VehicleVerdict

1998 Freightliner Fs-65 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1998 Freightliner Fs-65 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Fs-65 years?

Fs-65 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted14 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 12 complaints2001: 14 complaints2002: 5 complaints2005: 1 complaints2006: 0 complaints
Fs-65 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fs-65 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Freightliner Fs-65 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System150%
Engine150%

Does the 1998 Freightliner Fs-65 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V205000Fuel SystemApril 27, 2005 · 16,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

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.

04V343000BrakesJuly 12, 2004 · 3,200 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

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 FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

02V248000Speed ControlSeptember 16, 2002 · 818 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS WITH CUMMINS ISB ENGINES WITH MECHANICAL THROTTLE, THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY AND BREAK NEAR THE END FITTING THAT ATTACHES TO THE ENGINE LINKAGE.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE WITH A NEW DESIGN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 17, 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 1-800-547-0712.

00V232002BrakesAugust 7, 2000 · 35,405 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS AND SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SCHOOL BUS LOCATED IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY WAS IN ROUTE WITH SIX CHILDREN AND A DRIVER WHEN THE DRIVER SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW THE SMOKE COMING FROM THE AREA BELOW THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DRIVER STOPPED THE BUS IN A SAFE AREA AND IMMEDIATELY STARTED EVACUATION PROCEDURES AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 8, 2012 · fire

“NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SCHOOL BUS LOCATED IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY WAS IN ROUTE WITH SIX CHILDREN AND A DRIVER WHEN THE DRIVER SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW THE SMOKE COMING FROM THE AREA BELOW THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DRIVER STOPPED THE BUS IN A SAFE AREA AND IMMEDIATELY STARTED EVACUATION PROCEDURES AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 8, 2012 · fire

1998 Freightliner Fs-65 — common questions

Is the 1998 Freightliner Fs-65 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Freightliner Fs-65 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Freightliner Fs-65. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.