2004 Freightliner Business Class M2 Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2004 Freightliner Business Class M2 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 226,427 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the suspension. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL 11V478000 2011-09-16 73,500 affected
Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 11, 2003, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH EPA04 MODEL MBE4000 ENGINES BUILT WITH PLASTIC LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINES AND FUEL FILTERS MOUNTED NEAR THE CENTER OF THE ENGINE ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE. THE PLASTIC LOW…

Consequence

THIS COULD CREATE A ROAD HAZARD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES. VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND THE PLASTIC LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A STEEL LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS…

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER 08V668000 2008-12-17 24,650 affected
Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (DTNA) IS RECALLING 24,650 SCHOOL AND NON-SCHOOL BUSES, MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, AND TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 9, 2004 THROUGH AUGUST 18, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH EPA04 CERTIFIED MBE900 ENGINES, MANUFACTURED BY DETROIT DIESEL BETWEEN MARCH 1, 2004, AND JULY 31, 2006. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL…

Consequence

A FRACTURED FUEL LINE MAY LEAK DIESEL FUEL POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE OR FUEL MAY BE SPILLED ON THE ROAD CAUSING A SLIPPERY SURFACE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DETROIT DIESEL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED WITH MORE ROBUST LINES AND VIBRATION DAMPERS FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED DETROIT DIESEL DISTRIBUTORSHIPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DETROIT DIESEL 1-313-592-3708 OR DTNA TOLL-FREE AT…

POWER TRAIN 08V137000 2008-03-25 28,764 affected
Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 28,764 MY 2001 THROUGH 2008 FCCC B2 AND FS65 SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, FCCC FB65 CONVENTIONAL BUSES, AND STERLING ACTERRA, FREIGHTLINER FLN, AND BUSINESS CLASS M2 HEAVY TRUCKS, BUILT FROM JANUARY 26, 2000, THROUGH MARCH 24, 2008, MANUFACTURED WITH ARVINMERITOR OR AXLE ALLIANCE COMPANY 6,000…

Consequence

CONTINUED OPERATION MAY LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION AND POSSIBLY A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 8, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 07V302000 2007-07-16 75,000 affected
Defect

CERTAIN FREIGHTLINER SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, HEAVY TRUCKS, AND THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 2002 AND JULY 3, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE CONTROL VALVES. THE PARKER SCV BRASS 90 DEGREE SINGLE CHECK VALVES (SCV) WHICH ATTACH TO THE SUPPLY PORT OF A BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE…

Consequence

THESE CONDITIONS COULD EITHER RESULT IN LEAKAGE AND CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKE WITHOUT WARNING OR POSSIBLY LEAD TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY OR BRAKE DRAG WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.

Remedy

FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2008 TO FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS OWNERS; TO THOMAS BUILT BUS OWNERS ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

PARKING BRAKE 05V468000 2005-10-05 3,850 affected
Defect

CERTAIN 2004 AND 2005 THOMAS BUILT C2 SCHOOL BUSES AND FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 2004 AND MARCH 2005. THE ANCHOR/PIVOT BOLT SUPPLIED WITH THE PARK BRAKE IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD FATIGUE FRACTURE PREMATURELY, RESULTING IN THE PARK BRAKE FAILING TO APPLY.

Consequence

IF THE PARK BRAKE ANCHOR BOLT FATIGUES AND ULTIMATELY FRACTURES, THE PARK BRAKE MAY NOT FUNCTION AND THERE MAY BE NO INDICATION TO THE DRIVER OF THE MALFUNCTION WHEN THE PARK BRAKE IS SET. THIS MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE ANCHOR BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 05V393000 2005-09-06 1,395 affected
Defect

CERTAIN MY 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 AND THOMAS BUILT SAF-T-LINER C2 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 26 AND OCTOBER 29, 2004, EQUIPPED WITH A CATERPILLAR C-7 ENGINE AND BORG-WARNER KYS 4735 35480 55 ENGINE FAN. THE FAN SHROUD MAY BE DRAWN BACK INTO THE FAN AT HIGH ENGINE SPEEDS WHEN THE FAN CLUTCH…

Consequence

THE FAN MAY FRACTURE AND PIECES MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FAN BLADE. IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS MAY PRESENT A HAZARD TO PEOPLE NEAR THE VEHICLE WITH THE HOOD OPEN AND THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy

FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FAN WITH A FAN THAT HAS A DIFFERENT MOUNTING OFFSET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JANUARY 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 05V126000 2005-03-30 3,568 affected
Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND FIRE TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH KYS 4735-43782-02 ENGINE COOLING FANS AND BUILT ON CATERPILLAR 3126, C7, MBE906, MBE926, OR CUMMINS ISC ENGINES, THE STEEL FAN INSERT ON THE COOLING FANS CAN CRACK.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN FAN BREAKAGE, RESULTING IN VEHICLE DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE COOLING FAN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 8, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 04V220000 2004-05-06 1,700 affected
Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, INCORRECT SPRINGS WERE INSTALLED IN THE EXHAUST PORT OF CERTAIN AIR MANAGEMENT UNIT (AMU) SOLENOID VALVES AND THEY MAY NOT TURN OFF AFTER ACTUATION.

Consequence

DEPENDING ON THE FUNCTION AFFECTED, THIS COULD RESULT IN REAR SUSPENSION AIR PRESSURE LOSS, MALFUNCTION OF THE ENGINE BRAKE, PERMANENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL LOCK, OR PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE FIFTH WHEEL SLIDE LOCK. IF THE WARNING INDICATORS IN THE DASH ARE NOT HEEDED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED VALVES. THE RECALL BEGAN JUNE 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

POWER TRAIN 04V205000 2004-05-04 14,000 affected
Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, THE TAPERED JOINT THAT ATTACHES THE SHIFTER TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY BECOME LOOSE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO GEAR.

Consequence

IF SHIFT LEVER DETACHMENT OCCURS, THA ABILITY RO ACCELERATE OT MAINTAIN SPEED WILL BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RE-SECURE THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE TRANSMISSION USING THREADLOCK AND RE-TORQUING THE FASTENING BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Complaints by component

SUSPENSION
2
ENGINE
1
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
1
PARKING BRAKE:DRIVELINE:HYDRAULIC
1
SERVICE BRAKES
1
1fires
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
1
WHEELS
1
1crashes
Total complaints8

What owners report

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

“Just bought this truck from hubbard trailers, in arizona, with a receipt from having both rear brakes redone. Drove it home then took it to the local fl dealership (nampa, id) to get an official inspection. On inspection the abs and brake lights were on. Work was done, and I was told everything…”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2016-09-30

“M2 106 model started presenting major oil leak one month ago. Replaced oil pan gasket, but didn't correct problem. After mechanic verification, it turns out it is the front crankshaft oil seal. Mechanic stated he has seen quite a few freight models equipped with the cat3126 with oil leak problems…”

ENGINE · reported 2013-04-01

“Driving at 60mph highway limit. Without warning or vibration, front passenger wheel bearing broke off, sending the tire/wheel flying off the highway hill, down the access road, and smashing against a bank stone wall, after it broke through a 2nd stand alone stone wall. Lucky we could stop the…”

WHEELS · reported 2009-12-03

“Dt: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the fuel line assembly burst without warning spraying diesel fuel onto the vehicle and the highway. The contact managed to park the vehicle on the side of the highway without further incident. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined the…”

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL · reported 2006-10-12

“2004 feightliner m2 .on tuesday nov. 1st 2005 with no warning whatsoever my right front wheel came off with lug nuts and brake drum still attached nearly lost truck but kept it steady until I could stop it .wheel bearing and spindle failure was said to be the cause. Replaced whole front axle and…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2005-11-01

“The freightliner tractors we are now using at yellow transportation, in nationwide service, have a problem with the foot brakes. The brakes, when applied, are very slow to release. I feel this could cause a serious problem on slick surfaces. We usually pull twin trailers behind these tractors--and…”

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK · reported 2004-06-07

“(1) design (2) parking brake allows vehicle to move as much as 4 inches after setting. Unable to hook-up trailer without 2 people. Damaged hitch. (3) freightliner claims it can not be fixed.*ak”

PARKING BRAKE:DRIVELINE:HYDRAULIC · reported 2004-03-06

“(1) poor engineering. (2) front axel rated capacity is inadequate for vehicle (3) freightliner speciality vehicles advised of saftey issue 06/04/04, & freightliner on 09/08/04. They have taken no action to date. *ak”

SUSPENSION · reported 2004-03-06

Defect investigations

Investigation RQ07003 Opened 2007-12-05 · closed 2008-03-26

FRONT WHEEL SEPARATION

ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA 'S (DTNA) MARCH 19, 2008, DEFECT NOTIFICATION REPORT WHICH OUTLINES DTNA'S INTENTION TO CAMPAIGN 28,764 FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS VEHICLES [EQUIPPED WITH EITHER ARVINMERITOR OR AXLE ALLIANCE COMPANY 6,000 - 8,000…

Investigation RQ07003 Opened 2007-12-05 · closed 2008-03-26

FRONT WHEEL SEPARATION

ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA 'S (DTNA) MARCH 19, 2008, DEFECT NOTIFICATION REPORT WHICH OUTLINES DTNA'S INTENTION TO CAMPAIGN 28,764 FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS VEHICLES [EQUIPPED WITH EITHER ARVINMERITOR OR AXLE ALLIANCE COMPANY 6,000 - 8,000…

Investigation RQ07003 Opened 2007-12-05 · closed 2008-03-26

FRONT WHEEL SEPARATION

ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA 'S (DTNA) MARCH 19, 2008, DEFECT NOTIFICATION REPORT WHICH OUTLINES DTNA'S INTENTION TO CAMPAIGN 28,764 FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS VEHICLES [EQUIPPED WITH EITHER ARVINMERITOR OR AXLE ALLIANCE COMPANY 6,000 - 8,000…

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 2004 Freightliner Business Class M2 as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.