Consumer stated while driving, he noticed a vibration, which became rapidly severe, consumer then heard a noise and there was also a smell of hot oil, the semi lost all power, consumer coasted to a stop, and after exiting the semi, consumer discovered the drive shaft had broke off while on the highway, which caused another motorist to run over it.(ohio traffic crash report)
The worst 1998 Freightliner FLD problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission2
Problems by type
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- Transmission2
Recalls 5
Suspension: front: hub
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.
- 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 and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 03V112000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- Certain heavy duty trucks converted from sleepercabs to day cabs and equipped with a detroit diesel optimized idle system. The idle system was not completely disabled in the cab conversion process.
- Risk
- This can result in unintentional engine starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will completely disable the optimized idle system. Owner notification began april 3, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 02V077000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: antilock
- What is wrong
- 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 speeds caused by 1) chafed ABS wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or 2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of erratic sensor signal.
- Risk
- This condition could cause the ABS ecu to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels. This could result in extended braking distances and a possible crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ABS ecu.
Recall number 00V232002 · Recall details
Suspension: front: hub
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The outboard bearing on the steering axle hubs can fail due to water intrusion through a hubcap vent.
- Risk
- This condition can result in a separation of the wheel.
- 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.
Recall number 99V295000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: module
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar engines and eaton autoshift transmissions. The engines can stall because of software problems.
- Risk
- Increased steering effort can occur.
- Remedy
- Caterpillar is conducting the owner notification and remedy of this recall. Dealers will update these engines with software changes.
Recall number 99V181002 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Freightliner FLD 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1998 Freightliner FLD owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The front axle failed while driving causing loss of control and collision with guardrail (ohio traffic crash report).
Compare the 1998 Freightliner FLD
Other model years
Questions about the 1998 Freightliner FLD
Is the 1998 Freightliner FLD reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1998 Freightliner FLD, 2.0 times a typical FLD model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Freightliner FLD?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 2 complaints.
How many recalls does the 1998 Freightliner FLD have?
5 recalls, covering suspension, vehicle speed control and service brakes, air.
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