1985 Freightliner Conventional
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 |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 6 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 7 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 12 |
| 2001 | 7 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2018 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
No complaint components on file for this model year.
SAFETY TIMELINE
STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING BOLTS MAY BE ABSENT, LEAVING ONLY THE KNEE PAD TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN IN PLACE.
Remedy: INSTALL CLAMPS AND BOLTS, IF MISSING, OR CHECK EXISTING BOLTS FOR TIGHTNESS.
Campaign 86V106000 — check if this car was fixed
THE HANDHOLD MOUNTING SYSTEM, WHICH CONSISTS OF A TUBULAR HANDLE HELD IN THREE PLACES BY CAST ALUMINUM BRACKETS AND ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE EXHAUST MUFFLER HEAT SHIELD. VIBRATION FROM THIS
Remedy: REPLACE THE END BRACKETS WITH A MODIFIED DESIGN UTILIZING A RUBBER ISOLATER. ALSO, ADD A PLASTIC SLEEVE TO THE CENTER BRACKET FOR ISOLATION.
Campaign 86V118000 — check if this car was fixed
SEAT BELTS CAN LOOSEN AS THE TRUCK IS DRIVEN. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: DRIVER AND PASSENGER WOULD NOT BE PROP
Remedy: REPLACE THE NON LOCKING RETRACTOR SEAT BELTS WITH AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR SEAT BELTS.
Campaign 86V137000 — check if this car was fixed
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN DEVELOP.
Remedy: REPLACE EXISTING PICTURE FRAME TYPE BATTERY RETAINER WITH AN I FRAME RETAINER AND INSTALL CONVOLUTED TUBING OVER POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE.
Campaign 87V020000 — check if this car was fixed
INCORRECT SIZE AIR BRAKE ACTUATOR CHAMBERS WERE INSTALLED ON THE DRIVE AXLES.
Remedy: REPLACE DRIVE AXLE BRAKE CHAMBERS WITH CORRECT SIZE CHAMBERS.
Campaign 87V147000 — check if this car was fixed
FASTENER THAT CONNECTS THE HARNESS BELT D RING TO THE B PILLAR MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO PROVIDE FULL THREAD ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ANCHORAGE WELD NUT.
Remedy: REPLACE MOUNTING HARDWARE WITH HEX SHOULDER BOLT AND .55 INCH SPACER.
Campaign 87V192000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING ARM MAY FAIL IF USED ON EATON EFA12F4 FROM AXLE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ROSS HFB70 POWER STEERING GEAR.
Remedy: INSTALL A NONADJUSTABLE 1500 PSI POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE TO LIMIT STEERING ARM FORCES. REPLACE STEERING ARM WITH A DESIGN CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING HIGHER FORCES. ADJUST MAXIMUM POPP
Campaign 88V160000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Freightliner Conventional — pre-purchase inspection
- Verify recall 86V106000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 86V118000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 86V137000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V020000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V147000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V192000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V160000 (steering) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1985 Freightliner Conventional reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
How many recalls does the 1985 Freightliner Conventional 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.