- The problem
- Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The throttle cable can bind due to misalignment with the fuel pump assembly.
- The risk
- Engine speed will not return to idle after the driver releases the accelerator pedal if the cable is binding.
- The fix
- Dealers will realign the cable bracket. The cable assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced as necessary.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Freightliner MT45 Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1997 Freightliner MT45 have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in September 1999 for the cables.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical MT45 year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1997 Freightliner MT45 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: step vans equipped with spicer 6,000 or 8,000 lb. Front steer axles. The tie rod end can pull outboard and separate from the tie rod tube due to improper thread engagement between the male tie rod end and the female tube.
- The risk
- Separation of the tie rod end could result in loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the complete tie rod assembly.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1997 Freightliner MT45 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 MT45: every year compared
All MT45 years1997 Freightliner MT45 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Freightliner MT45 | 0 | 2 | D | |
| 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 MT45
Does the 1997 Freightliner MT45 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1997 Freightliner MT45: cables (September 1999); connecting (April 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 MT45 had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1997 Freightliner MT45 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 39 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Freightliner MT45 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 MT45 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