1997 Freightliner FS-65 Problems: 0 Complaints, 3 Recalls

The worst 1997 Freightliner FS-65 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

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Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported July 12, 2004 · 3,200 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
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.

Recall number 04V343000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported September 16, 2002 · 818 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
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.

Recall number 02V248000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: antilockReported August 7, 2000 · 35,405 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS ecu.

Recall number 00V232002 · Recall details

School bus throttle cableOpened March 8, 2002, closed September 25, 2002

PE02030

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1997 Freightliner FS-65 before you buy

Is the 1997 Freightliner FS-65 reliable?

Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 1997 Freightliner FS-65.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Freightliner FS-65?

There are not enough complaints to tell.

How many recalls does the 1997 Freightliner FS-65 have?

3 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control and service brakes, air.

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