Total Complaints
21 filings
FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER · model year
2002 FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER
21 NHTSA complaints, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2002FREIGHTLINERFREIGHTLINER carries 21 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2002 FREIGHTLINER is electrical system with 2 filings, followed by visibility:windshield (2) and service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 35 investigation files overlapping the 2002 FREIGHTLINER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
21
Complaints
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
0 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING | 1 |
| STRUCTURE | 1 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 1 |
| VISIBILITY | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | 1 |
| SEATS | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK | 1 |
| TIRES:SIDEWALL | 1 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 1 |
Recalls (1)
05V20700027/04/2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CERTAIN MY 2000-2003 FREIGHTLINER, THOMAS MVP SCHOOL BUS AND WESTERN STARS TRUCKS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 19, 2000, AND MARCH 30, 2005, AND EQUIPPED WITH WEBASTO COOLANT HEATERS, MODEL DBW 2010, ASSEMBLED WITH WEBASTO BURNER TUBES, P/N 303046/26533A. THE STAINLESS STEEL BURNER TUBE IS MADE O
Recent Complaints
20101025TIRES
2002 FREIGHTLINER SEMI TIRE CAME OFF AND TWO OTHER VEHICLES STUCK THE TIRE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0598-90)*JB
20050726ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
2002 FREIGHTLINER BUS ENGINE QUIT GOING DOWN HUGE HILL/SMALL MOUNTAIN IN TENNESSEE CAUSING BRAKES TO FAIL. FREE WHEELED DOWN MOUNTAIN, TAKING EXIT, RUNNING STOP LIGHT AND ALMOST CAUSING CRASH WITH 30 PAX ON BOARD. ELECTRICAL WIRE FROM FACTORY LOOSE AND CORRODED.
Mileage: 79,000
20050216TIRES:TREAD/BELT
GOODYEAR G328, SIZE 295/75R/22.5 THIS TIRE HAD A LUG PATTERN. ALSO, IT CAUSED LATERAL SWAYING. OWNER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AND VEHICLE BECAME TOTALLY UNSTABLE. OWNER REPORTED THIS DEFECT TO THE MOTOR POOL AT FED-X, BUT WAS TOLD TO DEAL WITH IT. *AK
Mileage: 206,000
20040322SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
CONSUMER DRIVES A FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER AND THE BRAKE WEAR INDICATOR LIGHT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. CONSUMER HAS TO REPLACE THE PADS AND ROTORS FOR THE FRONT AND REAR AXLES TWICE. DEALER CLAIMS THAT THIS IS NORMAL WEAR FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. ALSO THE PADS ARE THE WRONG SIZE.*AK
Mileage: 15,000
20040322SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
CONSUMER DRIVES A FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER AND THE BRAKE WEAR INDICATOR LIGHT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. CONSUMER HAS TO REPLACE THE PADS AND ROTORS FOR THE FRONT AND REAR AXLES TWICE. DEALER CLAIMS THAT THIS IS NORMAL WEAR FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. ALSO THE PADS ARE THE WRONG SIZE.*AK
Mileage: 15,000
20040309SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE PADS AND ROTORS FOR THE REAR AND FRONT BRAKES. DEALER CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR FOR THIS VEHICLE, BUT THE BRAKE PADS WERE NOT THE PROPER SIZE.*AK
Mileage: 15,000
20040309SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE PADS AND ROTORS FOR THE REAR AND FRONT BRAKES. DEALER CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR FOR THIS VEHICLE, BUT THE BRAKE PADS WERE NOT THE PROPER SIZE.*AK
Mileage: 15,000
20040224TIRES:SIDEWALL
TIRE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT. *PH THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OTHER MOTOR HOME OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. FREIGHTLINER AND MICHELIN ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. (XC CHASSIS) *SC
Mileage: 22,465
20040223SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
EXCESSIVE BRAKE FADE IN ALFA SEE YA COACH EQUIPPED WITH FREIGHTLINER XC CHASSIS WHICH RESULTS IN THE UNIT BEING VERY HARD TO STOP AND NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. THE UNIT HAS BEEN SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES AS WELL AS A COMPLETE BRAKE JOB BEING DONE AND THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. *AK
Mileage: 8,000
20040114ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSUMER NEEDS INFORMATION ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX A PROBLEM IN REGARDS OF THE VAN'S SEAT. *LA IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE BACK DOOR DID NOT CLOSE AND THE KEY REMOTE LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE MIRRORS VIBRATED. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE VEHICLE WAS DEAD EVERY MORNING. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE DOOR LOCKS WERE SLOW TO OPEN WITH THE REMOTE (TWICE) AND THE SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF. THERE WAS ALSO AN A/C PROBLEM. *SC *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
20040114LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
CONSUMER NEEDS INFORMATION ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX A PROBLEM IN REGARDS OF THE VAN'S SEAT. *LA IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE BACK DOOR DID NOT CLOSE AND THE KEY REMOTE LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE MIRRORS VIBRATED. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE VEHICLE WAS DEAD EVERY MORNING. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE DOOR LOCKS WERE SLOW TO OPEN WITH THE REMOTE (TWICE) AND THE SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF. THERE WAS ALSO AN A/C PROBLEM. *SC *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
20040114VISIBILITY
CONSUMER NEEDS INFORMATION ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX A PROBLEM IN REGARDS OF THE VAN'S SEAT. *LA IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE BACK DOOR DID NOT CLOSE AND THE KEY REMOTE LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE MIRRORS VIBRATED. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE VEHICLE WAS DEAD EVERY MORNING. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE DOOR LOCKS WERE SLOW TO OPEN WITH THE REMOTE (TWICE) AND THE SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF. THERE WAS ALSO AN A/C PROBLEM. *SC *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
20040114ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER NEEDS INFORMATION ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX A PROBLEM IN REGARDS OF THE VAN'S SEAT. *LA IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE BACK DOOR DID NOT CLOSE AND THE KEY REMOTE LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE MIRRORS VIBRATED. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE VEHICLE WAS DEAD EVERY MORNING. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE DOOR LOCKS WERE SLOW TO OPEN WITH THE REMOTE (TWICE) AND THE SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF. THERE WAS ALSO AN A/C PROBLEM. *SC *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
20040114STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
CONSUMER NEEDS INFORMATION ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX A PROBLEM IN REGARDS OF THE VAN'S SEAT. *LA IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE BACK DOOR DID NOT CLOSE AND THE KEY REMOTE LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE MIRRORS VIBRATED. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE VEHICLE WAS DEAD EVERY MORNING. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE DOOR LOCKS WERE SLOW TO OPEN WITH THE REMOTE (TWICE) AND THE SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF. THERE WAS ALSO AN A/C PROBLEM. *SC *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
20040114SEATS
CONSUMER NEEDS INFORMATION ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX A PROBLEM IN REGARDS OF THE VAN'S SEAT. *LA IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE BACK DOOR DID NOT CLOSE AND THE KEY REMOTE LOCK WAS INOPERATIVE, THE MIRRORS VIBRATED. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE VEHICLE WAS DEAD EVERY MORNING. IN RE: VIN#[XXX], THE DOOR LOCKS WERE SLOW TO OPEN WITH THE REMOTE (TWICE) AND THE SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF. THERE WAS ALSO AN A/C PROBLEM. *SC *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
20030703VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 38 FOOT ALFA CYA CLASS A MOTOR HOME, MY DRIVERS SIDE POWER OPERATED VISOR FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE BLACK COLORED (BLACKOUT MATERIAL) BLIND TO FREE SPIN FROM THE ASSEMBLY AND FALL VERTICALLY DOWN TO A FULLY EXTENDED OPEN POSITION BLOCKING MY DRIVERS VIEW OF THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH. THIS NEARLY CAUSED A MAJOR MULTIPLE VEHICLE COLLISION ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. I HAD PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THE FAULTY POWER SHADE TO THE MANUFACTURER ALFA LEISURE SPECIFICALLY STEVE WISHEK ALFAS VP, AND THE SELLING DEALER EARNHARDT RV CENTER SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN MESA ARIZONA (AN AUTHORIZED ALFA LEISURE DEALER) SHORTLY AFTER THE UNIT WAS PURCHASED. BOTH COMPANIES STATED THEY WERE NOT REPLACING/REPAIRING THE SHADE AND REFUSED TO DISCUSS THE REPLACEMENT OF IT BECAUSE THEY STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE DEVICE. I ALSO REQUESTED THAT THE SHADE BE REPAIR/REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURERS EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY, MBA OF SCOTTSDALE ARIZONA, WHO ALSO REFUSED TO REPAIR/REPLACE S
20030703VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 38 FOOT ALFA CYA CLASS A MOTOR HOME, MY DRIVERS SIDE POWER OPERATED VISOR FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE BLACK COLORED (BLACKOUT MATERIAL) BLIND TO FREE SPIN FROM THE ASSEMBLY AND FALL VERTICALLY DOWN TO A FULLY EXTENDED OPEN POSITION BLOCKING MY DRIVERS VIEW OF THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH. THIS NEARLY CAUSED A MAJOR MULTIPLE VEHICLE COLLISION ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. I HAD PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THE FAULTY POWER SHADE TO THE MANUFACTURER ALFA LEISURE SPECIFICALLY STEVE WISHEK ALFAS VP, AND THE SELLING DEALER EARNHARDT RV CENTER SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN MESA ARIZONA (AN AUTHORIZED ALFA LEISURE DEALER) SHORTLY AFTER THE UNIT WAS PURCHASED. BOTH COMPANIES STATED THEY WERE NOT REPLACING/REPAIRING THE SHADE AND REFUSED TO DISCUSS THE REPLACEMENT OF IT BECAUSE THEY STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE DEVICE. I ALSO REQUESTED THAT THE SHADE BE REPAIR/REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURERS EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY, MBA OF SCOTTSDALE ARIZONA, WHO ALSO REFUSED TO REPAIR/REPLACE S
20030416STRUCTURE
THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO TURN SAFELY, BECAUSE IT HAD A LESS THAN 50 DEGREE WHEEL CUT. *JB THE CONSUMER HAS TO BACK UP INTO TRAFFIC WHEN SHE IS UNABLE TO NAVIGATE INTO TURNS SAFELY. SCC
Mileage: 1,900
20030212FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A FIRE STARTED IN THE TRAILER CONTROL MODULE. VEHICLE WAS A 2002 FREIGHTLINER M2.*JB
20030115VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING
2002 SPRINTER MADE BY DAIMLER-CHYRSLER. WE BOUGHT 6 OF THESE VANS AND TWO OF THEM HAVE HAD THE CONTROL ARM FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BREAK OFF AT THE STEERING COLUMN. FRIEGHTLINER(AKA DAIMLER-CHRYLSER) SAY THAT IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, BUT THAT WAS BECAUSE PEOPLE THOUGHT IT WAS THE GEAR SHIFT. WELL, I AM SORRY, THIS CONFUSION HAPPENS IN MANY CARS, BUT THE CONTROL ARM DOESN'T JUST BREAK OFF. POOR DESIGN OR MATERIALS. THIS HUMAN BEHAVIOR WILL NOT CHANGE, THIS ARM SHOULD BE STRONG ENOUGH TO HANDLE THIS OCCASSIONAL CONFUSION. THIS,HOWEVER, WAS NOT THE CASE WITH OUR TWO VEHICLES PURCHASED IN AUG, 2002.
Compare 2002FREIGHTLINERFREIGHTLINER to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
PE24032Preliminary EvaluationClosed
EVDM connector plate separation
PE21006Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Halogen Headlights May Cause Fires
PE20014Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Failure
PE20006Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist
PE18004Preliminary EvaluationClosed
PNDB Electrical Power Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2002 FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER have?▼
The 2002 FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER has 21 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2002 FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER?▼
Yes, the 2002 FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER?▼
The most-complained component for the 2002 FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 2 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS.
Is the 2002 FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.