2000 Freightliner Fs-65 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
6 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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.
What could happen: THIS CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND POTENTIAL FIRE.
The 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 FREIGH…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2000 FS-65.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 01V215000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: 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.
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND POTENTIAL FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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.
What could happen: SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2000 FS-65.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 05V205000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Summary: 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.
Consequence: SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen: A BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2000 FS-65.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V343000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-421. ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS AND SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2000 FS-65.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00V232002.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS AND SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2000, TO SCHOOL BUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLE CUSTOMERS. OWNERS OF THE REMAINING POPULATION WERE SENT LETTERS ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2000. 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
5. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SHUTTLE BUSES, TRANSIT BUSES AND STEP VANS EQUIPPED WITH ALLISON 1000 OR 2400 SERIES TRANSMISSIONS. THESE TRANSMISSIONS CAN EXPERIENCE PARK PAWL TO REAR COVER INTERFERENCE DUE TO AN OUT OF FLATNESS CONDITION.
What could happen: THIS COULD CAUSE NON-ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARK PAWL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SELECTOR IS MOVED TO THE PARK POSITION, RESULTING IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The fix: ALLISON TRANSMISSION IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE VEHICLE, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL, AND REINSTALL THE TRANSMISSION IN THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AU…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2000 FS-65.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00V229001.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-252-5283.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SHUTTLE BUSES, TRANSIT BUSES AND STEP VANS EQUIPPED WITH ALLISON 1000 OR 2400 SERIES TRANSMISSIONS. THESE TRANSMISSIONS CAN EXPERIENCE PARK PAWL TO REAR COVER INTERFERENCE DUE TO AN OUT OF FLATNESS CONDITION.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE NON-ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARK PAWL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SELECTOR IS MOVED TO THE PARK POSITION, RESULTING IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: ALLISON TRANSMISSION IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE VEHICLE, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL, AND REINSTALL THE TRANSMISSION IN THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2000. 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 ALLISON AT 1-800-252-5283 OR FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
6. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen: THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE REDUCED BRAKING CAPACITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The 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 SHOUL…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2000 FS-65.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 02V084000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-547-0712.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE REDUCED BRAKING CAPACITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 2000 Freightliner Fs-65 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (12), Diesel (12).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
07/28/2005 · Fuel system
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 AND 2001 FREIGHTLINERS. CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL REPAIR WORK ON FUEL SYSTEM DONE 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 DO THE REPAIRS THEMSELVES, BUT THEY COULD NOT DO FAST ENOUGH FOR THE VEHICLES TO BE DONE…
07/28/2005 · Fuel system
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FREIGHTLINER. CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL REPAIR 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 S…
07/28/2005 · Fuel system
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FREIGHTLINER. CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL REPAIR WORK IN FUEL SYSTEM DONE 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 SCHOO…
07/28/2005 · Fuel system
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FREIGHTLINER. CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL REPAIR WORK ON FUEL SYSTEM DONE 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 VEHICLE TO BE DONE BEFORE SCHOOL…
07/28/2005 · Fuel system
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FREIGHTLINER. CONTACT UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL REPAIR WORK ON FUEL SYSTEM DONE 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 STA…
07/28/2005 · Fuel system
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FREIGHTLINER. CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL REPAIR WORK ON FUEL SYSTEM DONE 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…
07/28/2005 · Fuel system
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FREIGHTLINER. CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL REPAIR WORK ON FUEL SYSTEM DONE 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…
07/28/2005 · Fuel system
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FREIGHTLINER. CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL REPAIR WORK ON FUEL SYSTEM DONE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PAY THE DEALERSHIP ENOUGH TO DO THE REPAIR WORK. HA 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 SCHOO…