1998 Freightliner Century Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 1998 Freightliner Century. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Suspension › Front › HubCovers: Freightliner Century 1998–2001, FLD 1998–2001, Columbia 1998–2001 +6 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible consequence: 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.
- Service brakes, air › AntilockCovers: Freightliner Century 1997–2000, FLD 1997–2000, Thomas MVP EF 1997–2000 +9 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible consequence: 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.
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assemblyCovers: Freightliner Century 1998–1999
Reported issue: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The tie rod ends can fracture due to low stress, high cycle, reversed bending fatigue resulting from a system resonance.
Possible consequence: Loss of steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rod ends and tube assembly.
- Suspension › Front › HubCovers: Freightliner Century 1998–1999, FLD 1998–1999, FLN 1998–1999 +1 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The outboard bearing on the steering axle hubs can fail due to water intrusion through a hubcap vent.
Possible consequence: 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.
- Suspension › FrontCovers: Freightliner Century 1996–1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with meritor interaxle driveline u-joints. Deflector rings, a part of the system to seal the u-joints from contaminates, are loose. This allows water to enter the u-joint bearing area result in dilution of the lubricant, oxidation of the bearing and seal surfaces, and loss of lubricant.
Possible consequence: If this problem goes undetected, the interaxle driveline can separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the u-joints with the current design u-joints.
NHTSA investigations
- PE03005Front brake air hose leaksClosed · Feb 7, 2003
- PE02088Integral hub and bearing assemblyClosed · Nov 22, 2002
← All problems reported for the 1998 Freightliner Century
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.