Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2005 Freightliner Fs-65 — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | 1 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, IMPROPER PINCH BOLT INSTALLATION MAY RESULT IN DECOUPLING OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND A LOSS OF STEERING.
Consequence
LOSS OF STEERING MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE STEERING SHAFT PINCH BOLTS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED. IMPROPERLY INSTALLED PINCH BOLTS WILL BE TORQUED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“SYNTECH SEAT BACKS ARE MADE TOO THIN. 23 OUT OF 26 OF THE SEATS ON THIS SCHOOL BUS ARE BROKEN. THESE SEAT BACKS ARE SPOT WELDED TO A TUBULAR FRAME AND THE THIN SHEET METAL SEAT BACK CRACKS AND SEPARATES FROM THE FRAME. IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN THE STATE SCHOOL BUS INSPECTOR WILL RED TAG THIS BUS…”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Freightliner Fs-65. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.