Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2002 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.
2
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1 | 50% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 50% | — flat |
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.
“THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT END SUSPENSION. FRONT END SUSPENSION BROKE TWICE, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED. *AK *TT”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 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.