Safety Recall NHTSA · 04V343000 Reported July 12, 2004

Freightliner/worn front brake line

Freightliner Llc · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 3,200 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
04V343000
Manufacturer Campaign
FL-421
Manufacturer
Component
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Vehicles Affected
3,200
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
July 12, 2004

Defect 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.

Safety Consequence

A brake fluid leak can reduce braking effectiveness and increase the stopping distance, which could result in a crash.

Corrective Action

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.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Freightliner Llc dealer and reference recall ID 04V343000 or campaign FL-421.
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Freightliner Llc or involving Service Brakes, Hydraulic.

FAQ: Recall 04V343000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 04V343000?

NHTSA recall 04V343000 was issued by Freightliner Llc on July 12, 2004. It addresses: Freightliner/worn front brake line. The recall affects approximately 3,200 vehicles, with the defect involving the Service Brakes, Hydraulic component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Freightliner Llc dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 04V343000 or the manufacturer campaign number FL-421. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.