2000 Freightliner Century recalls and problems

The 2000 Freightliner Century has 6 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Freightliner dealer.

Recalls
6
Complaints
15
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Freightliner Century vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Freightliner Century recalls

Recall 03V-112: Suspension

Reported Mar 21, 2003 · 5,716 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 01V-140: Steering

Reported Sep 17, 2001 · 75,000 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain meritor axles. The tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness.

Risk: This can lead to premature wear with possible separation of the ball stud from the socket, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle.

Fix: Dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends. Owner notification began november 8, 2001. 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 01V-189: Service Brakes, Air

Reported Jun 14, 2001 · 4,400 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Problem: Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with certain haldex brake system two and four port relay valves. The valve may stick open when a high-pressure application is released.

Risk: When the valve sticks open, it can result in a total loss of air from either the service or the park brake system. The driver may lose braking ability under a service application, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace these valves. Owner notification began october 17, 2001. 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 00V-232: Service Brakes, Air

Reported Aug 7, 2000 · 35,405 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the ABS ECU.

Recall 00V-131: Power Train

Reported May 30, 2000 · 1,700 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with eaton autoshift gen II transmission assemblies. Due to a software problem in the transmission assemblies, the transmission will select the wrong gear.

Risk: If an inappropriate gear is selected without the driver's knowledge, the vehicle will react differently than expected, possibly resulting in injury or crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the autoshift transmissions.

Recall 00V-081: Suspension

Reported Mar 17, 2000 · 13,545 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks built with dual leaf spring type air ride suspensions and vehicles built with single leaf spring type air ride suspensions. Rear suspension springs can fracture through the center bolt hole after vehicle assembly.

Risk: If undetected, the rear end of the spring could separate from the vehicle causing a hazardous road debris situation.

Fix: For vehicles equipped with single leaf springs, dealers will remove and replace all springs. For vehicles equipped with dual leaf springs, dealers will inspect for cracked springs and replace if cracked.

2000 Freightliner Century problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension8
Bracket5
Structure3
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Wheels2
Visibility1
Seats1
Steering1

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Hanger — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
  • Wheels › Hub — 1
  • Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Hanger/Bracket — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2000 Freightliner Century complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Jul 6, 2009
The contact owns a 2000 freightliner century truck. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver felt a rumble and thump coming from the vehicle. He attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the wheel bearings became loose. As a result, the wheel was hanging on the steering spindle, the brakes were hanging in pieces, and the air line failed. In addition, the plastic access panel failed. There were no injuries. Roadside assistance was called and it was discovered that the entire wheel assembly was defective. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and repaired at the contact's expense. The…
Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Apr 16, 2008
Came across this site by word of mouth. Noticed that I've got soot residue in my vents. I've been having a flu like system that my dr couldn't diagnosis and claimed it might be allergies. My blood pressure has been going up and we've been adjusting the meds more frequently since I've been in this truck.
Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Jan 20, 2007
Don't smoke, coughing, waking up with headaches, pastout while in truck ,vomiting, tired all the time, what's going on here. I AM in my 30's, this isn't right. I also have a family to take care of, will this cause me problems in the future (Health wise).
Structure · at 50,000 miles · reported Jan 6, 2005
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.
Seats · reported Oct 14, 2004
The driver side seat was altered by the manufacturer who disabled the full recline. As a result there was a greater chance of whiplash, spinal injury or driver ejection from the vehicle. The consumer has concerns about executive orders dealing with ergonomic workplace safety. Please provide additional information.

Other Freightliner Century years

Compare all Freightliner Century years · All Freightliner models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Freightliner Century have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2000 Freightliner Century: 03V-112 (suspension), 01V-140 (steering), 01V-189 (service brakes, air), 00V-232 (service brakes, air), 00V-131 (power train) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Freightliner Century?

Owners report suspension problems most often (8 reports), followed by bracket (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.

Are Freightliner recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Freightliner dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.