2000 Freightliner Century

Routine

Owners filed 15 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension › front › springs › leaf spring assembly › hanger,bracket. It has been recalled 6 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Hanger,bracket5
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System2
001
Wheels1
000
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System1
000
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Hanger/Bracket1
000
Suspension › Front › Hub1
000
Structure › Body1
000
Structure1
001
Steering1
000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner1
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Hub03V112000
Filed Mar 21, 20035,716 vehiclesFreightliner Corporation

Defect. 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.

Risk. SEIZURE OF THE BEARINGS CAN CAUSE WHEEL SEPARATION OR WHEEL END FIRE.

Remedy. 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.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly01V140007
Filed Sep 17, 200175,000 vehiclesFreightliner Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRW TIE ROD ENDS ON CERTAIN MERITOR AXLES. THE TIE ROD AND DRAG LINK BALL STUD ENDS CONTAIN BEARINGS THAT ARE BELOW THE SPECIFIED CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS.

Risk. THIS CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR WITH POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET, INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE ALL AFFECTED TIE RODS AND DRAG LINKS WITH DIFFERENT DESIGNED ENDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 8, 2001. 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.

Service Brakes, Air › Controls, Pedals and Linkages01V189001
Filed Jun 14, 20014,400 vehiclesFreightliner Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CERTAIN HALDEX BRAKE SYSTEM TWO AND FOUR PORT RELAY VALVES. THE VALVE MAY STICK OPEN WHEN A HIGH-PRESSURE APPLICATION IS RELEASED.

Risk. WHEN THE VALVE STICKS OPEN, IT CAN RESULT IN A TOTAL LOSS OF AIR FROM EITHER THE SERVICE OR THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DRIVER MAY LOSE BRAKING ABILITY UNDER A SERVICE APPLICATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE VALVES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 17, 2001. 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.

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock00V232002
Filed Aug 7, 200035,405 vehiclesFreightliner Corporation

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission00V131004
Filed May 30, 20001,700 vehiclesFreightliner Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EATON AUTOSHIFT GEN II TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLIES. DUE TO A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IN THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLIES, THE TRANSMISSION WILL SELECT THE WRONG GEAR.

Risk. IF AN INAPPROPRIATE GEAR IS SELECTED WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S KNOWLEDGE, THE VEHICLE WILL REACT DIFFERENTLY THAN EXPECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOSHIFT TRANSMISSIONS.

Suspension › Rear › Springs › Air Suspension System00V081000
Filed Mar 17, 200013,545 vehiclesFreightliner Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS BUILT WITH DUAL LEAF SPRING TYPE AIR RIDE SUSPENSIONS AND VEHICLES BUILT WITH SINGLE LEAF SPRING TYPE AIR RIDE SUSPENSIONS. REAR SUSPENSION SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE THROUGH THE CENTER BOLT HOLE AFTER VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.

Risk. IF UNDETECTED, THE REAR END OF THE SPRING COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING A HAZARDOUS ROAD DEBRIS SITUATION.

Remedy. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SINGLE LEAF SPRINGS, DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE ALL SPRINGS. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DUAL LEAF SPRINGS, DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKED SPRINGS AND REPLACE IF CRACKED.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension › Front › Hub
Filed Jul 6, 2009901,137 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE DRIVER FELT A RUMBLE AND THUMP COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER, BUT THE WHEEL BEARINGS BECAME LOOSE. AS A RESULT, THE WHEEL WAS HANGING ON THE STEERING SPINDLE, THE BRAKES WERE HANGING IN PIECES, AND THE AIR LINE FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE PLASTIC ACCESS PANEL FAILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER AND REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V112000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 910,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 900,000. UPDATED 07/14/09.*LJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HE MISSED THE RECALL BY 4 WEEKS AND A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS THE SAME HUB UNIT THAT WAS RECALLED AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 07/16/09.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Apr 16, 2008MO

CAME ACROSS THIS SITE BY WORD OF MOUTH. NOTICED THAT I'VE GOT SOOT RESIDUE IN MY VENTS. I'VE BEEN HAVING A FLU LIKE SYSTEM THAT MY DR COULDN'T DIAGNOSIS AND CLAIMED IT MIGHT BE ALLERGIES. MY BLOOD PRESSURE HAS BEEN GOING UP AND WE'VE BEEN ADJUSTING THE MEDS MORE FREQUENTLY SINCE I'VE BEEN IN THIS TRUCK. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System1 injured
Filed Jan 20, 2007TX

DON'T SMOKE, COUGHING, WAKING UP WITH HEADACHES, PASTOUT WHILE IN TRUCK ,VOMITING, TIRED ALL THE TIME, WHAT'S GOING ON HERE. I AM IN MY 30'S, THIS ISN'T RIGHT. I ALSO HAVE A FAMILY TO TAKE CARE OF, WILL THIS CAUSE ME PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE (HEALTH WISE). *NM

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 6, 200550,000 milesNY

WHEN IT RAINS WATER COMES IN ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE WATER COMES IN THROUGH THE DRIP PAN, PER A GLASS COMPANY. DEALER STATED IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY.*AK

Steering
Filed Nov 1, 2004KY

TRACTOR FAILURE, TIE ROD AND KING PINS AND BEARINGS WERE ALL IN POOR CONDITION. *BF *JB

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Oct 14, 2004TX

THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT WAS ALTERED BY THE MANUFACTURER WHO DISABLED THE FULL RECLINE. AS A RESULT THERE WAS A GREATER CHANCE OF WHIPLASH, SPINAL INJURY OR DRIVER EJECTION FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONCERNS ABOUT EXECUTIVE ORDERS DEALING WITH ERGONOMIC WORKPLACE SAFETY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Dec 20, 2001MI

THE INTAKE FOR THE HEATER/AC,IS UNDER THE HOOD AND IS SUPPOSE TO BE SEALED FROM THE REST OF THE ENGINE BY A RUBBER GASKET WICH FITS POORLY AND THERE ARE DRAIN TUBES THAT ALLOW FOUL AIR FROM UNDDER THE HOOD (CRANKCASE BLOWBY,EXTERNAL OIL LEAK BURNOFF) TO BE SUCKED INTO THE CAB,I HAVE IT HAPPEN ALMOST EVERY DAY WITH THIS TRUCK SOMETIMES THE SMOKE IS ACTUALY VISABLE IN THE CAB,THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF EXHAUST LEAKING SO IT HAS TO BE BLOW BY OR FUEL PUDDLING IN TURBO AT IDLE AND BEING PUSHED OUT TURBO SEAL AND BURRNING OFF THEN BY POOR LOCATION OF HVAC INTAKE GETS SUCKED INTO PASS. COMPARTMENT. THIS IS NOT MY TRUCK I AM JUST THE DRIVER AND I HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO FREIGHTLINERS ATT. AND I MIGHT AS WELL TALK TO A WALL THEY SAID SOME OF THE TRUCKS DO THAT BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHY

Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Hanger,bracket
Filed Dec 12, 2000PA

THE LEFT FRONT SPRING HANGER IS LOOSE, CAUSING THE AXLE TO SHIFT. *SLC

Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Hanger,bracket
Filed Nov 16, 2000TN

FRONT SPRING HANGER IS LOOSE, THIS IS CAUSING THE AXLE TO SHIFT. *SLC

Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Hanger,bracket
Filed Nov 16, 2000FL

FRONT SPRING HANGER IS LOOSE ON THE FRAME, THIS IS CAUSING THE AXLE TO SHIFT. *SLC

Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Hanger/Bracket
Filed Nov 6, 2000IA

LEFT FRONT SPRING HANGER IS LOOSE, BOTTOM BOLTS TURN BY HAND. NLM

Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Hanger,bracket
Filed Nov 6, 2000NJ

LEFT FRONT SPRING HANGER IS LOOSE. NLM

Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Hanger,bracket
Filed Nov 6, 2000GA

AXLE #1, LEFT SIDE FRONT SPRING HANGER IS LOOSE ON FRAME CAUSING AXLE TO SHIFT BACK AND FORTH. NLM

Structure1 injured
Filed May 3, 2000VA

THERE ARE NO GRAB RAILS TO USE WHEN EXITING DRIVERS SIDE OF CAB, THIS HAS RESULTED IN SEVERAL INJURIES, RAILS ARE ONLY LOCATED ON PASSENGER SIDE. NLM

Wheels
Filed Apr 10, 2000TX

TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER THEY URGED CONSUMER TO TAKE VEHICLE TO TIRE COMPANY. TOOK IT THERE, AND THEY TOLD CONSUMER TO TAKE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. ALSO, CONSUMER INDICATED THAT TIRES DID NOT FIT THE HUBS. THIS CAUSED A ROUGH RIDE. CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE BOTH HUBS REPLACED. *AK *ML

15 of 15 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20130100Routine
20120200Routine
20110900Routine
201001100Routine
200901200Routine
20081900Routine
20070900Routine
20066800Routine
20052200Routine
20042300Routine
20034210Routine
20020100Routine
20014400Routine
2000 — this page15600Routine
19996710Routine
19989500Routine
19974400Routine
19960700Routine
19950200Routine

Compare every Century year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 21, 2003. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.