Freightliner's lineup has 1,316 recorded NHTSA recalls across 34 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.3/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Freightliner's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Freightliner — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Freightliner is a leading North American manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks, primarily serving the commercial transportation industry. Known for their durable designs and robust performance, Freightliners are commonly driven by long-haul truckers, delivery fleets, and construction companies across the continent. At ForCar.org, we can help you understand any Freightliner VIN by providing complete vehicle specifications, recall data, and a comprehensive history of the vehicle’s production.
Buying or selling? See what used Freightliner models are worth, current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Freightliner models 34
Every Freightliner model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Freightliner More models 34
Freightliner recalls
Across the Freightliner lineup, ForCar tracks 1,316 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Freightliner recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Freightliner model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Freightliner Cascadia | 3.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Freightliner Columbia | 3.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Freightliner Coronado | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Freightliner 114SD | 3.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Freightliner M2 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Freightliner 108SD | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Freightliner Argosy | 4.5 /5 | |
| 08 | Freightliner Conventional | 3.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Freightliner Classic | 4.0 /5 | |
| 10 | Freightliner FL60 | 4.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Freightliner: Engine And Engine Cooling. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Freightliner reliable?
Across rated models, Freightliner averages a 4.3/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 29 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Freightliner dominates the North American Class 8 long-haul tractor segment with approximately 30-35% market share, competing primarily against Volvo Trucks, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Mack, International (Navistar) and Western Star (a Daimler sister brand). The Cascadia is the most-deployed Class 8 truck in modern US fleet operations. Freightliner's eCascadia battery-electric Class 8 launched in 2022 and competes with Volvo VNR Electric, Tesla Semi and Kenworth T680E in the early electric long-haul segment.
Freightliner models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Freightliner model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Freightliner Cascadia | 3.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Freightliner Columbia | 3.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Freightliner Conventional | 3.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Freightliner M2 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Freightliner Sprinter | 4.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Freightliner Classic | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Freightliner FLD120 | 4.5 /5 | |
| 08 | Freightliner 114SD | 3.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Freightliner FL60 | 4.5 /5 | |
| 10 | Freightliner Coronado | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Freightliner models
Fuel-economy rankings for Freightliner are being compiled — check the most fuel-efficient cars meanwhile.
Safest Freightliner models
NHTSA safety rankings for Freightliner are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a Freightliner window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Freightliner's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Freightliner window stickers →How to read a Freightliner VIN
Every Freightliner built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Freightliner and the country it was built in (real Freightliner codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- Canada2FU
- South AfricaAFV
- IsraelKFB
- Saudi ArabiaRSB
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Freightliner
Leland James founded Freightways Inc. (later Consolidated Freightways) in 1929 as a trucking company. James launched Freightways Manufacturing Co. in 1942 to build trucks for his own fleet, addressing wartime steel shortages and weight restrictions on West Coast roads. The aluminum-cab COE (cab-over-engine) trucks Freightliner built in the 1940s established the brand as a lightweight specialist. Daimler-Benz acquired Freightliner from Consolidated Freightways in 1981.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1942 |
| Headquarters | Portland, USA |
| Parent company | Daimler Truck |
| Slogan | "Run Smart" |
| Models tracked | 34 (1981–2026) |
Freightliner — frequently asked
How do I decode a Freightliner VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Freightliner models are there?
ForCar tracks 34 Freightliner models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Freightliner made?
Freightliner is headquartered in Portland, USA, founded in 1942. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Freightliner recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Freightliner model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Freightliner is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Freightliner warranty?
New Freightliner vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Freightliner dealer.