Freightliner Century Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 36 consumer complaints across the 4 model years of the Freightliner Century (1998–2006) that have at least 5 complaints. 2000 has the most, with 15. Across all years, the part named most often is suspension (10 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Century model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 6 | 38,000 | 8 | 109 | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 15 | 50,000 | 6 | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1999 | 6 | — | 7 | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 9 | 54,950 | 5 | 1 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Suspension10 24%
- Engine cooling10 24%
- Steering6 15%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)4 9.8%
- Transmission and drivetrain3 7.3%
- Body and structure3 7.3%
- Fuel system3 7.3%
- Seats2 4.9%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2006: “Freightliner Century with 14l 60 series engine has had exhaust manifold replaced twice. Both new manifolds still leaking exhaust. Cannot close vents in truck. No option to close vents on switch panel. Exhaust coming into cab. Clean air intake for cab is under the hood in the direct line of manifold leakage.”
NHTSA complaint #10158761, filed 2006-06, 38,000 miles1998: “The rear passenger seat belt retractor is jammed. The consumer made contact with the manufacture and the warranty has expired. This is the second occurrence for this belt jamming.”
NHTSA complaint #10111674, filed 2005-02, 54,950 miles2000: “When it rains water comes in on the passenger's side. The water comes in through the drip pan, per a glass company. Dealer stated it was not covered under a warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10106956, filed 2005-01, 50,000 milesOther Freightliner models
245 complaintsFreightliner Freightliner
112 complaintsFreightliner Columbia
86 complaintsFreightliner Conventional
58 complaintsFreightliner Business Class M2
31 complaintsFreightliner FS-65
29 complaintsFreightliner FL-70
24 complaintsFreightliner FLD120
18 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology