VehicleVerdict

1997 Freightliner Xc problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1997 Freightliner Xc — 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Xc years?

Xc NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted4 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 4 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 0 complaints2004: 3 complaints2005: 1 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints
Xc NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Xc years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Freightliner Xc problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System267%
Speed Control133%

Does the 1997 Freightliner Xc have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V230002Speed ControlSeptember 5, 2000 · 5,032 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CHASSIS BUILT WITH CATERPILLAR ENGINES AND EQUIPPED WITH FELSTED ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR PEDALS. THE RETURN SPRINGS CAN BREAK ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH STAINLESS STEEL OR ELECTROPLATED MUSIC WIRE RETURN SPRINGS.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE PEDAL TO GO TO FULL THROTTLE IF BOTH RETURN SPRINGS BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

REPLACEMENT ACCELERATOR PEDALS EQUIPPED WITH RETURN SPRINGS MANUFACTURED OF MUSIC WIRE WITH ONE ADDITIONAL COIL ON EACH SPRING AND WITH AN ORGANIC COATING, ELIMINATING ELECTROPLATING WILL BE INSTALLED.

00V247000BrakesAugust 29, 2000 · 524 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: RECREATIONAL VEHICLE CHASSIS. INTERFERENCE CAN OCCUR BETWEEN THE STEER AXLE SLACK ADJUSTERS AND THE AXLE KNUCKLE POST DURING A FULL WHEEL CUT WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED BRAKING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SLACK ADJUSTERS WITH ONE THAT WILL PROVIDE CLEARANCE.

00V040000OtherFebruary 15, 2000 · 15,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOME CHASSIS. THE TIRE PRESSURE ON THE CERTIFICATION LABELS ARE INCORRECT FOR THE DESIGNATED GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION."

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN IMPROPER INFLATION OF THE TIRES FOR THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING LISTED FOR THE CHASSIS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OVERLAY WITH THE CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE.

99V223000SteeringAugust 16, 1999 · 1,182 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORHOME CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH A SIDE MOUNT RADIATOR AND HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. THE FILTER GASKET FOR THE POWER STEERING HYDRAULIC FLUID CAN BLOW OUT DUE TO PRESSURE SPIKES IN THE SYSTEM.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID AND AN EVENTUAL LOSS OF POWER ASSIST TO THE STEERING IF THE LEAK IS UNDETECTED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RECONFIGURE THE POWER STEERING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM TO ELIMINATE THE PRESSURE SPIKES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE DIDN'T HAVE BRAKE LIGHTS. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER WHO MADE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. BUT, BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO BURN WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKES. REMOVED THE FUSE. CURRENTLY, ANY TIME THE CHASSIS GETS WET IT CAUSES PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING AND SPEED CONTROL. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 17, 1999

“FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE DIDN'T HAVE BRAKE LIGHTS. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER WHO MADE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. BUT, BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO BURN WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKES. REMOVED THE FUSE. CURRENTLY, ANY TIME THE CHASSIS GETS WET IT CAUSES PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING AND SPEED CONTROL. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 17, 1999

1997 Freightliner Xc — common questions

Is the 1997 Freightliner Xc reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Freightliner Xc have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Freightliner Xc. 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.