1998 Freightliner Argosy Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.

Risk: Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace both front hubs. Owner notification is expected to begin on or before september 20, 2003. 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.

Problem: 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 the wheel end that generates a certain type of erratic sensor signal.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the abs ecu.

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with certain 12 volt power outlets. An unplugged hole in the floorboard can allow road salts and moisture into an area where a 12 volt power outlet is mounted.

Risk: A short between the outlet terminals could develop causing an electrical fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect all vehicles to determine if a floorboard plug was installed. On vehicles found without a plug, a new outlet and plug will be installed.

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The brake pedal pivot pin retainers may not have been properly installed.

Risk: The brake pedal could move increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the brake pedal pivot pin with a longer pin that prevents mis-installation of the retaining hitch pin.

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The outboard bearing on the steering axle hubs can fail due to water intrusion through a hubcap vent.

Risk: This condition can result in a separation of the wheel.

Fix: 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.

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The cigarette lighter is located close to the floorboard where an object on the floor may inadvertently hold the cigarette lighter in. The lighter circuit breaker only protects the circuit on the first event.

Risk: Subsequent events result in overheating with the possibility of a dash fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the cigarette lighter element with one that has a peripheral ring and pushbutton that prevents inadvertent activation. The circuit protection will also be changed from a breaker to a fuse.