1997 Freightliner FLD Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 26, 2002 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other FLD years
Not enough data 2nd of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 1997 Freightliner FLD. That ranks 2nd out of 15 FLD model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (1 complaints, 100%). Complaints mention 1 fire. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

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

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Most common 1997 Freightliner FLD problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System1100%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

1997 Freightliner FLD recalls (2)

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

Vehicle speed controlMar 20, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V077000 · 97 vehicles

Problem: Certain heavy duty trucks converted from sleepercabs to day cabs and equipped with a detroit diesel optimized idle system. The idle system was not completely disabled in the cab conversion process.

Risk: This can result in unintentional engine starting, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will completely disable the optimized idle system. Owner notification began april 3, 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:antilockAug 7, 2000 · NHTSA campaign 00V232002 · 35,405 vehicles

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.

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.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The rear axle of the vehicle caught on fire due to possible electrical wiring failure, evidence of burnt tail lights and wiring. (ohio traffic crash report) *mjs

Electrical System · received Jul 19, 2000 · NHTSA complaint 553100

Other Freightliner FLD years

← 1996 FLD · 1998 FLD →

See all Freightliner FLD 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 1997 Freightliner FLD?

Owners most often report electrical system problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Freightliner FLD?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1997 Freightliner FLD a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other FLD model years, the 1997 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.