NHTSA vehicle safety data

2000 Freightliner Century Recalls & Complaints

The 2000 Freightliner Century has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 15 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Freightliner dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2000 Freightliner Century. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2000 Freightliner Century owner complaints

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Freightliner Century, describing incidents dated April 10, 2000 to June 5, 2009.

Most-cited components

Suspension 8 complaints
Engine 2 complaints
Structure 2 complaints
Seats 1 complaint
Steering 1 complaint
Visibility/Wiper 1 complaint

Together, the 15 complaints on file report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10275837 · Filed July 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE DRIVER FELT A RUMBLE AND THUMP COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, BUT THE WHEEL BEARINGS BECAME LOOSE. AS A RESULT, THE WHEEL WAS HANGING ON THE STEERING SPINDLE, THE BRAKES…
ODI #10224765 · Filed April 16, 2008
CAME ACROSS THIS SITE BY WORD OF MOUTH. NOTICED THAT I'VE GOT SOOT RESIDUE IN MY VENTS. I'VE BEEN HAVING A FLU LIKE SYSTEM THAT MY DR COULDN'T DIAGNOSIS AND CLAIMED IT MIGHT BE ALLERGIES. MY BLOOD PRESSURE HAS BEEN GOING UP AND WE'VE BEEN ADJUSTING THE MEDS MORE FREQUENTLY SINCE I'VE BEEN IN THIS…
ODI #10179259 · Filed January 20, 2007
DON'T SMOKE, COUGHING, WAKING UP WITH HEADACHES, PASTOUT WHILE IN TRUCK ,VOMITING, TIRED ALL THE TIME, WHAT'S GOING ON HERE. I AM IN MY 30'S, THIS ISN'T RIGHT. I ALSO HAVE A FAMILY TO TAKE CARE OF, WILL THIS CAUSE ME PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE (HEALTH WISE). *NM

Read all 15 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2000 Freightliner Century in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE03-005: FRONT BRAKE AIR HOSE LEAKS
Closed August 22, 2003
Preliminary Evaluation PE02-088: INTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
Closed May 1, 2003

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

FREIGHTLINER/ARVINMERITOR/SKF/FRONT AXLE HUBS

NHTSA #03V112000 · Suspension — Front — Hub · NHTSA notice

Reported March 21, 2003 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 5,716 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-407 · Owners notified September 20, 2003 · Vehicles built August 1, 1998 – February 28, 2001 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRUCK HUB UNITS MANUFACTURED BY SKF EXCLUSIVELY FOR USE ON ARVINMERITOR'S FF98X SERIES NON-DRIVE STEER AXLES, THE HUB UNIT BEARINGS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.

Safety consequence

SEIZURE OF THE BEARINGS CAN CAUSE WHEEL SEPARATION OR WHEEL END FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT HUBS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-407.CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FREIGHTLINER/TRW TIE ROD ENDS (20EDL)

NHTSA #01V140007 · Steering — Linkages — Tie Rod Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported September 17, 2001 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 75,000 vehicles

Owners notified November 8, 2001 · Vehicles built April 30, 2000 – June 30, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRW TIE ROD ENDS ON CERTAIN MERITOR AXLES. THE TIE ROD AND DRAG LINK BALL STUD ENDS CONTAIN BEARINGS THAT ARE BELOW THE SPECIFIED CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS.

Safety consequence

THIS CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR WITH POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET, INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE ALL AFFECTED TIE RODS AND DRAG LINKS WITH DIFFERENT DESIGNED ENDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 8, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FREIGHTLINER/HALDEX/BRAKE SYSTEM VALVES

NHTSA #01V189001 · Service Brakes, Air — Controls, Pedals and Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported June 14, 2001 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 4,400 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-380 · Owners notified October 17, 2001 · Vehicles built September 19, 2000 – February 10, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CERTAIN HALDEX BRAKE SYSTEM TWO AND FOUR PORT RELAY VALVES. THE VALVE MAY STICK OPEN WHEN A HIGH-PRESSURE APPLICATION IS RELEASED.

Safety consequence

WHEN THE VALVE STICKS OPEN, IT CAN RESULT IN A TOTAL LOSS OF AIR FROM EITHER THE SERVICE OR THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DRIVER MAY LOSE BRAKING ABILITY UNDER A SERVICE APPLICATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE VALVES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FREIGHTLINER/ABS ECU

NHTSA #00V232002 · Service Brakes, Air — Antilock · NHTSA notice

Reported August 7, 2000 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 35,405 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-266 · Owners notified August 29, 2000 · Vehicles built February 13, 1998 – August 3, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS AND SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2000, TO SCHOOL BUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLE CUSTOMERS. OWNERS OF THE REMAINING POPULATION WERE SENT LETTERS ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FREIGHTLINER/EATON TRANSMISSION

NHTSA #00V131004 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported May 30, 2000 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 1,700 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-260 · Owners notified October 1, 2000 · Vehicles built June 1, 1999 – April 20, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EATON AUTOSHIFT GEN II TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLIES. DUE TO A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IN THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLIES, THE TRANSMISSION WILL SELECT THE WRONG GEAR.

Safety consequence

IF AN INAPPROPRIATE GEAR IS SELECTED WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S KNOWLEDGE, THE VEHICLE WILL REACT DIFFERENTLY THAN EXPECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOSHIFT TRANSMISSIONS.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR EATON AT 1-888-880-0970. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FREIGHTLINER/SUSPENSION SPRINGS

NHTSA #00V081000 · Suspension — Rear — Springs — Air Suspension System · NHTSA notice

Reported March 17, 2000 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 13,545 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-255 · Owners notified August 7, 2000 · Vehicles built December 1, 1999 – February 17, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS BUILT WITH DUAL LEAF SPRING TYPE AIR RIDE SUSPENSIONS AND VEHICLES BUILT WITH SINGLE LEAF SPRING TYPE AIR RIDE SUSPENSIONS. REAR SUSPENSION SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE THROUGH THE CENTER BOLT HOLE AFTER VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.

Safety consequence

IF UNDETECTED, THE REAR END OF THE SPRING COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING A HAZARDOUS ROAD DEBRIS SITUATION.

Manufacturer remedy

FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SINGLE LEAF SPRINGS, DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE ALL SPRINGS. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DUAL LEAF SPRINGS, DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKED SPRINGS AND REPLACE IF CRACKED.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 7, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2000 Freightliner Century. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

15 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Freightliner Century.

Suspension

ODI #10275837

Incident: June 5, 2009 · Filed: July 6, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE DRIVER FELT A RUMBLE AND THUMP COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, BUT THE WHEEL BEARINGS BECAME LOOSE. AS A RESULT, THE WHEEL WAS HANGING ON THE STEERING SPINDLE, THE BRAKES WERE HANGING IN PIECES, AND THE AIR LINE FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE PLASTIC ACCESS PANEL FAILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER AND REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V112000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 910,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 900,000. UPDATED 07/14/09.*LJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HE MISSED THE RECALL BY 4 WEEKS AND A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS THE SAME HUB UNIT THAT WAS RECALLED AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 07/16/09.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10224765

Incident: April 16, 2008 · Filed: April 16, 2008

CAME ACROSS THIS SITE BY WORD OF MOUTH. NOTICED THAT I'VE GOT SOOT RESIDUE IN MY VENTS. I'VE BEEN HAVING A FLU LIKE SYSTEM THAT MY DR COULDN'T DIAGNOSIS AND CLAIMED IT MIGHT BE ALLERGIES. MY BLOOD PRESSURE HAS BEEN GOING UP AND WE'VE BEEN ADJUSTING THE MEDS MORE FREQUENTLY SINCE I'VE BEEN IN THIS TRUCK. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10179259

1 injury

Incident: January 20, 2007 · Filed: January 20, 2007

DON'T SMOKE, COUGHING, WAKING UP WITH HEADACHES, PASTOUT WHILE IN TRUCK ,VOMITING, TIRED ALL THE TIME, WHAT'S GOING ON HERE. I AM IN MY 30'S, THIS ISN'T RIGHT. I ALSO HAVE A FAMILY TO TAKE CARE OF, WILL THIS CAUSE ME PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE (HEALTH WISE). *NM

Structure

ODI #10106956

Incident: October 12, 2004 · Filed: January 6, 2005

WHEN IT RAINS WATER COMES IN ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE WATER COMES IN THROUGH THE DRIP PAN, PER A GLASS COMPANY. DEALER STATED IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY.*AK

Steering; Suspension

ODI #10099495

Incident: August 28, 2004 · Filed: November 1, 2004

TRACTOR FAILURE, TIE ROD AND KING PINS AND BEARINGS WERE ALL IN POOR CONDITION. *BF *JB

Seats

ODI #10096825

Incident: September 24, 2004 · Filed: October 14, 2004

THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT WAS ALTERED BY THE MANUFACTURER WHO DISABLED THE FULL RECLINE. AS A RESULT THERE WAS A GREATER CHANCE OF WHIPLASH, SPINAL INJURY OR DRIVER EJECTION FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONCERNS ABOUT EXECUTIVE ORDERS DEALING WITH ERGONOMIC WORKPLACE SAFETY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Wheels

ODI #859999

Incident: April 10, 2000 · Filed: April 10, 2000

TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER THEY URGED CONSUMER TO TAKE VEHICLE TO TIRE COMPANY. TOOK IT THERE, AND THEY TOLD CONSUMER TO TAKE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. ALSO, CONSUMER INDICATED THAT TIRES DID NOT FIT THE HUBS. THIS CAUSED A ROUGH RIDE. CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE BOTH HUBS REPLACED. *AK *ML

Visibility

ODI #755876

Filed: December 20, 2001

THE INTAKE FOR THE HEATER/AC,IS UNDER THE HOOD AND IS SUPPOSE TO BE SEALED FROM THE REST OF THE ENGINE BY A RUBBER GASKET WICH FITS POORLY AND THERE ARE DRAIN TUBES THAT ALLOW FOUL AIR FROM UNDDER THE HOOD (CRANKCASE BLOWBY,EXTERNAL OIL LEAK BURNOFF) TO BE SUCKED INTO THE CAB,I HAVE IT HAPPEN ALMOST EVERY DAY WITH THIS TRUCK SOMETIMES THE SMOKE IS ACTUALY VISABLE IN THE CAB,THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF EXHAUST LEAKING SO IT HAS TO BE BLOW BY OR FUEL PUDDLING IN TURBO AT IDLE AND BEING PUSHED OUT TURBO SEAL AND BURRNING OFF THEN BY POOR LOCATION OF HVAC INTAKE GETS SUCKED INTO PASS. COMPARTMENT. THIS IS NOT MY TRUCK I AM JUST THE DRIVER AND I HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO FREIGHTLINERS ATT. AND I MIGHT AS WELL TALK TO A WALL THEY SAID SOME OF THE TRUCKS DO THAT BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHY

Suspension

ODI #558099

Incident: November 14, 2000 · Filed: December 12, 2000

THE LEFT FRONT SPRING HANGER IS LOOSE, CAUSING THE AXLE TO SHIFT. *SLC

Suspension

ODI #557386

Incident: October 24, 2000 · Filed: November 16, 2000

FRONT SPRING HANGER IS LOOSE ON THE FRAME, THIS IS CAUSING THE AXLE TO SHIFT. *SLC

Other Freightliner Century model years

Check your 2000 Freightliner Century VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Freightliner Century at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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