1997 Freightliner FS-65 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 12, 2004 · 0 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other FS-65 years
Not enough data 7th of 9 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

NHTSA has received no owner complaints about the 1997 Freightliner FS-65 so far. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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1997 Freightliner FS-65 recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJul 12, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V343000 · 3,200 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking effectiveness and increase the stopping distance, which could result in a crash.

Fix: 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.

Vehicle speed controlSep 16, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V248000 · 818 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: This can result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes, air:antilockAug 7, 2000 · NHTSA campaign 00V232002 · 35,405 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the abs ecu.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • School bus throttle cable (PE02030) — opened Mar 8, 2002, closed Sep 25, 2002, led to recall 02V248000.

Other Freightliner FS-65 years

← 1996 FS-65 · 1998 FS-65 →

See all Freightliner FS-65 problems by year, every Freightliner model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Freightliner FS-65?

NHTSA has no owner complaints on file yet.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Freightliner FS-65?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1997 Freightliner FS-65 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other FS-65 model years, the 1997 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.