Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2005 Freightliner Century Class
The 2005 Freightliner Century Class has significant issues with oil and fuel system leaks, raising concerns about engine reliability. Electrical system complaints are minimal, but missing protection for the cab power distribution remains a potential risk. Due diligence in inspecting these areas is crucial before purchase.
Known issues to inspect
Oil line rubbing and leaking
How to check: Inspect for oil leaks near the variable valve oil lines.
Diesel fuel line fractures
How to check: Check fuel lines for visible cracks or leaks.
Cab PDM cover issues
How to check: Ensure the cab PDM cover is secure and properly installed.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises or stalls.
Red flag: Persistent knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for oil or fuel leaks under the truck.
Red flag: Visible fluid puddles
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Observe for smooth engine acceleration.
Red flag: Power surges or lag
- 04
Braking
What to check: Feel for smooth and responsive braking.
Red flag: Brake fade or sponginess
- 05
Highway driving
What to check: Monitor for steady power at high speeds.
Red flag: Power loss or engine hesitation
- 06
Parking
What to check: Ensure smooth maneuverability and idle.
Red flag: Difficult steering or rough idle
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the oil line recall been addressed?
- Have there been any issues with fuel lines?
- Is the PDM cover installed correctly?
- Are there recent maintenance records?
- Have there been persistent engine issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Completed recall notices
- Repair invoices
- Vehicle history report
Generated by gpt-4o on 8/24/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2005 Freightliner Century Class.