1998 Freightliner Century Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 22%of 9 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Freightliner Century, 22% of the 9 complaints for this model year. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer applied brakes firmly and axle fell off. Vehicle is a Century classic, 2000. Cosumer may not be aware of NHTSA recall 99v35 9000/ manufacturer's recall f l-251 concerning tie rod end. Will try and contact consumer to inform system was down.”
NHTSA complaint #8000609, filed 2001-12“1998 Century class model trailer experiencing multiple problems. The manufacturer informed the consumer that one of the u-joints had gone bad, the flex line had rotted away which connected to the exhaust manifold which caused a leak. The vehicle experienced a power steering leak, also the air filter was replaced. The consumer was assigned another tractor, however it was a 2001 model and he soon discovered the fan blades were completely black and he had to tape a filter over the air intake.”
NHTSA complaint #10048179, filed 2003-11Related recalls
- 99V359000Dec 29, 1999Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The tie rod ends can fracture due to low stress, high cycle, reversed bending fatigue resulting from a system resonance.Covers: Freightliner Century 1998–1999
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Freightliner Century
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Freightliner Century
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology