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1997 Freightliner CenturyProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1997 Freightliner Century, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints41 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage350kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 22, 2006. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Freightliner Century has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling10
Equipment10
Suspension10
Tires11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

1997 Freightliner Century recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Service brakes, air: antilock

Recall 00V-232 · Aug 7, 2000 · 35,405 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Windshield wiper/washer: linkages

Recall 98V-326 · Dec 21, 1998 · 6,720 vehicles

Risk. THIS CAN LEAD TO A SEPARATION OF THE LINKAGE AND LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Suspension: front

Recall 98V-085 · Apr 21, 1998 · 22,186 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS PROBLEM GOES UNDETECTED, THE INTERAXLE DRIVELINE CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Steering: steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 97V-112 · Jul 16, 1997 · 11,366 vehicles

Risk. INCREASED STEERING EFFORT CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Freightliner.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Century year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Century median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Freightliner Century, and the recalls they led to.

  1. INTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLYPE02088 · closed May 1, 2003
    Led to recall 03E-019
In owners' words

What Century owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 64 MPH, THE EXHAUST FUME CAME INTO THE CAB THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM INTAKE. THERE WAS A SMELL OF FUME PRESENT WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED EITHER WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN IN AN IDLE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO…
Complaint 10168973 · Sep 22, 2006 · 350,000 miles

Own a 1997 Century?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.