VehicleVerdict

2002 Freightliner Freightliner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 21 complaints on file for the 2002 Freightliner Freightliner — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

21

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Freightliner years?

Freightliner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted41 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 1 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 7 complaints1990: 6 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 7 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 6 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 7 complaints1997: 12 complaints1998: 13 complaints1999: 31 complaints2000: 16 complaints2001: 41 complaints2002: 21 complaints2003: 5 complaints2004: 5 complaints
Freightliner NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Freightliner years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Freightliner Freightliner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes629%
Visibility & Wipers419%
Tires & Wheels314%
Electrical System314%
Body & Structure210%
Engine15%
Latches & Locks15%
Seats15%

Does the 2002 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.

“EXCESSIVE BRAKE FADE IN ALFA SEE YA COACH EQUIPPED WITH FREIGHTLINER XC CHASSIS WHICH RESULTS IN THE UNIT BEING VERY HARD TO STOP AND NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. THE UNIT HAS BEEN SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES AS WELL AS A COMPLETE BRAKE JOB BEING DONE AND THE PROBLEM STILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 25, 2002

“CONSUMER NEEDS INFORMATION ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX A PROBLEM IN REGARDS OF THE VAN'S SEAT. *LA IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE BACK DOOR DID NOT CLOSE AND THE KEY REMOTE LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE MIRRORS VIBRATED. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE VEHICLE WAS DEAD EVERY MORNING. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE DOOR LOCKS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 22, 2003

“2002 FREIGHTLINER BUS ENGINE QUIT GOING DOWN HUGE HILL/SMALL MOUNTAIN IN TENNESSEE CAUSING BRAKES TO FAIL. FREE WHEELED DOWN MOUNTAIN, TAKING EXIT, RUNNING STOP LIGHT AND ALMOST CAUSING CRASH WITH 30 PAX ON BOARD. ELECTRICAL WIRE FROM FACTORY LOOSE AND CORRODED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 1, 2005

“GOODYEAR G328, SIZE 295/75R/22.5 THIS TIRE HAD A LUG PATTERN. ALSO, IT CAUSED LATERAL SWAYING. OWNER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AND VEHICLE BECAME TOTALLY UNSTABLE. OWNER REPORTED THIS DEFECT TO THE MOTOR POOL AT FED-X, BUT WAS TOLD TO DEAL WITH IT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 2, 2005

“CONSUMER NEEDS INFORMATION ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX A PROBLEM IN REGARDS OF THE VAN'S SEAT. *LA IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE BACK DOOR DID NOT CLOSE AND THE KEY REMOTE LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE MIRRORS VIBRATED. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE VEHICLE WAS DEAD EVERY MORNING. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE DOOR LOCKS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 22, 2003

2002 Freightliner Freightliner — common questions

Is the 2002 Freightliner Freightliner reliable?

The record is thin — 21 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2002 Freightliner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (6 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints).

Does the 2002 Freightliner Freightliner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Freightliner Freightliner. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Freightliner Freightliner under NHTSA investigation?

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

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.