1999 Freightliner FS-65

○ Not enough data
1999 Freightliner FS-65
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:18:08.572Z

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Freightliner FS-65 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1999 highlighted. 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 0 complaints 1998: 1 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 12 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2002: 5 complaints 2002 2005: 1 complaints 2006: 0 complaints 2006
1999: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19960
19970
19981
19992
200012
200112
20025
20051
20060

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STRUCTURE

1 of 2 total reports mentions: structure.

Show complaint excerpts

BROKEN FRAME ON 1999 FREIGHTLINER SCHOOL BUS/THOMAS BODY OVER RIGHT REAR AIR RIDE AT TORSION BAR MOUNT. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING FRAME REPLACEMENT AT BODY SHOP. *NM

NHTSA ODI report, 20050927

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

1 of 2 total reports mentions: fuel system, diesel.

Show complaint excerpts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FREIGHTLINER FS-65. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84000. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT START.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070502

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19990507 — service brakes, air

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR AIR BRAKE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. SOME OF THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS HAD INSUFFICIENT TORQUE APPLIED TO THE GUIDE PAWL CAP SCREW.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE TORQUE ON THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTER GUIDE PAWL. IF THERE IS NO TORQUE, THE BRAKES WILL BE ADJUSTED AND THE GUIDE PAWL WILL BE TIGHTENED TO 15-20 FT. LBS.

Campaign 99V055002 — check if this car was fixed

R 20000829 — service brakes, air

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 SP

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.

Campaign 00V232002 — check if this car was fixed

R 20010206 — service brakes, air

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SHUTTLE BUSES, RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, UTILITY VANS, AND HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR WABCO PHASE 1, D-VERSION ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), FAIL TO COMPLY TO THE REQUI

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE ABS ECU OR THE ECU WILL BE REPROGRAMMED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVI

Campaign 00V279001 — check if this car was fixed

R 20010522 — steering

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED BY TRW. THE SUSPECT TIE RODS CONTAIN 24-DL MODEL BALL SOCKETS. CERT

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BALL SOCKETS AND/OR DRAG LINKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO

Campaign 01V044002 — check if this car was fixed

I 20020222 — PE (closed 20020325)

FRONT AIR BRAKE HOSE LEAKAGE

R 20020429 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

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 T

Campaign 02V084000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20040810 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

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 FREIGHTL

Campaign 04V343000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — fuel system, diesel

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...

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.

Campaign 05V205000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1999 Freightliner FS-65 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 05V205000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 99V055002 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 00V232002 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 00V279001 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 01V044002 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 02V084000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04V343000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 1999 Freightliner FS-65 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Freightliner FS-65?

The most-reported component is structure:frame and members, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1999 Freightliner FS-65 have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.