AND ALLOW THE SPARE TIRE TO MOVE FROM ITS STORED POSITION TO THE ROAD SURFACE.
Consequence
THE SPARE TIRE CAN CONTACT THE ROAD SURFACE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ADD A PRIMARY SPARE TIRE SUPPORT BRACKET.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHEN DRIVING THE MOTOR HOME PULLED TO LEFT AND RIGHT/WANDERED. TAKEN TO FIFTEEN DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS. IT WAS REALIGNED THREE TIMES, STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK”
“HWH HYDRAULIC LEVELING JACK WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY UNDER MOST PARKING CONDITIONS. THE JACKS ARE USED TO LEVEL AND STABILIZE THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED. THE LEVELING JACK EXTENDS AND THE VEHICLE WOULD FALL OFF DURING THE LEVELING PROCESS.”
The record is thin — 25 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (7 complaints), body & structure (5 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Freightliner Mt. 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.