1997 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.
3 of 5 total reports mention: tires.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
1997 CONVENTIONAL FRONT STEER TIRE BLEW OUT. *TS THE DRIVER WENT OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY, STRUCK A DITCH CONTINUED ON THROUGH THE RIGHT-OF-WAY FENCE ACROSS A FIELD AND STRUCK ANOTHER FENCE AND SEVERAL TREES. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20060823
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER FELT A BAD SHIMMY COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WAS HIT IN THE HEAD WHEN A PORTABLE TV FELL ON HIM, WHEN VEHICLE WENT OFF HIGHWAY, IT STRUCK A GUARDRAIL, FENCE, UTILITY POLE, AND SEVERAL...
NHTSA ODI report, 20011030
VEHICLE STRUCK A MUD FLAP THAT SEPARATED FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE TO TRAILER TIRE.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING IN THE RIGHT LANE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031208
1 of 5 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE RUNNING BOARD, FRONT AXLE, AND FENDER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040107
1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER FELT A BAD SHIMMY COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WAS HIT IN THE HEAD WHEN A PORTABLE TV FELL ON HIM, WHEN VEHICLE WENT OFF HIGHWAY, IT STRUCK A GUARDRAIL, FENCE, UTILITY POLE, AND SEVERAL...
NHTSA ODI report, 20011030
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER FELT A BAD SHIMMY COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WAS HIT IN THE HEAD WHEN A PORTABLE TV FELL ON HIM, WHEN VEHICLE WENT OFF HIGHWAY, IT STRUCK A GUARDRAIL, FENCE, UTILITY POLE, AND SEVERAL...
NHTSA ODI report, 20011030
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, air.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Freightliner Conventional — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1997 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 1997 Freightliner Conventional?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Freightliner Conventional have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.