1999 Freightliner Century
Only 6 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 6 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
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING EXCESSIVELY AND HAVE TO CONSTANTLY BE REPLACED. CONSUMER BELIEVES PROBLEM IS DUE TO DEFECTIVE TIE ROD ENDS. RELATED RECALL 01V140007, BUT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030714
1 of 6 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING EXCESSIVELY AND HAVE TO CONSTANTLY BE REPLACED. CONSUMER BELIEVES PROBLEM IS DUE TO DEFECTIVE TIE ROD ENDS. RELATED RECALL 01V140007, BUT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030714
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE OUTBOARD BEARING ON THE STEERING AXLE HUBS CAN FAIL DUE TO WATER INTRUSION THROUGH A HUBCAP VENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE HUBCAP AND INSPECT FOR WATER INTRUSION AND CORROSION. THE HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED IF THERE IS EVIDENCE OF CORROSION. A NON-VENTED HUBCAP WILL BE INSTALLED.
Campaign 99V295000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE TIE ROD ENDS CAN FRACTURE DUE TO LOW STRESS, HIGH CYCLE, REVERSED BENDING FATIGUE RESULTING FROM A SYSTEM RESONANCE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE ROD ENDS AND TUBE ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 99V359000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 CRAC
Campaign 00V081000 — check if this car was fixed
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 SP
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
Campaign 00V232002 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED BY TRW. THE SUSPECT TIE RODS CONTAIN 24-DL MODEL BALL SOCKETS. CERT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BALL SOCKETS AND/OR DRAG LINKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO
Campaign 01V044002 — check if this car was fixed
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/
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
Campaign 01V140007 — check if this car was fixed
INTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
FRONT BRAKE AIR HOSE LEAKS
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.
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 A
Campaign 03V112000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Freightliner Century — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V295000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V359000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V081000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V232002 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V044002 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V140007 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V112000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1999 Freightliner Century reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Freightliner Century?
The most-reported component is visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 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.