2001 Freightliner FS-65 recalls and problems

The 2001 Freightliner FS-65 has 4 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Freightliner dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
12
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Freightliner FS-65 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Freightliner FS-65 recalls

Recall 05V-205: Fuel System, Diesel

Reported Apr 27, 2005 · 16,000 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Problem: Certain 1998-2003 my freightliner fs-65 school bus chassis and mb-45, mb-55, and xb shuttle bus chassis, and thomas built bus: mvp-er and mvp-ef school bus and non-school bus models equipped with cummins isb diesel engines and equipped with federal-mogal 12 and 24 volt fuel lift pumps. The fuel pump could fail to transfer fuel appropriately creating an engine stall condition.

Risk: Should the engine stall while the vehicle is in use, a possible vehicle crash could occur.

Fix: Cummins will notify the customers of freightliner and thomas built and replace the fuel lift pump free of charge. Owners may contact cummins at 1-800-diesels.

Recall 04V-343: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jul 12, 2004 · 3,200 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Problem: On certain school buses chassis equipped with caterpillar engines and hydraulic brakes. A braided ground strap for the starter may rub on a steel chassis brake line potentially causing a fluid leak.

Risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking effectiveness and increase the stopping distance, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the brake line and replace it, if necessary. The braided ground strap will be replaced with an insulated cable. The recall began on august 10, 2004. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.

Recall 02V-084: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Apr 2, 2002 · 16,000 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain school buses, the brake hoses from the chassis to front brake chambers could develop leaks due to the hose routing that could overstress the hose during sharp turns.

Risk: The vehicle could have reduced braking capacity, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect for improper routing. If improper routing is found, dealers will replace and correct the hose routing. Owner notification began april 29, 2002. 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.

Recall 01V-215: Electrical System

Reported Jun 26, 2001 · 8,753 vehicles affected · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Problem: Vehicle description: bus chassis vehicles. An electrical pass-through connector may not fit in the firewall mounting hole correctly, resulting in the connector dislodging and an electrical terminal contacting the firewall.

Risk: This can cause an electrical short and potential fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect vehicles for proper mounting of the electrical pass through and correct if necessary. Owner notification began october 9, 2001. 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.

2001 Freightliner FS-65 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel System, Diesel8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Electrical System2
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 3
  • Electrical System › Starter Assembly — 2
  • Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 56,581 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Freightliner FS-65 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 64,934 miles · reported Apr 14, 2006
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to depress the brake pedal at 35 MPH, the pedal would not completely depress. The brake pedal felt as if it was "rock-hard". The brakes did not stop the vehicle. Three years prior to this incident a recall notification letter regarding the rotors was received for this vehicle and the recall work was performed. However, the recall work did not remedy the problem. The freightliner recall #sf 258a-d. The dealership would not offer a second repair without charge under the recall. Updated 07/25/06.
Fuel System, Diesel · reported Jul 28, 2005
Dt:edthe contact owns a 2000 freightliner. Contact was unable to get recall repair work work on fuel system done because the manufacturee will not pay the dealership enough to do the repair work. Had 20 of these vehicles, 2000-2001 year models. Could do the repairs themselves, but they could not do fast enough for the vehicles to be done before school started. The dealer will not let any of other person help him to get the repair work done. The company was community bus services.
Fuel System, Diesel · reported Jul 28, 2005
Dt: contact owned a 2000 freightliner. Contact was unable to get the recall work don on fuel system because the manufacturer will not pay the dealership enough to do the repair work. Had 20 of these vehicles, 2000-2001 year models. Could do the repairs themselves, but they could not t do fast enough for the vehicles to be done before school started. . The dealer will not let any other person help him to get the repair work done. The company was community bus services.
Fuel System, Diesel · reported Jul 28, 2005
Dt: the contact owned a 2000 freightliner. Contact was unable to get recall repair work don eon fuel system because the manufacturer will not pay the dealership enough to do the repair work. Had 20 of these vehicles, 2000-2001 year models. Could do the repairs themselves, but they could not do fast enough for the vehicles to be done before school started. The dealer will not let any other person to help him to get the repair work done. The company was community bus services.
Fuel System, Diesel · reported Jul 28, 2005
Dt: the contact owned a 2000 freightliner. Contact was unable to get recall repair work on fuel system done. Had 20 of these vehicles, 2000-2001 year models. Could do the repairs themselves, but they could not do fast enough for the vehicle to be done before school started. The dealer will not let any other person help him to get the repair work done. The company was community bus services.

Other Freightliner FS-65 years

Compare all Freightliner FS-65 years · All Freightliner models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Freightliner FS-65 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 Freightliner FS-65: 05V-205 (fuel system, diesel), 04V-343 (service brakes, hydraulic), 02V-084 (service brakes, hydraulic), 01V-215 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Freightliner FS-65?

Owners report fuel system, diesel problems most often (8 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 56,581 miles.

Are Freightliner recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Freightliner dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.