- The problem
- Vehicle description: trucks equipped with a driveline parking brake. The fasteners that connect the end of transmission companion flange to the park drum and driveline may loosen.
- The risk
- If this is undetected, the fasteners may fatigue and eventually shear off allowing the driveline to separate, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the flange fasteners for proper torque and replace any fasteners found loose. If the fasteners are found to be properly torqued, they will be removed, permalock will be added, and then retorqued to proper specifications.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Freightliner FL-70 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1997 Freightliner FL-70 with NHTSA, most often about the acceleration & cruise control (1) and the suspension (1). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in April 1999 for the driveline. For comparison, the 1996 has 2 and the 1998 has 19.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical FL-70 year, for its age
#268 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Freightliner FL-70 problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Freightliner FL-70 recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Vehicle description: vans and trucks equipped with an optional automatic transmission shift lever that includes a park brake position. The transmission shifter/park brake lever can bind before fully engaging in the park brake position causing a false park condition.
- The risk
- The vehicle can move after being placed in park increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a spacer plate in the shifter and inspect for the presence of an "e" clip that detains the detent pin.
What owners say
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Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
2 complaints about the 1997 Freightliner FL-70
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
While traveling @ 54 mph, looaded with 36 thousand pounds of shell to a jobsite northbound on hwy 41 on the inside lane, went over the railroad tracks, and due to poor depression hump on railroad tracks caused vehicle to blow out airbag and piston which required repair costing our company $415.02, And a loss of work to our company costing us a total of $991.81 For the delivery of materials to a job lost due to not being able to perform the work as required. *Ak
Consumer states that the accelerator sticks to the floor due to a frayed accelerator cable. *Slc
Freightliner FL-70: every year compared
All FL-70 years1997 Freightliner FL-70 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Freightliner FL-70 | 2 | 2 | B | |
| 1997 Freightliner Conventional | 5 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Freightliner Century | 4 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Freightliner Business Class | 2 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Freightliner FL-80 | 1 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Freightliner FLC120 | 1 | 1 | - | Compare |
| 1997 Freightliner Cargo | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Freightliner FL70 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Freightliner FL-70
Does the 1997 Freightliner FL-70 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1997 Freightliner FL-70: driveline (April 1999); column shift (April 1997). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Freightliner FL-70?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the acceleration & cruise control (1), suspension (1).
How many complaints has the 1997 Freightliner FL-70 had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 14, 2000 and the latest on July 25, 2003. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Freightliner FL-70 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 69 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Freightliner FL-70 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Freightliner FL-70 years have the most complaints?
1998 (19), 1999 (5), 2000 (4). See every Freightliner FL-70 year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Freightliner FL-70 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data