2001 Freightliner FS-65 Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2001 Freightliner FS-65. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Fuel system, dieselCovers: Freightliner FS-65 1998–2002, Thomas MVP EF 1998–2003, MVP ER 1998–2003 +1 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Freightliner FS-65 1996–2002
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Freightliner FS-65 1999–2002
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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…
- Electrical system › WiringCovers: Freightliner FS-65 2000–2001
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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…
NHTSA investigations
- PE02024Front air brake hose leakageClosed · Feb 22, 2002
← All problems reported for the 2001 Freightliner FS-65
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.