2002 Freightliner FS-65
Only 5 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 5 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 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 5 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120924
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120924
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120924
1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: fuel system, other.
Show complaint excerpts
ROSEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT OPERATES A FLEET OF 26 BUSES COVERING APPROX. 1000 SQUARE MILES IN AREA. IN 1999 ROSEAU SCHOOLS BEGAN PURCHASING BUSES WITH THE CUMMINS ISB ENGINES (AN ALL ELECTRONIC ENGINE REPLACING THE OLDER "B" ENGINES).
NHTSA ODI report, 20050107
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2002 Freightliner FS-65 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, other issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V205000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V084000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V343000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 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 2002 Freightliner FS-65?
The most-reported component is structure:frame and members, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Freightliner FS-65 have?
3 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.