2001 Freightliner FS-65
Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 12 |
| 2001 | 12 |
| 2002 | 5 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 12 total reports mention: fuel system, diesel.
3 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
STARTER GROUND STRAP RUBBED HOLE IN STEEL BRAKE LINE LOCATED NEAR THE STARTER. THIS CAUSED A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND BRAKE PRESSURE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20031215
2 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
STARTER GROUND STRAP RUBBED HOLE IN STEEL BRAKE LINE LOCATED NEAR THE STARTER. THIS CAUSED A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND BRAKE PRESSURE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20031215
1 of 12 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATED THE ROOF LEAKS AND CAUSES UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE ROOF LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS. THE WATER DROPS INTO THE INTERIOR, ONTO THE DRIVERS CLOTHES, SEAT, STEERING WHEEL, AND VISION, MAKING IT WET AND IMPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030114
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
Campaign 01V215000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT AIR BRAKE HOSE LEAKAGE
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
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
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
2001 Freightliner FS-65 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V205000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V215000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V084000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V343000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2001 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 2001 Freightliner FS-65?
The most-reported component is fuel system, diesel, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Freightliner FS-65 have?
4 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.