How many recalls does the 2003 Freightliner Fs-65 School Bus Chassis have?

The 2003 Freightliner Fs-65 School Bus Chassis has 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 2003 Freightliner Fs-65 School Bus Chassis has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 2003 Freightliner Fs-65 School Bus Chassis?

Of 2 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is structure.

2003 Freightliner Fs-65 School Bus Chassis Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2003 Freightliner Fs-65 School Bus Chassis has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 16,130 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the structure. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL 05V205000 2005-04-27 16,000 affected

Defect

CERTAIN 1998-2003 MY FREIGHTLINER FS-65 SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS AND MB-45, MB-55, AND XB SHUTTLE BUS CHASSIS, AND THOMAS BUILT BUS: MVP-ER AND MVP-EF SCHOOL BUS AND NON-SCHOOL BUS MODELS EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB DIESEL ENGINES AND EQUIPPED WITH FEDERAL-MOGAL 12 AND 24 VOLT FUEL LIFT PUMPS. THE FUEL PUMP COULD FAIL TO…

Consequence

SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

CUMMINS WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS OF FREIGHTLINER AND THOMAS BUILT AND REPLACE THE FUEL LIFT PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-DIESELS.

STEERING 03V488000 2003-12-04 130 affected

Defect

ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUS, XC RV, AND SHUTTLE BUS CHASSIS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 1 AND JULY 18, 2003, INCORRECT AXLE STEERING STOP BOLTS WERE INSTALLED ON AAC FRONT AXLES. IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO TURN THE FRONT WHEELS IN EITHER DIRECTION UNTIL THE TIRES CONTACT OR DAMAGE OTHER STEERING COMPONENTS.

Consequence

THE DRIVER CAN POSSIBLY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IF THE TIRES CONTACT THE STEERING COMPONENTS WHILE THE BUS IS IN MOTION.

Remedy

FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 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…

Complaints by component

STRUCTURE:BODY

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Total complaints2

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 freightliner fs-65 school bus. The contact stated that while having a state inspection the inspector found cracks on the cross member in front of the rear axle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the cross member needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2012-09-13

“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 freightliner fs-65 school bus. The contact stated that while having a state inspection the inspector found cracks on the cross member in front of the rear axle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the cross member needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…”

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS · reported 2012-09-13

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2003 Freightliner Fs-65 School Bus Chassis as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.