Vehicle recall 04V343000 · July 12, 2004
1996-2002 Freightliner FS-65
On certain school buses chassis equipped with caterpillar engines and hydraulic brakes.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 04V343000
- Reported to NHTSA
- July 12, 2004
- Filed by
- FREIGHTLINER LLC
- Manufacturer campaign
- FL-421
- Owner notification
- August 10, 2004
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 3,200
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
Has your Freightliner been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Freightliner dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.