NHTSA Recalls

2000 Freightliner FS-65

4 open or recent recalls

4 open recalls

Open recalls

Units affected

Trucks in our DB

Carriers in DB

What this means

4 open or recent NHTSA recalls affect the 2000 Freightliner FS-65. Recall repairs are free at OEM dealers — but only if you take the truck in. If you operate this model, verify recall service status by submitting the VIN at the OEM dealer or via NHTSA.gov. Insurance underwriters and freight brokers increasingly ask carriers to confirm recall service is current before contract loads.

All 4 recalls for this vehicle

NHTSA Campaign

05V205000

0 affected

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 CREATI

Fix: 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.

NHTSA Campaign

04V343000

0 affected

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.

Fix: 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.

NHTSA Campaign

02V084000

0 affected

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.

Fix: 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 RE

NHTSA Campaign

01V215000

0 affected

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.

Fix: 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 SH

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an open recall fail a DOT inspection on a 2000 Freightliner FS-65?

An open recall does NOT automatically fail a Level 1, 2, or 3 DOT roadside inspection — those focus on brake, tire, light, HOS, and driver-fitness items. However, if the recall affects a safety-critical component that is showing visible defect (cracked brake line, leaking fuel line, etc.) and the inspector identifies the defect itself, it can result in an out-of-service violation. Best practice: complete recall service promptly to avoid the question entirely. Recall completion is free at the dealer.

How do I check if my specific VIN has open recalls?

Three ways: (1) Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls — free, instant. (2) Call any Freightliner dealer and provide your VIN — they'll look up open campaigns. (3) Use our VIN decoder tool at /vin/ which cross-references against our recall database. The fastest is the NHTSA site; the most useful for fleet operators is the dealer call (they can also schedule the repair on the spot).

Who pays for recall repairs?

The manufacturer pays. Recall service is free at any authorized OEM dealer regardless of the truck's age, mileage, or who owns it now. The exception: if recall service is more than 10 years old, some manufacturers can decline (rare on commercial trucks). Freightliner/FS-65 recall service typically takes 1–4 hours of dealer shop time depending on the campaign — usually no charge for parts or labor.

What's the difference between a recall and a TSB on a Freightliner?

A recall (NHTSA campaign) is a manufacturer-mandated safety repair — free and required. A TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) is the manufacturer telling dealers about a known issue and the recommended fix, but TSB repairs are typically NOT free — owners pay parts and labor. Recalls fix safety risks; TSBs fix quality/reliability issues that aren't safety-related. If you're seeing a problem that ISN'T on the recall list, search TSBs for Freightliner FS-65 2000 — there may be a documented fix.

Can I keep operating a 2000 Freightliner FS-65 with an open recall?

Legally yes (no federal law prohibits operating a vehicle with open recalls on a commercial truck — only some passenger-vehicle resale rules apply). Practically: depends on the specific recall. Safety-critical recalls (brakes, steering, fuel system) should be addressed immediately — both for safety and because insurance carriers and shippers increasingly track this. Less-critical recalls (lighting, infotainment) can wait until your next dealer visit. Always review the specific recall summary to understand severity.

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2000 Freightliner FS-65

What this means

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Frequently Asked Questions

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