1996–2002 Freightliner FS-65 Recall: ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR ENGINES AND…
NHTSA campaign 04V343000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · filed Jul 12, 2004 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
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.
The risk
A BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
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.
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).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Freightliner FS-65 recalls
- 2005–2006 Freightliner FB-65 and 1 other model — ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, IMPROPER…
- 1998–2002 Freightliner FS-65 and 6 other models — CERTAIN 1998-2003 MY FREIGHTLINER FS-65 SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS…
- 1996–1998 Freightliner FS-65 — ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS WITH CUMMINS ISB ENGINES WITH…
- 1999–2002 Freightliner FS-65 — ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES, THE BRAKE HOSES FROM THE CHASSIS…
- 2000–2001 Freightliner FS-65 — VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BUS CHASSIS VEHICLES
Other campaigns involving Freightliner vehicles
All Freightliner FS-65 recalls → · All Freightliner recalls →
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 04V343000 (manufacturer number FL-421). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.