- The problem
- Vehicle description: certain tractors fail to comply with fmvss no. 121, "Air brake systems." The air lines may not be routed properly to the drive axle service brake relay.
- The risk
- These vehicles are not in compliance with the standard.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect for correct air line routing and reroute if necessary.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Freightliner FLN Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1997 Freightliner FLN have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in May 2000 for the service brakes, air.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical FLN year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1997 Freightliner FLN recalls 4
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: heavy duty trucks equipped with haldex manifold dash valves (mdv) used in tractor and trailer parking brakes. These valves do not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 121, "Air brake systems." A loss of the isolation of the two brake system circuits can result in the loss of service brakes when there is another failure of one of the two brake circuits.
- The risk
- The loss of service brakes can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- A replacement valve will be provided to owners with installation instructions.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: trucks with steering linkages converted to stand-up right-drive by fontaine modification company. These vehicles have a steering cross shaft that connects the right side steering column to the left side steering column, with a miter box, and u-joint at each side. The cross shaft, miter box shaft, and u-joint have keyways and the u-joint has a set screw at both connections. The keys can work loose and fall out.
- The risk
- This condition can result in a loss of steering on the right hand side.
- The fix
- Dealers will install nuts and bolts through the universal joint ends and shafts which will create a positive lock between the steering gear boxes.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with dual steering. The steering column pinch bolts may be under-torqued or missing.
- The risk
- This condition could result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect for the presence of the required fasteners, install fasteners is missing, and retorque to specifications.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1997 Freightliner FLN yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Freightliner FLN: every year compared
All FLN years1997 Freightliner FLN vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Freightliner FLN | 0 | 4 | F | |
| 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-70 | 2 | 2 | B | 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 FLN
Does the 1997 Freightliner FLN have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1997 Freightliner FLN: service brakes, air (May 2000); parking brake (January 2000); steering (August 1999); steering wheel / handle bar (June 1999). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1997 Freightliner FLN had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1997 Freightliner FLN a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 11 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Freightliner FLN 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.
What should I do if my 1997 Freightliner FLN 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