NHTSA vehicle safety data
1998 Freightliner FLN Recalls & Complaints
The 1998 Freightliner FLN has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file as of October 21, 2026. try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 1998 Freightliner FLN. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Freightliner dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1998 Freightliner FLN. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
FREIGHTLINER/BRAKES
NHTSA #01V085001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components · NHTSA notice
Reported March 12, 2001 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 1,350 vehicles
Freightliner campaign FL-285 · Owners notified March 21, 2002 · Vehicles built September 3, 1998 – March 12, 2001 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES AND A DURAPARK PARK BRAKE SYSTEM MANUFACTURED BY ARVINMERITOR. AIR IS ENTERING THE HYDRAULIC REAR BRAKE CYLINDERS THROUGH AN UNKNOWN PATH AND THE REAR SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES MAY NOT BE OPERATING PROPERLY.
Safety consequence
THIS RESULTS IN SPONGY OR SOFT FEEL TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND A LOSS OF REAR BRAKING CAPABILITY.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE ABS ECU AND INSPECT THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR PROPER TRAVEL. IF EXCESSIVE TRAVEL IS DETECTED, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WILL BE BLED AND REAR BRAKES ADJUSTED. AS AN INTERIM MEASURE, FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY ALL OWNERS TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES INSPECTED TO ASSURE PROPER FUNCTION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS WILL INCLUDE ADJUSTING AND BLEEDING THE BRAKES. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED THAT ON A REGULAR BASIS THEY SHOULD DO SEVERAL HARD BRAKE APPLICATIONS WHILE STOPPED. THIS WILL EXERCISE THE SELF-ADJUSTING SYSTEM AND IF THEY OBSERVE A LOW OR SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL THEY WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE IN FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 21, 2002. 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/FMVSS 121/AIR GAUGE
NHTSA #00V151000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Low Pressure Warning — Switch · NHTSA notice
Reported May 22, 2000 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 7 vehicles
Freightliner campaign FL-258 · Owners notified August 24, 2000 · Vehicles built November 24, 1998 – December 18, 1998 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY TRUCKS BUILT WITH AIR BRAKES THAT DID NOT HAVE AIR GAUGES INSTALLED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Safety consequence
THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARD.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DUAL NEEDLE AIR PRESSURE GAUGE.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 24, 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/FMVSS 121/BRAKE APPLICATION TIMING
NHTSA #00V152001 · Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA notice
Reported May 22, 2000 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 83 vehicles
Freightliner campaign FL-259 · Owners notified February 6, 2001 · Vehicles built January 1, 1998 – May 2, 2000 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN TRACTORS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE AIR LINES MAY NOT BE ROUTED PROPERLY TO THE DRIVE AXLE SERVICE BRAKE RELAY.
Safety consequence
THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARD.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CORRECT AIR LINE ROUTING AND REROUTE IF NECESSARY.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 6, 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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FREIGHTLINER/STEERING AXLE HUB
NHTSA #99V295000 · Suspension — Front — Hub · NHTSA notice
Reported October 26, 1999 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 2,976 vehicles
Freightliner campaign FL-246 · Owners notified November 18, 1999 · Vehicles built October 1, 1998 – October 18, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE OUTBOARD BEARING ON THE STEERING AXLE HUBS CAN FAIL DUE TO WATER INTRUSION THROUGH A HUBCAP VENT.
Safety consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE HUBCAP AND INSPECT FOR WATER INTRUSION AND CORROSION. THE HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED IF THERE IS EVIDENCE OF CORROSION. A NON-VENTED HUBCAP WILL BE INSTALLED.
Notes
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-246.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 1999. 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/RIGHT HAND DRIVE
NHTSA #99V224000 · Steering · NHTSA notice
Reported August 17, 1999 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 224 vehicles
Freightliner campaign FL-242 · Owners notified October 13, 1999 · Vehicles built July 1, 1992 – May 29, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS WITH STEERING LINKAGES CONVERTED TO STAND-UP RIGHT-DRIVE BY FONTAINE MODIFICATION COMPANY. THESE VEHICLES HAVE A STEERING CROSS SHAFT THAT CONNECTS THE RIGHT SIDE STEERING COLUMN TO THE LEFT SIDE STEERING COLUMN, WITH A MITER BOX, AND U-JOINT AT EACH SIDE. THE CROSS SHAFT, MITER BOX SHAFT, AND U-JOINT HAVE KEYWAYS AND THE U-JOINT HAS A SET SCREW AT BOTH CONNECTIONS. THE KEYS CAN WORK LOOSE AND FALL OUT.
Safety consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL NUTS AND BOLTS THROUGH THE UNIVERSAL JOINT ENDS AND SHAFTS WHICH WILL CREATE A POSITIVE LOCK BETWEEN THE STEERING GEAR BOXES.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 13, 1999.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/ENGINE STALL
NHTSA #99V181002 · Electrical System — Ignition — Module · NHTSA notice
Reported July 27, 1999 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 320 vehicles
Vehicles built December 22, 1998 – July 16, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR ENGINES AND EATON AUTOSHIFT TRANSMISSIONS. THE ENGINES CAN STALL BECAUSE OF SOFTWARE PROBLEMS.
Safety consequence
INCREASED STEERING EFFORT CAN OCCUR.
Manufacturer remedy
CATERPILLAR IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL UPDATE THESE ENGINES WITH SOFTWARE CHANGES.
Notes
CATERPILLAR IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THIS RECALL.OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 1999.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/STEERING COLUMN BOLTS
NHTSA #99V143000 · Steering — Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · NHTSA notice
Reported June 9, 1999 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 666 vehicles
Freightliner campaign FL-238 · Owners notified September 1, 1999 · Vehicles built August 29, 1997 – August 6, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL STEERING. THE STEERING COLUMN PINCH BOLTS MAY BE UNDER-TORQUED OR MISSING.
Safety consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE REQUIRED FASTENERS, INSTALL FASTENERS IS MISSING, AND RETORQUE TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 1, 1999.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/FMVSS 206
NHTSA #98V280000 · Structure — Body — Door — Hinge and Attachments · NHTSA notice
Reported November 5, 1998 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 441 vehicles
Owners notified January 25, 1999 · Vehicles built August 25, 1998 – September 2, 1998 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE DOOR HINGE FASTENERS CONTAIN A DEFECT WHICH COULD CAUSE A FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE LOADING REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
Safety consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DOOR HINGE MAY NOT PERFORM AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR HINGE FASTENERS.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 25, 1999. 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).
Other Freightliner FLN model years
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