1998 Freightliner Mt 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. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER HOIST COMPONENTS CAN BECOME LOOSE WHILE TRAVELING AND ALLOW THE SPARE TIRE TO MOVE FROM ITS STORED POSITION TO THE ROAD SURFACE.
What could happen: THE SPARE TIRE CAN CONTACT THE ROAD SURFACE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES.
The fix: DEALERS WILL ADD A PRIMARY SPARE TIRE SUPPORT BRACKET.
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 1998 MT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V012000.
- 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:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
Summary: THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER HOIST COMPONENTS CAN BECOME LOOSE WHILE TRAVELING AND ALLOW THE SPARE TIRE TO MOVE FROM ITS STORED POSITION TO THE ROAD SURFACE.
Consequence: THE SPARE TIRE CAN CONTACT THE ROAD SURFACE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A PRIMARY SPARE TIRE SUPPORT BRACKET.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN FEBRUARY 14, 1997.
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 WINNEBAGO AT 1-515-582-6939. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (7), Body / structure (5), Equipment (4), Engine (3), Electrical system (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
07/29/1999 · Steering
THE BEARING RUSTED IN GEAR BOX AND SUDDENLY LOCKED-UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN FAILURE. *YC
04/14/1998 · Suspension
SUSPENSION DOES NOT CONTAIN A LOCK OUT VALVE/SWITCH TO PREVENT INTERACTION BETWEEN THE LEVELING JACKS TAGAXLES AND AIR SUSPENSION.
02/02/1998 · Suspension
LOSS OF SHOCK ON FRONT END RESULTED IN VEHICLE BEING DIFFICULT TO STEER.
01/19/1998 · Equipment
HWH HYDRAULIC LEVELING JACK WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY UNDER MOST PARKING CONDITIONS. THE JACKS ARE USED TO LEVEL AND STABILIZE THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED. THE LEVELING JACK EXTENDS AND THE VEHICLE WOULD FALL OFF DURING THE LEVELING PROCESS.
01/19/1998 · Suspension
LOSS OF SHOCK ON FRONT END RESULTED IN VEHICLE BEING DIFFICULT TO STEER.
10/20/1997 · Transmission / drivetrain
DESIGN/LOCATION OF TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES CAUSES LINES TO RUB AGAINST RIGHT SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE RUBBING CAUSES THE LINES TO WEAR, RESULTING IN TRANSMISSION FLUID SPRAYING ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, ALMOST CAUSING FIRE.
01/28/1997 · Suspension
WHEN DRIVING THE MOTOR HOME PULLED TO LEFT AND RIGHT/WANDERED. TAKEN TO FIFTEEN DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS. IT WAS REALIGNED THREE TIMES, STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK
01/13/1997 · Equipment
HYDRAULIC JACKS FAILED.