1996 Freightliner Century
Only 0 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 0 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 9 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 15 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
No complaint components on file for this model year.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A DETROIT DIESEL OPTIMIZED IDLE SYSTEM. IF THE IGNITION IS TURNED ON AND THE FUSE FOR THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) POWER FEED LINE IS REMOVED OR BURNED OUT, TH
Remedy: DETROIT DIESEL DISTRIBUTORS WILL REWIRE THE VEHICLES USING A REVISED ECM WHICH WILL ELIMINATE UNINTENTIONAL CRANKING.
Campaign 96V181001 — check if this car was fixed
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR IN THE AUXILLIARY HEATER/AIRCONDITIONING BLOWER IF EXPOSED TO WATER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE RELAY WITH ONE THAT RESISTS SHORTING IF CONTACTED BY WATER AND DOES NOT SUPPORT COMBUSTION EVEN IF SHORTED.
Campaign 96V197000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EATON DRIVE AXLES AND AXILOK SPINDLE NUTS. THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSINGS CONSIST OF A PLATE STEEL CENTER SECTION AND TWO FORGED SPINDLES, ONE OF WHICH IS WE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSING NUTS WITH A CONVENTIONAL WHEEL NUT HARDWARE SYSTEM.
Campaign 96V233003 — check if this car was fixed
DUE TO UNDERSIZED RIVETS AND OVERSIZED HOLES, THE B-PILLAR ANCHORAGE WILL NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES.
Campaign 97V006000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCK. LEAKS THROUGH THE FIREWALL OR STEERING SHAFT BOOTS ALLOWS WATER TO RUN DOWN THE STEERING SHAFT. THE STEERING SHAFT SLIP SPLINE CORRODES CAUSING IT TO SEIZE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT WITH A NEW DESIGN THAT IS INSTALLED IN AN INVERTED ORIENTATION SO NO WATER CAN ENTER THE SPLINES.
Campaign 97V112000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR INTERAXLE DRIVELINE U-JOINTS. DEFLECTOR RINGS, A PART OF THE SYSTEM TO SEAL THE U-JOINTS FROM CONTAMINATES, ARE LOOSE. THIS ALLOWS WATER
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE U-JOINTS WITH THE CURRENT DESIGN U-JOINTS.
Campaign 98V085000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONNECTING LINKAGE SOCKETS CAN WEAR OUT PREMATURELY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT GREASING DURING ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONNECTING LINKAGES WITH NEW LINKS THAT ARE PROPERLY LUBRICATED.
Campaign 98V326000 — check if this car was fixed
INTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Freightliner Century — pre-purchase inspection
- Verify recall 96V181001 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V197000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V233003 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V006000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V112000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V085000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V326000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 Freightliner Century reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
How many recalls does the 1996 Freightliner Century have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.