Does the 1981 Freightliner C.O.E. have any recalls?

4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: steering, structure, engine and engine cooling. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.

How do I check if my 1981 Freightliner C.O.E. recall has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Freightliner dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 1981 Freightliner C.O.E.?

0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.

1981 Freightliner C.O.E. recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1981 Freightliner C.O.E.. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Freightliner been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Freightliner dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

1981 Freightliner C.O.E. recalls, newest first

July 24, 1989NHTSA 89V124000241 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)

Summary: The steering gear mounting bracket welds may crack under certain steering load conditions.
Consequence: Steering control would be adversely affected withpotential for loss of truck control and an accident.
Remedy: Replace steering gear mounting bracket with a redesigned bracket.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

June 5, 1989NHTSA 89V0900003,219 vehicles potentially affected

Structure › Body

Summary: Corrosion of the grabhandle at its mounting surface may lead to cracking or loss of strength.
Consequence: Failure of grabhandle during use could result inpersonal injury.
Remedy: Replace grabhandle and its fastener with improved grabhandle; also, install gasket between the handle and air starter reservoir.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

June 11, 1985NHTSA 85V076000354 vehicles potentially affected

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

Summary: Cracks can develop in the oil filter mounting brackets near the bolts that attach the brackets to the frame side member. Consequence of defect: if cracks progress to the point of failure, the filter assembly could fall out and possibly be struck by other vehicles creating a potential for an accident.
Remedy: Brackets will be replaced with improved design brackets.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

December 13, 1984NHTSA 84V16100010,938 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Linkages › Drag › Link › Connection

Summary: Some drag link parts can separate from the assembly which connects steering gear pitman arm to the front axle steering arm.
Remedy: Immediate replacement of defective drag links with an improved version, without cost to the owner.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

No owner complaints about the 1981 Freightliner C.O.E. were found in NHTSA’s complaint data.

Other Freightliner C.O.E. years

Other 1981 Freightliner models

1981 Freightliner Freightliner9 recalls

Questions

Does the 1981 Freightliner C.O.E. have any recalls?: 4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: steering, structure, engine and engine cooling. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1981 Freightliner C.O.E. recall has been fixed?: Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Freightliner dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1981 Freightliner C.O.E.?: 0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.