AI Damage1999 Freightliner FLD120: common problems
Owners of the 1999 Freightliner FLD120 filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, most often about suspension and latches, locks, linkages. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 5
What fails most often
- 1 Suspension 40% of all complaints
- 2 Latches, locks, linkages 20% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 20% of all complaints
- 4 Tires 20% of all complaints
- Suspension: 2 complaints (40% of all).
- Latches, locks, linkages: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Tires: 1 complaints (20% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 5 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
1999 freightliner fld120 tire blew out causing the cab to catch fire. Consumer states that after the fire began he pulled to the shoulder and the trailer caught fire too. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0117-91)
A problem with the door lock prevents the door from being opened from the inside. I feel that this may prevent the occupant from being able to exit the vehicle quickly in the event of an accident or fire.
Rear bushings are not designed properly. Bushings quit accepting grease. Manufacturer believes consumer should replace bushings.
Ongoing problem with vehicle wandering across the road vehicle been in / out of dealer's shop on three occasions, and problem still occurring. > please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
Front left wheel bearings failed while going downhill. Consumer has replaced front left wheel bearings. Also, rear wheel bearings are defective. Dealer has been notified.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 14,282 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 39% most complained about).
On average one model year of the FLD120 has 3 complaints (11 years in the data). This year has 5, above average.
What to check before buying
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Latches, locks, linkages. Door, hood and tailgate latches, especially near the impact.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Tires. Tire age by DOT code, bulges, wear pattern.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Freightliner FLD120?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: suspension, latches, locks, linkages, powertrain. Total complaints: 5. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (40%), door locks, latches, handles (20%), tires: bulges, blowouts (20%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1999 Freightliner FLD120?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1999 Freightliner FLD120 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1999 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.