1996 Freightliner Business Class Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jan 26, 2004 · 0 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Business Class years
Not enough data 6th of 9 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

NHTSA has received no owner complaints about the 1996 Freightliner Business Class so far. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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1996 Freightliner Business Class recalls (5)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Vehicle speed controlJul 10, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V246000 · 62 vehicles

Problem: On certain trucks and buses equipped with cummins electronic control modules on the c8.3g and l10g engines, the ecm does not have the ability to detect a throttle fail-safe engine shutdown command. This could result in an unanticipated, uncommanded open throttle condition without warning.

Risk: If this event occurs, the vehicle operator will not have control of the engine speed, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Cummins will notify the customers and replace the ecm. Owners should contact cummins at 1-800-343-7357 or freightliner at 1-503-745-5219.

Parking brake:conventional:mechanical:linkage and cableApr 10, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V108001 · 548 vehicles

Problem: On certain trucks equipped with meritor brand 12" x 4" dcm drum parking brake, the bolts used to attach the parking brake assembly to the flange yoke are too large and can interfere with the proper engagement of the braking system and possibly disengage.

Risk: Improper engagement of the parking brake could result in the vehicle rolling away without prior warning possibly resulting in personal injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will replace the attaching bolts with the correct size bolts free of charge. Owner notification is expected to begin during october 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.

Service brakes, air:controls, pedals and linkagesNov 3, 2000 · NHTSA campaign 00V357000 · 105,000 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The brake pedal push rod that activates the service brakes could fracture.

Risk: This could result in a loss of braking control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the brake pedal push rod.

Service brakes, airMar 29, 1999 · NHTSA campaign 99V065000 · 142 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with a bendix anti-lock braking system (abs). The rear axle abs modulating valves may be plumbed incorrectly.

Risk: This can cause the rear axle service brakes, when in the abs mode, to not modulate as intended.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle abs modulating valve supply and outlet port for correct plumbing and re-plumb if necessary.

Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fanMar 4, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V052000 · 8,485 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: truck-tractors equipped with 26" 8-blade metal engine cooling fans. The fan blades can fatigue crack and eventually separate from the fan.

Risk: If the fan blade breaks while a person was working in the engine, personal injury could occur.

Fix: Dealers will replace these fans with fans which are more durable.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Abs corrosion extends stopping dist (EA02036) — opened Dec 11, 2002, closed Jan 26, 2004.

Other Freightliner Business Class years

← 1995 Business Class · 1997 Business Class →

See all Freightliner Business Class problems by year, every Freightliner model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Freightliner Business Class?

NHTSA has no owner complaints on file yet.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Freightliner Business Class?

Yes, 5 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1996 Freightliner Business Class a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Business Class model years, the 1996 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.