VehicleVerdict

2000 Freightliner Mt-45 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2000 Freightliner Mt-45 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Mt-45 years?

Mt-45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted2 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 2 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints
Mt-45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mt-45 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Freightliner Mt-45 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2100%

Does the 2000 Freightliner Mt-45 have recalls?

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

05V138000OtherApril 5, 2005 · 500 units

Defect

CERTAIN VAN CHASSIS WITH SINGLE REAR TIRES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE REAR TIRE RATING WAS INCORRECTLY ENTERED IN THE GAWR/GVWR CALCULATION PROGRAM ON CERTAIN SINGLE REAR TIRES. THE REAR GAWR AND GVWR WILL BE INCORRECT WHEN THE GAWR IS LIMITED BY THE TIRE CAPACITY ON CHASSIS WITH THESE TIRES.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE PREMATURE TIRE TREAD WEAR OR TIRE FAILURE DURING NORMAL DRIVING WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL MAIL NEW CHASSIS IDENTIFICATION LABELS WITH THE CORRECT GAWR, GVWR, AND TIRE INFORMATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

01V140007SteeringSeptember 17, 2001 · 75,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRW TIE ROD ENDS ON CERTAIN MERITOR AXLES. THE TIE ROD AND DRAG LINK BALL STUD ENDS CONTAIN BEARINGS THAT ARE BELOW THE SPECIFIED CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS.

Consequence

THIS CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR WITH POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET, INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE ALL AFFECTED TIE RODS AND DRAG LINKS WITH DIFFERENT DESIGNED ENDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 8, 2001. 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.

01V116000Electrical SystemApril 13, 2001 · 1,400 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STEP VANS. WATER COULD ENTER THE ELECTRICAL RELAYS RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Consequence

THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SEALED RELAY AND FUSE BOX WITH SEALED RELAYS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 23, 2001. 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.

01V117000Electrical SystemApril 13, 2001 · 1,354 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STEP VANS. THE BACK-UP BRAKE PUMP WAS WIRED TO A 25 AMP FUSED CIRCUIT INSTEAD OF THE REQUIRED 50 AMP FUSED CIRCUIT. IF THE BACK-UP HYDRAULIC BRAKE PUMP WERE TO ENGAGE DUE TO A FAILURE IN THE PRIMARY BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM OR THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE FUSE COULD BLOW.

Consequence

THIS RESULTS IN A LOSS OF POWER ASSIST TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REWIRE THE BACK-UP BRAKE PUMP CIRCUIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 23, 2001. 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.

00V229001TransmissionAugust 17, 2000 · 594 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SHUTTLE BUSES, TRANSIT BUSES AND STEP VANS EQUIPPED WITH ALLISON 1000 OR 2400 SERIES TRANSMISSIONS. THESE TRANSMISSIONS CAN EXPERIENCE PARK PAWL TO REAR COVER INTERFERENCE DUE TO AN OUT OF FLATNESS CONDITION.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE NON-ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARK PAWL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SELECTOR IS MOVED TO THE PARK POSITION, RESULTING IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

ALLISON TRANSMISSION IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE VEHICLE, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL, AND REINSTALL THE TRANSMISSION IN THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2000. 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 ALLISON AT 1-800-252-5283 OR FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

DT: 2000 FREIGHTLINER MT45. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL PUMP FAILED ON FEBRUARY 25, 2003. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER FROM 75-35 MPH. ON A SEVEN MILE DRIVE THE VEHICLE VARIED WITH FREQUENT SPEED VARIATIONS, EVERY 10- 15 SECONDS, THE ENTIRE SEVEN MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP; THEY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 25, 2003

2000 Freightliner Mt-45 — common questions

Is the 2000 Freightliner Mt-45 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2000 Freightliner Mt-45 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Freightliner Mt-45. 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.