1997 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY
4 recalls, 5 complaints - 9 TSBs
00V232002 Aug 7, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
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... Read more
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.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
98V326000 Dec 21, 1998
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONNECTING LINKAGE SOCKETS CAN WEAR OUT PREMATURELY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT GREASING DURING ASSEMBLY.
Consequence
THIS CAN LEAD TO A SEPARATION OF THE LINKAGE AND LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONNECTING LINKAGES WITH NEW LINKS THAT ARE PROPERLY LUBRICATED.
98V085000 Apr 21, 1998
SUSPENSION:FRONT
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR INTERAXLE DRIVELINE U-JOINTS. DEFLECTOR RINGS, A PART OF THE SYSTEM TO SEAL THE U-JOINTS FROM CONTAMINATES, ARE LOOSE. THIS ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER THE U-JOINT BEARING AREA RESULT IN DILUTION OF THE LUBRICANT, OXIDATION OF THE BEARING AND... Read more
Consequence
IF THIS PROBLEM GOES UNDETECTED, THE INTERAXLE DRIVELINE CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE U-JOINTS WITH THE CURRENT DESIGN U-JOINTS.
97V112000 Jul 16, 1997
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCK. LEAKS THROUGH THE FIREWALL OR STEERING SHAFT BOOTS ALLOWS WATER TO RUN DOWN THE STEERING SHAFT. THE STEERING SHAFT SLIP SPLINE CORRODES CAUSING IT TO SEIZE.
Consequence
INCREASED STEERING EFFORT CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT WITH A NEW DESIGN THAT IS INSTALLED IN AN INVERTED ORIENTATION SO NO WATER CAN ENTER THE SPLINES.
Complaint Statistics
5 total complaints
1 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 2 |
| TIRES:SIDEWALL | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | 1 |
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Sep 22, 2006
Incident date: Sep 21, 2006
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... Read more
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
Aug 8, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING REAR LEFT LEAF SEPARATED FROM WHEEL FRAME, RESULTING IN MAJOR DAMAGE TO TRUCK. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED; HOWEVER UNABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK
EQUIPMENT
May 14, 2002
CONTINUAL PROBLEM WITH THE AIR GUAGES BEING INACCURATE, THEY WILL NOT DROP TO ZERO WHEN AIR TANKS ARE DRAINED THEY STILL SHOW 15-20 LBS OF AIR PRESSURE THEY ARE OFF 10-20% WHEN AIR TANKS ARE FULL, CHP INSPECTIONS AT TERMINAL HAVE FOUND ALL AIR GUAGES INCLUDING THE GUAGE THAT WAS REPLACED TO BE INACC... Read more
EQUIPMENT
Oct 24, 2001
CONTINUAL PROBLEM WITH THE AIR GUAGES BEING INACCURATE, THEY WILL NOT DROP TO ZERO WHEN AIR TANKS ARE DRAINED THEY STILL SHOW 15-20 LBS OF AIR PRESSURE THEY ARE OFF 10-20% WHEN AIR TANKS ARE FULL, CHP INSPECTIONS AT TERMINAL HAVE FOUND ALL AIR GUAGES INCLUDING THE GUAGE THAT WAS REPLACED TO BE INACC... Read more
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Nov 27, 1998
Incident date: Jul 29, 1998
TIRE BLEW OUT ON SIDEWALL RESULTING IN VEHICLE ROLLOVER ACCIDENT.(BRIDGESTONE 295/75R/225).
1 injured
Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY
9 manufacturer communications from 9 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 062100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| 116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE | 1 |
| 063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 1 |
| 011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR | 1 |
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| 204000 WHEELS:HUB | 1 |
| 062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 1 |
| 015200 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | 1 |
sb2057
Feb 26, 2018
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
sb2057 New Surge Tank Design
SF229A
Mar 1, 2001
015200 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
FIELD SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO MODIFY CERTAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACUTRED BETWEEN OCTOBER 3, 1997 AND AUGUST 18, 2000, THAT MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLE LEAKS IN THE POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE. *TT
5467
Sep 1, 1997
062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
INFORMATIONREGARDING LOW COOLANT LEVEL INDICATION. *TT
3313
Apr 1, 1997
204000 WHEELS:HUB
SOME VEHICLES WITH FF-981 HUB CAPS MANUFACTURED AFTER THE PRODUCTION IMPROVEMENTS IN NOVEMBER HAVE BEEN FOUND WITH LOOSE HUB CAPS. *TW
4619
Feb 1, 1997
011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
SOME CENTURY CLASS VEHICLES MAY MAKE A POPPING OR THUMPING NOISE DURING LOW SPEED/SHARP-TURN MANEUVERS- THE NOISE MAY OCCUR UNDER THESE CONDITIONS BECAUSE THE SLIP SPLINE OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WILL STICK, THEN SLIDE PRODUCING
2029
Jan 1, 1997
062100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
SOME VENDOR-SUPPLIED RADIATOR SURGE TANKS FOR CENTURY CLASS VEHICLES HAVE IRREGULAR SURFACES BETWEEN THE FILLER NECK AND THE CAP, CAUSING THE CAPS TO LEAK. *JD
5464
Jan 1, 1997
116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
TROUBLESHOOTING THE INSTRUMENTATION CONTROL UNIT (ICU) PRESENTS AN OVERVIEW OF THE ICU SYSTEMS AND FUNCTIONS. *JD
4914
Jan 1, 1997
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
TOP EXHAUST STACKS ON FLB COES, FLD CONVENTIONALS, FLL COES, AND CENTURY CLASS VEHICLES ARE INSTALLED AT A 45-DEGREE ANGLE OUTBOARD RATHER THAN FACING STRAIGHT BACK- THIS CONFIGURATION INCREASES EPA NOISE TEST EMISSIONS ON CERTAIN VEHICLES
5458
Jan 1, 1997
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RECONFIGURE EITHER THE INSTRUMENTATION CONTROL UNIT (ICU) OR THE DATA LOGGING UNIT (DLU)- ALWAYS RECONFIGURE THE UNIT WHEN IT HAS BEEN REPLACED. *JD
NHTSA Safety Investigations, FREIGHTLINER CENTURY
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE08009
Opened: Feb 1, 2008 , Closed: Jul 3, 2008
POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURES
ODI'S INVESTIGATION OF THE SUBJECT POWER STEERING PUMP HAS FOUND THAT, WITH OVER FIVE YEARS OF OPERATIONAL EXPOSURE, THERE HAVE BEEN NO PUMP FAILURES THAT RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE ROAD OR ANY SUDDEN DROP OFF IN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST AT A... Read more
EA07002
Opened: Jan 30, 2007 , Closed: Jul 12, 2007
STEERING COLUMN WELD CRACKS
AS A RESULT OF THE ODI INVESTIGATION, FREIGHTLINER HAS AGREED TO RECALL (NUMBER 07V-289) ALL OF THE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED WITH STEERING COLUMNS POTENTIALLY MISSING WELDS.THE RECALL REMEDY WILL INVOLVE INSPECTING THE RECALLED VEHICLES FOR MISSING WELDS AND IF FOUND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN.EARLY W... Read more
PE06033
Opened: Aug 30, 2006 , Closed: Jan 30, 2007
STEERING COLUMN WELD CRACKS
EARLY WARNING AGGREGATE DATA SUBMITTED TO NHTSA BY FREIGHTLINER SUGGESTS THAT A STEERING (EWR CODE 01) PROBLEM EXISTS FOR THE 2004 AND 2005 CENTURY AND COLUMBIA CLASS VEHICLES.THE COUNT OF FIELD REPORTS SUBMITTED FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2006 WAS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE OF THE PREVIOUS... Read more
PE03005
Opened: Feb 7, 2003 , Closed: Aug 22, 2003
FRONT BRAKE AIR HOSE LEAKS
CERTAIN 1998-2001 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY AND COLUMBIA VEHICLES EXHIBIT A HIGHER RATE OF FRONT BRAKE AIR HOSE LEAKS THAN EARLIER VINTAGE FREIGHTLINER VEHICLES.THE LEAKS HAVE BEEN FREQUENTLY DISCOVERED AT FMCSA ROADSIDE INSPECTIONS SINCE THESE INSPECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED (PRESSURIZ... Read more
PE02088
Opened: Nov 22, 2002 , Closed: May 1, 2003
INTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
FREIGHTLINER SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ON MARCH 21, 2003 IN WHICH THEY IDENTIFIED APPROXIMATELY 5000 TRUCKS AS POSSIBLY BEINGAFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM.ARVINMERITOR (FRONT AXLE MFR) SUBMITTED A DEFECT REPORT ONAPRIL 16, 2003, WHICH IDENTIFIES 6098 FREIGHTLINER TRUCKS ASBEING AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL AN... Read more
FREIGHTLINER CENTURY - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the FREIGHTLINER CENTURY across all model years (1995, 2013).
104
Total Recalls
76
Total Complaints
5
Investigations
0
Reported Crashes
2
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
FREIGHTLINER CENTURY - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.