Menu

2002 Freightliner FS-65Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2002 Freightliner FS-65, most often about the structure. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints50 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage113kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 10, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Freightliner FS-65 has problems

5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure40
Fuel system, other10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2002 Freightliner FS-65 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Fuel system, diesel

Recall 05V-205 · Apr 27, 2005 · 16,000 vehicles

Risk. SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 04V-343 · Jul 12, 2004 · 3,200 vehicles

Risk. A BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 02V-084 · Apr 2, 2002 · 16,000 vehicles

Risk. THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE REDUCED BRAKING CAPACITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Freightliner.

Best & worst years

2002 vs. every other FS-65 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the FS-65 median. How we score

'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'05'06
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2002 Freightliner FS-65, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FRONT AIR BRAKE HOSE LEAKAGEPE02024 · closed Mar 25, 2002
    Led to recall 02V-084
In owners' words

What FS-65 owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* 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…
Complaint 10476812 · Sep 24, 2012 · 172,982 miles
TL* 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…
Complaint 10476809 · Sep 24, 2012 · 71,525 miles
TL* 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…
Complaint 10476806 · Sep 24, 2012 · 129,210 miles

Own a 2002 FS-65?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.