NHTSA vehicle safety data
2003 Freightliner MT-45 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2003 Freightliner MT-45 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 0 owner complaints on file as of October 16, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Freightliner dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Freightliner MT-45. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
NHTSA #07V302000Reported July 16, 2007 · FREIGHTLINER LLC
Potentially affected: 75,000 vehicles
Defect description
CERTAIN FREIGHTLINER SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, HEAVY TRUCKS, AND THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 2002 AND JULY 3, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE CONTROL VALVES. THE PARKER SCV BRASS 90 DEGREE SINGLE CHECK VALVES (SCV) WHICH ATTACH TO THE SUPPLY PORT OF A BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE CAN BREAK APART. PIECES OF THE PARKER SCV CAN BECOME LODGED INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING EITHER LEAKAGE OUT OF THE SR-7 VALVE OR PREVENTING AIR FROM PROPERLY EXHAUSTING FROM THE SR-7 VALVE. ALSO, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE INTERNAL RUBBER CHECK VALVE INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVES, THE VALVES CAN BECOME DEFORMED AND NOT SEAT PROPERLY.
Safety consequence
THESE CONDITIONS COULD EITHER RESULT IN LEAKAGE AND CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKE WITHOUT WARNING OR POSSIBLY LEAD TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY OR BRAKE DRAG WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
Manufacturer remedy
FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2008 TO FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS OWNERS; TO THOMAS BUILT BUS OWNERS ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Notes
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-504.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
NHTSA #05V138000Reported April 5, 2005 · FREIGHTLINER LLC
Potentially affected: 500 vehicles
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE PREMATURE TIRE TREAD WEAR OR TIRE FAILURE DURING NORMAL DRIVING WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-444.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.
Other Freightliner MT-45 model years
Check your 2003 Freightliner MT-45 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Freightliner MT-45 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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