- The problem
- Vehicle description: recreational vehicle chassis. Interference can occur between the steer axle slack adjusters and the axle knuckle post during a full wheel cut with the brakes applied.
- The risk
- This can result in diminished braking effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the slack adjusters with one that will provide clearance.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Freightliner VCL Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1997 Freightliner VCL have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in August 2000 for the drum.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical VCL year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1997 Freightliner VCL 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: motor home chassis. The tire pressure on the certification labels are incorrect for the designated gross axle weight rating. This does not comply with requirements of part 567, "certification."
- The risk
- This could result in improper inflation of the tires for the gross axle weight rating listed for the chassis.
- The fix
- Owners will be mailed an overlay with the correct tire pressure.
What owners say
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
No complaints about the 1997 Freightliner VCL yet
Freightliner VCL: every year compared
All VCL years1997 Freightliner VCL vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Freightliner VCL | 0 | 2 | C | |
| 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 VCL
Does the 1997 Freightliner VCL have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1997 Freightliner VCL: drum (August 2000); labels (February 2000). 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 VCL had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1997 Freightliner VCL a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Freightliner VCL 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 VCL 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