Freightliner Freightliner 1981

Model Freightliner made in 1981 by Freightliner got 1 consumer complain there is 1 investigation as well as 9 recalls. Consumer complaints with reference to electrical system. . The car had one investigation (suspension). There were some recalls concerningfuel system, gasoline, seat belts and service brakes, air.

Model 1981

Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - MOUNTING
81V101000FREIGHTLINER CORP.from 04/01/1981 to 05/01/1981V (Vehicle)19512/09/1981MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC09/01/198109/17/1981
Defect SummaryThe four bolts used to attach each fuel tank support bracket to the frame contain quench cracks due to improper heat treatment in the manufacturing process. these defective bolts could give way, allowing the fuel tank to become dislodged from the bracket or the bracket from the frame.
Consequence Summary
Corrective SummaryAll bolts and nuts used to attach the fuel tank brackets to the frames will be replaced at no charge to owner.
NotesVehicle description: trucks.system: fuel; fuel tank bracket bolts.consequences of defect: the possibility exists for the hanging tank to contactthe tires of the drive axle and disrupt proper control of the vehicle. thepossibility also exists for the dislodged tank to slide into a traffic lane,presenting a hazard to other drivers. an accident could occur in either case.
SEAT BELTS - FRONT
83V015000FREIGHTLINER CORP.from 01/01/1981 to 12/01/1981V (Vehicle)505/16/1983MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC02/23/198302/28/1983571207
Defect SummaryProtective sleeves that cover the lap belts in the area of seat cushion support pan were omitted. seat belts may fail during a collision. belts are not in compliance with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 207, seating systems.
Consequence Summary
Corrective SummaryThe dealer will inspect and replace the lap belts with belts having a protective sleeve around the portion of the webbing along the sides of the seat cusion and frame.
NotesVehicle description: heavy trucks equipped with bostrom model 720 seats.system: interior systems; restraint lap belt.consequences of defect: when tested for compliance with the standard, thewebbing failed to withstand the required load of 5000 pounds. the webbingfailed where it bears against the hard edge of the seat cushion support pan.lap belt failure in a collision increases the potential for occupant injury.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - SLACK ADJUSTERS
82V114000FREIGHTLINER CORP.from 04/01/1978 to 11/01/1982V (Vehicle)24903/25/1983MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC12/01/198212/06/1982571121
Defect SummaryBrakes may fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, air brake systems. the air brakes on the front axle may not actuate and release within the time required for safe braking. the brakes may exceed the .55 second limits.
Consequence Summary
Corrective SummaryThe dealer will modify the brake system by adding an air brake relay valve and necessary piping to the front axle air brake system free of charge.
NotesVehicle description: heavy trucks equipped with 14,000 lb. gawr front steeringaxle.system: service brakes; air brakes.consequences of defect: the time that it takes for the brakes to react could beunsafe. degraded brake control could cause loss of vehicle control and mayresult in an accident.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - SUPPLY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
81V097000FREIGHTLINER CORP.from 06/01/1981 to 07/01/1981V (Vehicle)34808/14/1981MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC08/12/198108/19/1981
Defect SummaryOn the involved vehicles, both the air brake hose connections and the air pressure gauges for the duel brake feature may have been connected in reverse order. incorrectly connected brake hoses in combination with an air leak in either the primary or secondary brake systems could cause brake failure on one or more axles.
Consequence Summary
Corrective SummaryVehicles will be inspected and modifications performed to brake hose connections without charge to owner.
NotesVehicle description: trucks.system: service brakes; air brake hoses.consequences of defect: if vehicle is operated in the bob-tail condition(without trailer) the brakes could fail on all axles. if a trailer is beingtowed, the braking capability would still be greatly impaired. in either casean accident could result.note: in the event of an air leak in the braking system, the low air pressurewarning system would alert the driver. arrangements should be made to have thevehicle inspected immediately at the nearest freightliner dealer.
STEERING - LINKAGES
81V116000FREIGHTLINER CORP.from 02/01/1981 to 06/01/1981V (Vehicle)13112/09/1981MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC10/01/198110/02/1981
Defect SummaryThe knuckle stop nuts are too short, possibly resulting in failure of the nut under heavy steering force. this may allow the wheel to rotate too far to the right or left, permitting the tire to contact other vehicle parts.
Consequence Summary
Corrective SummaryAll short knuckle stop nuts will be replaced with longer ones without charge to owner.
NotesVehicle description: trucks equipped with fk-132 front axles and manualsteering.system: steering; knuckle stop nuts.consequences of defect: steering control will be adversely affected and vehicleaccident is possible.
84V021000FREIGHTLINER CORP.from 01/01/1979 to 02/01/1984V (Vehicle)477303/20/1984MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC03/02/198404/04/1984
Defect SummaryA bolt may not have been fully tightened on the pitman arm and retaining screws may not have been installed or may not have been fully tightened. the pitman arm could separate from the steering shaft.
Consequence Summary
Corrective SummaryA retainer will be installed, or the pitman arm will be replaced, if loose.
NotesVehicle description: heavy trucks equipped with sheppard model 392 steeringgear systems.system: steering; pitman arm.consequences of defect: loss of steering would result, possibly causing anaccident.
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
84V159000FREIGHTLINER CORP.from 06/01/1981 to 09/01/1984V (Vehicle)1503/01/1985MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC12/20/198401/07/1985
Defect SummaryA poorly designed bracket which mounts the service/parking brake unit to the rear drive axle may allow damage to brake chamber. damage may cause the spring brake to be applied.
Consequence Summary
Corrective SummaryBrake chamber support brackets will be replaced with a type that provides the necessary clearance, without cost to the owner.
NotesVehicle description: trucks equipped with disc brakes in combination with airsuspension system.system: braking; brake chamber mounting brackets.consequences of defect: loss of vehicle control may occur without priorwarning, resulting in an accident.note: this problem should be corrected immediately.
TRAILER HITCHES
81V099000FREIGHTLINER CORP.from 09/01/1979 to 05/01/1981V (Vehicle)7007/07/1983MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC08/25/198108/27/1981
Defect SummaryThe safety chain bale portion of the towing attachment may have a defective weld in a critical area. if the trailer hitch should become unlatched or in the event of an accident causing the truck and trailer to become separated, the resulting forces could cause a failure of the safety chain bale. a failure of this part would allow complete separation of the truck and trailer without prior warning.
Consequence Summary
Corrective SummaryUpon separation, the trailer would travel out of control until the emergency braking system could bring it to a stop. a vehicle accident could result. corrective action: the safety chain bale will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced with a new one.
NotesVehicle description: trucks with tow hitch.system: structure; safety chain bale.
WHEELS - CENTER SECTION
86V084000FREIGHTLINER CORP.from 05/01/1980 to 10/01/1980V (Vehicle)47809/12/1986MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC07/01/198607/09/1986
Defect SummaryThe aluminum wheel hubs develop cracks near the inner wheel bearing, allowing loss of bearing lubricant. consequence of defect: the hub failure and/or loss of bearing lubricant resulting in bearing freeze up could result in steering control problems, which may lead to an accident.
Consequence Summary
Corrective SummaryReplace the hubs from the suspect batch.
NotesSystem: wheel hub of front steering axle. vehicle description: high c.o.e. model series and long conventional model trucks equipped with model ff-971 front steering axle.

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
SUSPENSION
EA85036FREIGHTLINER LLC07/31/198505/22/1987FAILURE OF SPRING HANGERS
 There is no summary currently available

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
12/14/19954
 Battery cover flew off, causing accident. (ohio state police report)*sd