1986 Freightliner Conventional
Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint 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
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVESHAFT FELL OFF CAUSING DAMAGE TO UNIT.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981014
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1986 Freightliner Conventional — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- 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 1986 Freightliner Conventional 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 1986 Freightliner Conventional?
The most-reported component is power train:driveline:driveshaft, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Freightliner Conventional have?
6 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.