2002 Freightliner FS-65 recalls and problems

The 2002 Freightliner FS-65 has 3 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Freightliner dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Freightliner FS-65 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 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.

2002 Freightliner FS-65 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure4
Fuel System, Other1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Frame and Members — 3
  • Fuel System, Other › Fuel Injection System — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 95,869 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 2002 Freightliner FS-65 complaints

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

Structure · at 129,210 miles · reported Sep 24, 2012
The contact owns a 2002 freight-liner fs65 school bus. The contact stated that after having routing maintenance done on the vehicle, he was notified that the cross member frame had developed a crack. The manufacturer was notified who stated that they would reimburse for the parts but not for the labor. The vehicle was not repair. The failure mileage was 129,210.
Structure · at 172,982 miles · reported Sep 24, 2012
The contact owns a 2002 freightliner fs65 school bus. The contact stated that the cross member frame was crack. The contact mentioned that the failure was found after a routine maintenance was completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who offered to pay for the parts needed for the repairs. The vehicle was not repair. The failure mileage was 172,982.
Structure · at 71,525 miles · reported Sep 24, 2012
The contact owns a 2002 freightliner fs65 school bus. The contact stated that after completing a routine maintenance on the vehicle they noticed that the cross member frame was crack. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who stated they will reimburse for the parts but not for the labor. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 71,525.
Fuel System, Other · at 55,028 miles · reported Jan 7, 2005
Roseau school district operates a fleet of 26 buses covering approx. 1000 square miles in area. In 1999 roseau schools began purchasing buses with the cummins isb engines (An all electronic engine replacing the older "b" engines). The district now has 8 units with this particular engine. The district has been experiencing too many problems with sensors, check engine lights coming on and power derating when operating these engines. A common problem is lift pump failure causing retoactive failure to the injection pump (Cummins name for the injection pump is the vp44 pump). When pump failure…

Other Freightliner FS-65 years

Compare all Freightliner FS-65 years · All Freightliner models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Freightliner FS-65 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Freightliner FS-65: 05V-205 (fuel system, diesel), 04V-343 (service brakes, hydraulic), 02V-084 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Freightliner FS-65?

Owners report structure problems most often (4 reports), followed by fuel system, other (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 95,869 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.