Freightliner MT Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jan 11, 2001 · 22 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 5 safety recalls on file for the Freightliner MT, across 7 model years (1995–2002). The 1998 model year has the most complaints (10). The most reported problem area overall is suspension.

Peak: 1998, with 10 complaints
1995: 0199501996: 0199601997: 0199701998: 101998102000: 7200072001: 3200132002: 220022

n = 22 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Freightliner MT years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical MT year: 1998. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 1998 MT: 10 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2000 MT: 7 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2001 MT: 3 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 MT problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Suspension940
Equipment320
Power Train320
Electrical System220
Steering210
Structure220
Engine and Engine Cooling110
Exterior Lighting110
Fuel System, Gasoline110
Fuel System, Other110
Parking Brake110
Service Brakes, Hydraulic110
Vehicle Speed Control110

All Freightliner MT model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2002 MT21—Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2001 MT33—Fuel System, Other
2000 MT71—Power Train
1998 MT101—SuspensionFar more complaints than other years
1997 MT02——
1996 MT02——
1995 MT02——

More from Freightliner: all Freightliner models · VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Freightliner MT years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 1998 (10) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical MT 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 MT?

Suspension, with 9 complaints across 4 model years.

How many recalls does the Freightliner MT have?

5 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.