Freightliner Century Problems by Year
NHTSA has 53 owner complaints and 38 safety recalls on file for the Freightliner Century, across 19 model years (1995–2013). The 2000 model year has the most complaints (15). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
Freightliner Century years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Century year: 2000. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2000 Century: 15 complaints, 6 recalls
- 1998 Century: 9 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2006 Century: 6 complaints, 8 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2008 Century: 1 complaint, 9 recalls
- 2004 Century: 2 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2005 Century: 2 complaints, 2 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Freightliner Century problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 14 | 8 | 0 |
| Suspension | 13 | 5 | 0 |
| Tires | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Power Train | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Freightliner Century model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Century | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2012 Century | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2011 Century | 0 | 9 | — | — | |
| 2010 Century | 0 | 11 | — | — | |
| 2009 Century | 0 | 12 | — | — | |
| 2008 Century | 1 | 9 | — | Power Train | |
| 2007 Century | 0 | 9 | — | — | |
| 2006 Century | 6 | 8 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2005 Century | 2 | 2 | — | Tires | |
| 2004 Century | 2 | 3 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2003 Century | 4 | 2 | — | Tires | |
| 2002 Century | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2001 Century | 4 | 4 | — | Suspension | |
| 2000 Century | 15 | 6 | — | Suspension | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1999 Century | 6 | 7 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1998 Century | 9 | 5 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1997 Century | 4 | 4 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1996 Century | 0 | 7 | — | — | |
| 1995 Century | 0 | 2 | — | — |
More from Freightliner: all Freightliner models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Freightliner Century years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2000 (15) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Century year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Freightliner Century?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 14 complaints across 8 model years.
How many recalls does the Freightliner Century have?
38 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.