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1998 Ultimate AdvantageProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 1998 Ultimate Advantage, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints62 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Suspension

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 10, 2002. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Ultimate Advantage has problems

6 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
Suspension30
Tires20
Electrical system11

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

2 recalls

1998 Ultimate Advantage 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

Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer

Recall 02V-276 · Dec 3, 2002 · 631 vehicles

Risk. THE CONSEQUENCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE, POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Suspension: front

Recall 00V-378 · Dec 4, 2000 · 87 vehicles

Risk. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, ONE OR MORE OF THE FRONT AXLE COMPONENTS COULD FAIL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR PERSONAL INJURY.

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 Ultimate.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other Advantage 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 Advantage median. How we score

'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Advantage owners report

Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE RECALL REMEDY IS NOT FIXING THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER IS STILL UNABLE TO STEER OR CONTROL THEIR VEHICLE AFTER THE RECALL WAS DONE FOR THE OVERLOADING. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT "THEY DID ALL THEY CAN DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM". TS
Complaint 8024048 · Dec 10, 2002
FRONT END WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD. MANUFATURER AND DEALER HAVE BEEN CONTACTED TRYING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM FORL 2 YEARS. FREIGHTLINER HAS OFFERED TO USE A NEW PART THAT MAY REMEDY THE PROBLEM. BUT, PART HAS NEVER BEEN USED, AND MAY ADD MORE PROBLEMS. *AK
Complaint 8005288 · Mar 11, 2002
RECALL OO V 378 000/OVER LOADING: REPLACEMENT OF LARGER TIRES ON FRONT, BUT SMALLER TIRES REMAIN ON REAR. ASKING NHTSA TO SHARE SOME LIGHT ON THIS MATTER. *AK THE MANUFACTURER HAS CHANGED THE 2001 MODEL AND HAVE THE LARGER TIRES. *YH
Complaint 881310 · Feb 23, 2001

Own a 1998 Advantage?

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