Freightliner FL-70 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 8 safety recalls on file for the Freightliner FL-70, across 7 model years (1995–2002). The 1998 model year has the most complaints (19). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
Freightliner FL-70 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical FL-70 year: 1998. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1998 FL-70: 19 complaints, 1 recall
- 1999 FL-70: 5 complaints, 1 recall
- 2000 FL-70: 4 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 1995 FL-70: 1 complaint, 4 recalls
- 2002 FL-70: 1 complaint, 1 recall
- 1996 FL-70: 2 complaints, 3 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 FL-70 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 17 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Power Train | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Freightliner FL-70 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 FL-70 | 1 | 1 | — | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2000 FL-70 | 4 | 0 | — | Suspension | |
| 1999 FL-70 | 5 | 1 | — | Power Train | |
| 1998 FL-70 | 19 | 1 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1997 FL-70 | 3 | 3 | — | Suspension | |
| 1996 FL-70 | 2 | 3 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 1995 FL-70 | 1 | 4 | — | Vehicle Speed Control |
More from Freightliner: all Freightliner models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Freightliner FL-70 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1998 (19) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical FL-70 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 FL-70?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 17 complaints across 1 model year.
How many recalls does the Freightliner FL-70 have?
8 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.