NHTSA vehicle safety data
1996 Freightliner FS-65 Recalls & Complaints
The 1996 Freightliner FS-65 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file as of October 21, 2026. try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 1996 Freightliner FS-65. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Freightliner dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1996 Freightliner FS-65. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
FREIGHTLINER/WORN FRONT BRAKE LINE
NHTSA #04V343000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice
Reported July 12, 2004 · FREIGHTLINER LLC
Potentially affected: 3,200 vehicles
Freightliner campaign FL-421 · Owners notified August 10, 2004 · Vehicles built September 20, 1996 – June 28, 2002 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
A BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-421.ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FREIGHTLINER/THROTTLE CABLE
NHTSA #02V248000 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA notice
Reported September 16, 2002 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 818 vehicles
Freightliner campaign FL-398 · Owners notified February 17, 2003 · Vehicles built October 3, 1996 – December 30, 1997 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-398. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Freightliner FS-65 model years
Check your 1996 Freightliner FS-65 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Freightliner FS-65 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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