2005 Freightliner Fs-65 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, IMPROPER PINCH BOLT INSTALLATION MAY RESULT IN DECOUPLING OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND A LOSS OF STEERING.
What could happen: LOSS OF STEERING MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE STEERING SHAFT PINCH BOLTS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED. IMPROPERLY INSTALLED PINCH BOLTS WILL BE TORQUED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2007. 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 2005 FS-65.
- Book a repair at any authorized Freightliner dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V394000.
- 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: STEERING:LINKAGES
Summary: ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, IMPROPER PINCH BOLT INSTALLATION MAY RESULT IN DECOUPLING OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND A LOSS OF STEERING.
Consequence: LOSS OF STEERING MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE STEERING SHAFT PINCH BOLTS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED. IMPROPERLY INSTALLED PINCH BOLTS WILL BE TORQUED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Notes: FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-511. 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.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seats (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
09/29/2015 · Seats
SYNTECH SEAT BACKS ARE MADE TOO THIN. 23 OUT OF 26 OF THE SEATS ON THIS SCHOOL BUS ARE BROKEN. THESE SEAT BACKS ARE SPOT WELDED TO A TUBULAR FRAME AND THE THIN SHEET METAL SEAT BACK CRACKS AND SEPARATES FROM THE FRAME. IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN THE STATE SCHOOL BUS INSPECTOR WILL RED TAG THIS BUS BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT.