- The problem
- On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.
- The risk
- Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace both front hubs. Owner notification is expected to begin on or before september 20, 2003. 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.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Freightliner FLD Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1998 Freightliner FLD with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (2). It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in March 2003 for the hub. For comparison, the 1997 has 0 and the 1999 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical FLD year, for its age
#293 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1998 Freightliner FLD problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Freightliner FLD recalls 5
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
- 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.
- The risk
- This can result in unintentional engine starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The outboard bearing on the steering axle hubs can fail due to water intrusion through a hubcap vent.
- The risk
- This condition can result in a separation of the wheel.
- The fix
- Dealers will remove the hubcap and inspect for water intrusion and corrosion. The hub and bearing assembly will be replaced if there is evidence of corrosion. A non-vented hubcap will be installed.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar engines and eaton autoshift transmissions. The engines can stall because of software problems.
- The risk
- INCREASED STEERING EFFORT CAN OCCUR.
- The fix
- Caterpillar is conducting the owner notification and remedy of this recall. Dealers will update these engines with software changes.
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 1998 Freightliner FLD
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Consumer stated while driving, he noticed a vibration, which became rapidly severe, consumer then heard a noise and there was also a smell of hot oil, the semi lost all power, consumer coasted to a stop, and after exiting the semi, consumer discovered the drive shaft had broke off while on the highway, which caused another motorist to run over it.(Ohio traffic crash report)*jb
The front axle failed while driving causing loss of control and collision with guardrail (ohio traffic crash report). *Mjs
Freightliner FLD: every year compared
All FLD years1998 Freightliner FLD vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Freightliner FLD | 2 | 5 | C | |
| 1998 Freightliner FL-70 | 19 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Freightliner Century | 9 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Freightliner Conventional | 5 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Freightliner FL-60 | 2 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Freightliner Classic | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Freightliner FLC112 | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1998 Freightliner Century Class | 1 | 0 | A | 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 1998 Freightliner FLD
Does the 1998 Freightliner FLD have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1998 Freightliner FLD: hub (March 2003); vehicle speed control (March 2002); antilock (August 2000); hub (October 1999) and more. 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 1998 Freightliner FLD?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many complaints has the 1998 Freightliner FLD had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 3, 2000 and the latest on September 3, 2002. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1998 Freightliner FLD a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 43 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Freightliner FLD 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 FLD years have the most complaints?
1998 (2), 1996 (1), 2001 (1). See every Freightliner FLD year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 Freightliner FLD 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