1999 Freightliner Fl-70 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES. THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBE TO THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE CAN CONTACT THE BOTTOM FRAME RAIL FLANGE.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE TUBE WITH ONE THAT PROVIDES CLEARANCE TO THE FRAME RAIL.
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 1999 FL-70.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V111000.
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES. THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBE TO THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE CAN CONTACT THE BOTTOM FRAME RAIL FLANGE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE TUBE WITH ONE THAT PROVIDES CLEARANCE TO THE FRAME RAIL.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 1999. 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. 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: Transmission / drivetrain (2), Wheels / tires (1), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1), Steering (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
08/24/2006 · Wheels / tires
1999 FREIGHTLINER FL70 LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT AND DEBRIS HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE FELT A VIBRATION, THEN HE SAW TREAD EVERY WHERE. THE LEFT REAR RECAP HAD COME APART. *JB
07/01/2002 · Brakes
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY DON'T HOLD.*AK
12/29/1999 · Transmission / drivetrain
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
12/23/1999 · Steering
THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER OF SAFETY CONCERNING A LARGE TRUCK AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS TO SPICER AND FREIGHTLINER ARE GROWING DAILY AS WITNESSED ON THE EXPEDITOR FORUM WEBSITE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER OF SERIOUS CONSEQUENSE OF LOSING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES. NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK
12/14/1999 · Transmission / drivetrain
TRUCK'S 7 SPEED SPICER TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, OFTEN OCCURRING ON DOWNGRADES WHEN GEARS ARE NEEDED MOST. THIS PROBLEM WAS NEVER CORRECTED BY DEALER REPAIR SHOPS. ULTIMATELY THE TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE SECOND TRANSMISSION OF THE SAME TYPE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM OF JUMPING OUT OF GEAR BEFORE FINALLY LO…