2001 Freightliner Century recalls and problems

The 2001 Freightliner Century has 4 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Freightliner dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
4
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Freightliner Century vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 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 02V-087: Electrical System

Reported Mar 20, 2002 · 30,000 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain trucks, a capacitor in the power line control (Plc) filter could overheat and/or ignite when subjected to reverse polarity electrical spikes.

Risk: This could cause an electrical fire in the area of the plc filter without prior warning.

Fix: Dealers will disconnect and secure the plc filter ground wire. Owner notification began september 20, 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 02V-018: Service Brakes, Air

Reported Jan 22, 2002 · 5,176 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with meritor wabco pneumatic anitlock brake system (Abs) valve packages, the assembly bolts on these valve packages were not tightened correctly.

Risk: Bolts torqued below specification will not reliably prevent air leakage at the affected ABS valve package interface joints once the component begins normal vehicle operation. If air leaks develop at any of the ABS valve package interface joints, brake system pressure reductions could occur during braking or normal operation with units equipped with the traction control option, potentially extending stopping distances, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will tighten the fasteners to the proper specification. Owner notification began april 4, 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 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.

2001 Freightliner Century problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension2
Bracket1
Tires1
Engine and Engine Cooling1

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Hanger/Bracket — 1
  • Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Hanger — 1
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1

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 2001 Freightliner Century complaints

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

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Dec 12, 2006
Got in this century , freightliner april of 2006, been experiencing headaches,burning eyes, tired all the time. Can smell fumes coming in through air vents. Wake up with headaches, a driver used a co reader today in my cab was getting ill. It seems this problem has been going on for a while, an the drivers aren't being told, I find this odd and un safe, my wife has also told me that she could smell a funny odor on my clothes.
Tires · reported Oct 17, 2006
Bought 2 r287 bridgestone tires on may 11,2006 295/75 22.5 have put about 60,000 miles on the steer tires. The right front has strips of rubber coming off of it. Southern tire mart in longview, tx insist I pay full price for one r280 which is very unsafe and will not prorate or adjust either tire. Texas star express has had a large number of the r287 start peeling rubber off. This is very dangerious on steer tires. I AM scared of bridgestone tires becauce of this. Remimber the firestone 500 is the 70,s.

Other Freightliner Century years

Compare all Freightliner Century years · All Freightliner models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Freightliner Century have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 Freightliner Century: 03V-112 (suspension), 02V-087 (electrical system), 02V-018 (service brakes, air), 01V-189 (service brakes, air). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Freightliner Century?

Owners report suspension problems most often (2 reports), followed by bracket (1).

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.