1996 Freightliner Fl-60 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EATON DRIVE AXLES AND AXILOK SPINDLE NUTS. THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSINGS CONSIST OF A PLATE STEEL CENTER SECTION AND TWO FORGED SPINDLES, ONE OF WHICH IS WELDED TO EACH END OF THE CENTER SECTION. EACH SPINDLE CONTAINS A KEYWAY SLOT IN WHICH THE LOCKING TAB FOR THE WHEEL BEARING NUT LOCKING MECHANISM IS INSERTED. THE LENGTH OF THE KEYWAY SLOT MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ACCOMMO…
What could happen: THIS LOCKING TAB PREVENTS THE WHEEL BEARING NUT FROM LOOSENING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IF THIS TAB IS DEFORMED, THE NUT CAN LOOSEN ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE AXLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSING NUTS WITH A CONVENTIONAL WHEEL NUT HARDWARE SYSTEM.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 FL-60.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V233003.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EATON DRIVE AXLES AND AXILOK SPINDLE NUTS.
THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSINGS CONSIST OF A PLATE STEEL CENTER SECTION AND TWO FORGED SPINDLES, ONE OF WHICH IS WELDED TO EACH END OF THE CENTER SECTION. EACH SPINDLE CONTAINS A KEYWAY SLOT IN WHICH THE LOCKING TAB FOR THE WHEEL BEARING NUT LOCKING MECHANISM IS INSERTED. THE LENGTH OF THE KEYWAY SLOT MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE THE TAB CAUSING THE TAB TO BE DEFORMED OR DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION.
Consequence: THIS LOCKING TAB PREVENTS THE WHEEL BEARING NUT FROM LOOSENING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IF THIS TAB IS DEFORMED, THE NUT CAN LOOSEN ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE AXLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSING NUTS WITH A CONVENTIONAL WHEEL NUT HARDWARE SYSTEM.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 18, 1996. NOTE: 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 1-503-735-8000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
2. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCK/TRAILERS. THE CERTIFICATION LABELS INSTALLED ON THESE VEHICLES ARE INCORRECT. THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING IS TOO HIGH FOR THE TIRES THAT WERE INSTALLED.
What could happen: THE VEHICLE IS TOO HEAVY FOR THE TIRES INSTALLED RESULTING IN A TIRE SEPARATION.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CORRECTED CERTIFICATION LABEL ON THESE VEHICLES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 FL-60.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V002000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCK/TRAILERS. THE CERTIFICATION LABELS INSTALLED ON THESE VEHICLES ARE INCORRECT. THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING IS TOO HIGH FOR THE TIRES THAT WERE INSTALLED.
Consequence: THE VEHICLE IS TOO HEAVY FOR THE TIRES INSTALLED RESULTING IN A TIRE SEPARATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CORRECTED CERTIFICATION LABEL ON THESE VEHICLES.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 14, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Vehicle Speed Control (1), Seat belts (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
01/17/2001 · Vehicle Speed Control
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT POSSIBLY RELATED TO THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY SPRING, ACCELERATOR LINKAGES, CLIPS, AND THE PEDAL. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *SLC
11/21/2000 · Seat belts
FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS USING VEHICLE AS AN AMBULANCE. DRIVER'S SIDE INBOUND SEAT BELT BUCKLE PLASTIC SLEEVE MECHANISM HAS COME OFF, CAUSING BELT TO BE INOPERABLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED MANUFACTURER. MANUFACTURER STATED THAT ENTIRE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WILL NEED REPLACING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK