VehicleVerdict

2001 Freightliner Mt-45 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2001 Freightliner Mt-45 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Mt-45 years?

Mt-45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 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, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mt-45 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Freightliner Mt-45 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1100%

Does the 2001 Freightliner Mt-45 have recalls?

3 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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FREIGHTLINER MT-45. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FUEL LIFT PUMP FAILED AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL. THE CONTACT CALLED A REPAIR CENTER AND WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05E054000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 13, 2008

2001 Freightliner Mt-45 — common questions

Is the 2001 Freightliner Mt-45 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2001 Freightliner Mt-45 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 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.