1996 Freightliner Conventional
Only 5 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 5 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
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 5 total reports mention: tires.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DT: CONTACT STATES THE BRAKE PADS ON A TRACTOR TRAILER TRUCK HIS FORMER BOSS OWNS ARE RUBBED DOWN INTO THE RIVETS OF THE HUB. THE TIRES DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH RUBBER ON THEM AND THE MOTOR IS LEAKING OIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051115
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, air.
Show complaint excerpts
DT: CONTACT STATES THE BRAKE PADS ON A TRACTOR TRAILER TRUCK HIS FORMER BOSS OWNS ARE RUBBED DOWN INTO THE RIVETS OF THE HUB. THE TIRES DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH RUBBER ON THEM AND THE MOTOR IS LEAKING OIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051115
1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
DT: CONTACT STATES THE BRAKE PADS ON A TRACTOR TRAILER TRUCK HIS FORMER BOSS OWNS ARE RUBBED DOWN INTO THE RIVETS OF THE HUB. THE TIRES DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH RUBBER ON THEM AND THE MOTOR IS LEAKING OIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051115
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER NOTICED A FIRE NEAR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE FIRE CHIEF STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM UNDER THE DASHBOARD, CONSUMER STATED HE HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE BEFORE, OHIO TRAFFIC...
NHTSA ODI report, 20020514
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER NOTICED A FIRE NEAR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE FIRE CHIEF STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM UNDER THE DASHBOARD, CONSUMER STATED HE HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE BEFORE, OHIO TRAFFIC...
NHTSA ODI report, 20020426
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Freightliner Conventional — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, air issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V233003 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 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 1996 Freightliner Conventional?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Freightliner Conventional have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.