NHTSA vehicle safety data

2004 Freightliner FLD Recalls & Complaints

The 2004 Freightliner FLD has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Freightliner dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2004 Freightliner FLD. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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

2004 Freightliner FLD owner complaints

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2004 Freightliner FLD, describing incidents dated April 20, 2005.

Most-cited components

Steering 1 complaint
Suspension 1 complaint

The complaint on file reports a crash, with 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10119642 · Filed May 3, 2005
AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER AND ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTIONIST I WAS ASKED TO EXAMINE THE FRONT AXLE OF A LATE MODEL FREIGHTLINER TRUCK-TRACTOR THAT HAD BEEN IN A LOSS-OF-STEERING-CONTROL TYPE ACCIDENT. THE ACCIDENT RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOSS OF THE TRACTOR, THE TRAILER, THE TRAILER LOAD AND INJURY TO THE…

Read the full complaint

DIESEL FUEL LEAK/DETROIT DIESEL

NHTSA #11V478000 · Fuel System, Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported September 16, 2011 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 73,500 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 11C-2 · Owners notified February 21, 2012 · Vehicles built starting July 11, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 11, 2003, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH EPA04 MODEL MBE4000 ENGINES BUILT WITH PLASTIC LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINES AND FUEL FILTERS MOUNTED NEAR THE CENTER OF THE ENGINE ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE. THE PLASTIC LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINE BETWEEN ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL FILTER AND ENGINE BLOCK MAY DEVELOP A SUBSTANTIAL DIESEL FUEL LEAK.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD CREATE A ROAD HAZARD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES. VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND THE PLASTIC LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A STEEL LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED TO OWNERS ON OCTOBER 28, 2011. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

DAIMLER TRUCKS' CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11C-2.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION OIL LINE/CATERPILLAR

NHTSA #09V366000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported September 23, 2009 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 25,362 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-558 · Owners notified May 5, 2009 · Vehicles built April 1, 2003 – June 30, 2009 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C15 ENGINE. THE VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION OIL LINE MAY RUB AGAINST THE P-CLIPS RETAINING THE OIL LINE, CAUSING AN OIL LEAK.

Safety consequence

AN OIL LEAK MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS WORKING WITH CATERPILLAR TO REMEDY THESE VEHICLES. PLEASE SEE CATERPILLAR'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-020. CATERPILLAR WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CATERPILLAR TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-447-4986 OR DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

DAIMLER TRUCKS RECALL NO. FL-558. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

STEERING LINKAGES/ZF

NHTSA #05V408000 · Steering — Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported September 13, 2005 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 37,029 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-452 · Owners notified November 16, 2005 · Vehicles built April 1, 2004 – November 30, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCK AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH I-SHAFTS SUPPLIED BY ZF HEAVY DUTY STEERING, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR A FAILURE OF THE FORK/SHAFT CONNECTION.

Safety consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE COULD SUFFER A LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ATTACH A TENSION COLLAR TO THE STEERING SHAFT TO SECURE THE CONNECTION TO THE YOKE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-452.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236; (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FRONT HUB/CONMET

NHTSA #05V285000 · Wheels — Hub · NHTSA notice

Reported June 14, 2005 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 1,786 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-451 · Owners notified March 15, 2006 · Vehicles built August 30, 2004 – March 29, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 3RD GENERATION CONMET ALUMINUM WHEELS, THE DRUM MOUNTING FLANGE ON THE CONMET TRUTURN BRAKE DRUM MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A TAPER FROM THE PILOT HOLE TO THE BARREL OF THE DRUM.

Safety consequence

THIS TAPER MAY CAUSE CRACKING OR FRACTURES OF THE FRONT HUB. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND TESTING, FREIGHTLINER HAS REVISED THE POPULATION AND THE REMEDY (DECEMBER 22, 2005). THEREFORE, THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO.FL-451. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FREIGHTLINER/BRAKE PEDAL ADJUSTMENT

NHTSA #04V591000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Pedals and Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported December 15, 2004 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 250 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-437 · Owners notified April 11, 2005 · Vehicles built September 27, 2004 – October 12, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD WAS NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY.

Safety consequence

LOOSE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD JAM NUTS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL ADJUST THE PEDAL PUSHROD. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 11, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-437.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FREIGHTLINER/ARVIN-MERITOR/INTERAXLE DRIVELINE

NHTSA #04V590000 · Power Train — Driveline · NHTSA notice

Reported December 15, 2004 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 1,095 vehicles

Freightliner campaign FL-436 · Owners notified April 4, 2005 · Vehicles built May 7, 2004 – October 20, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE INTERAXLE DRIVELINE YOKES. THE BOLT HOLES LOCATED ON THE EARWORK OF THE MALE SHAFT YOKES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN OVERSIZED MINOR THREAD DIAMETER.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION ALLOWS THE BOLTS USED IN THE HOLES TO BECOME DETACHED WHICH COULD RESULT IN A DRIVELINE SEPARATION. DRIVELINE SEPARATION COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT MALE SHAFT YOKES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-436.CUSTOMERS CAN 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 2004 Freightliner FLD. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

1 owner complaint has been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Freightliner FLD.

Steering; Suspension

ODI #10119642

Crash 1 injury

Incident: April 20, 2005 · Filed: May 3, 2005

AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER AND ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTIONIST I WAS ASKED TO EXAMINE THE FRONT AXLE OF A LATE MODEL FREIGHTLINER TRUCK-TRACTOR THAT HAD BEEN IN A LOSS-OF-STEERING-CONTROL TYPE ACCIDENT. THE ACCIDENT RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOSS OF THE TRACTOR, THE TRAILER, THE TRAILER LOAD AND INJURY TO THE DRIVER. UPON EXAMINING THE LEFT FRONT STEERING SPINDLE I NOTICED IT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE. THE PLACE WHERE THE SPINDLE CONNECTS TO THE AXLE IS EFFECTED BY AN INTERFERENCE FIT BETWEEN A SOLID CYLINDER AND A CYLINDRICAL HOLE WITH NO OTHER MEANS OF JOINING THE TWO PARTS. THE HOLE WAS CRACKED WHICH CAUSED A PARTIAL LOSS OF INTERENCE FIT WHICH ALLOWED THE SPINDLE TO WORK ITS WAY OUT OF THE HOLE. WHEN THIS OCCURS THERE IS LOSS OF LOAD SUPPORT BY THE WHEEL AND A LOSS OF STEERING. THERE WAS NO IMPACT DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL SO THE SEPARATION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT NOT A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. THIS WAS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE FRONT AXLE BUT IT IS NOT KNOWN AT THIS TIME IF IT IS A (1) DESIGN DEFECT , (2) MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR (3) A MATERIAL DEFECT. HOWEVER, THERE IS A DEFECT AND IT IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM BECAUSE THERE ARE SEVERAL THOUSAND OF THESE TRUCK TRACTORS OPERATING RIGHT NOW WITH STEERING AXLES POTENTIALLY ABOUT TO FAIL AND WHEN THEY DO THE EFFECTS WILL BE CATASTROPHIC TO THE DRIVERS, OTHER MOTORISTS AND CARGOES. THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM IS TO STOP THE TRUCKS, RECALL THE TRUCKS AND REPLACE OR MODIFY THE SPINDLE-AXLE CONNECTION SO THAT THEY CAN'T SEPARATE. I KNOW THAT THERE WAS A MEETING OF A NUMBER OF TRUCKING COMPANIES THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THEY HAVE NOT HAD ANY GOOD RESPONSE FROM FREIGHTLINER REGARDING FIXING THE PROBLEM. FOR THE SAKE OF PUBLIC SAFETY YOU SHOULD OPEN AN INVESTIGATION OF THIS PROBLEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THESE TRUCK TRACTORS AND THEIR DEFECTIVE STEERING AXLES ARE TICKING TIME BOMBS ON OUR NATION'S HIGHWAYS.

Other Freightliner FLD model years

Check your 2004 Freightliner FLD VIN

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