2001 Freightliner Freightliner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2001 Freightliner Freightliner sits mid-pack among Freightliner years: 41 NHTSA complaints, with a single recall and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death, per the complaint records themselves.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 16 reports (39% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Freightliner years?

Freightliner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Freightliner years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Freightliner Freightliner problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Fuel System	16	39%	▲ up
Suspension	9	22%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	3	7%	— flat
Brakes	3	7%	▼ down
Steering	2	5%	▲ up
Engine	2	5%	— flat
Other	2	5%	▲ up
Body & Structure	2	5%	▲ up
Speed Control	1	2%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	1	2%	▼ down

Does the 2001 Freightliner Freightliner have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V207000EngineApril 27, 2005 · 248 units

Defect

CERTAIN MY 2000-2003 FREIGHTLINER, THOMAS MVP SCHOOL BUS AND WESTERN STARS TRUCKS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 19, 2000, AND MARCH 30, 2005, AND EQUIPPED WITH WEBASTO COOLANT HEATERS, MODEL DBW 2010, ASSEMBLED WITH WEBASTO BURNER TUBES, P/N 303046/26533A. THE STAINLESS STEEL BURNER TUBE IS MADE OUT OF A MATERIAL THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION AND COULD FAIL PREMATURELY.

Consequence

SHOULD THE BURNER TUBE FAIL, THE COOLANT HEATER COULD OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE SUBJECT BURNER TUBES WITH NEW CERTIFIED BURNER TUBES AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT CUSTOMER SUPPORT OFFICE AT 1-336-889-4871 OR CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“#1 FUEL LINE BRAKES HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SPRAYS OVER HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD MAY CAUSE FIRE CHILDREN ON SCHOOLBUS FUEL ON GROUND. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 14, 2001

“THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS ROUTED SO THAT IT WAS IN CONTACT WITH THE REAR AIR SPRING SUSPENSION. OVER TIME THE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE BURNED A HOLE IN AIR SPRING BAG. IN OUR CASE THE FAILURE WAS NOT CASTASTROPHIC. WE WERE PARKED AND AIR LOSS WAS SLOW. I HAVE CONCERNS THAT UNDER DRIVING CONDITIONS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 13, 2002

“WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT STEER TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FENDER AND BRAKES, OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *SLC”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 22, 2002

“THE REMEDY FOR THE SERVICE BRAKES RECALL 93 V 104 000 FAILED 6 TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. MODEL # F160. *AK *SCC *JB”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FREIGHTLINER. THE VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD DURING ICY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN AN INJURY AND A DEATH. NO OTHER VEHICLE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER DIED IN THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 25, 2001

2001 Freightliner Freightliner — common questions

Is the 2001 Freightliner Freightliner reliable?

It is close to typical for the Freightliner: 41 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2001 Freightliner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (16 complaints), suspension (9 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints).

Does the 2001 Freightliner Freightliner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Freightliner Freightliner. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Freightliner Freightliner under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2001 compare to other Freightliner years?

What are the most common 2001 Freightliner Freightliner problems?

Does the 2001 Freightliner Freightliner have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2001 Freightliner Freightliner — common questions

Is the 2001 Freightliner Freightliner reliable?

What are the most common 2001 Freightliner problems?

Does the 2001 Freightliner Freightliner have recalls?

Is the 2001 Freightliner Freightliner under NHTSA investigation?

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