VehicleVerdict

2002 Freightliner Mt-45 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2002 Freightliner Mt-45 — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Mt-45 years?

Mt-45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mt-45 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Freightliner Mt-45 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure2100%

Does the 2002 Freightliner Mt-45 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE IS POORLY CONSTRUCTED. THE HOOD NEVER SHUTS IN THE SAME PLACE TWICE AND THIS MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ADJUST THE HEADLIGHTS. THE HOOD ALSO KEEPS GETTING PULLED BY THE STRAPS MEANT TO HOLD IT DOWN. *MR *NLM *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

2002 Freightliner Mt-45 — common questions

Is the 2002 Freightliner Mt-45 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Freightliner Mt-45 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 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.