Model year record

2003 Freightliner Fs-65 School Bus Chassis recalls & problems

The 2003 Freightliner Fs-65 School Bus Chassis has 2 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (2 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints1filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Fuel system, dieselApr 27, 2005

Fuel system, diesel

Recall 05V20500016,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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 CREATING AN ENGINE STALL CONDITION.
Risk: SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
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.

SteeringDec 4, 2003

Steering

Recall 03V488000130 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUS, XC RV, AND SHUTTLE BUS CHASSIS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 1 AND JULY 18, 2003, INCORRECT AXLE STEERING STOP BOLTS WERE INSTALLED ON AAC FRONT AXLES. IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO TURN THE FRONT WHEELS IN EITHER DIRECTION UNTIL THE TIRES CONTACT OR DAMAGE OTHER STEERING COMPONENTS.
Risk: THE DRIVER CAN POSSIBLY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IF THE TIRES CONTACT THE STEERING COMPONENTS WHILE THE BUS IS IN MOTION.
Fix: FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2003. 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 SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 503-745-5219.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
StructureBody; Frame and members	2	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FREIGHTLINER FS-65 SCHOOL BUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING A STATE INSPECTION THE INSPECTOR FOUND CRACKS ON THE CROSS MEMBER IN FRONT OF THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,014. UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIRS WERE $ 1,180.02. UPDATED 05/06/13
Sep 13, 2012 · 190,014 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.