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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 Recalls & Complaints

The 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 4 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Freightliner dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 owner complaints

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2, describing incidents dated April 18, 2012 to June 15, 2022.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 1 complaint
  • Exterior Lighting 1 complaint
  • Steering 1 complaint
  • Unknown or Other 1 complaint

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11469508 · Filed

    ELD disconnected by a not yet qualified driver. Driver ID known, vehicle known but the location of the vehicle unknown. We are not able to locate the vehicle and by the conduct of the driver we believe he can be a threat on the road.

  • ODI #11376875 · Filed

    CATALYTIC HAS ISSUES

  • ODI #11210358 · Filed

    PERSISTENT FRONT SWAY BAR BUSHING FAILURE CAUSING EXCESSIVE ROLL IN VEHICLE STEERING WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. RELATED TO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 32-47. BUSHINGS FAIL AFTER ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES AND MUST BE REPLACED REPEATEDLY.

Read all 4 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Reflective Tape May be Partially Covered/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #20V214000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported April 14, 2020 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Potentially affected: 63,175 vehicles

Repair completion: 55.7% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign FL848 · Owners notified May 29, 2020

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2006-2020 Freightliner Columbia, 2006-2021 Freightliner Business Class M2, 2007-2020 Freightliner Coronado, 2014-2021 Freightliner 122 SD, 2007 Sterling A 9500, 2006 Freightliner Argosy, 2006-2007 Sterling AT9500, 2008-2021 Freightliner Cascadia, 2006-2008 Freightliner Classic, 2006-2011 Freightliner Century Class, 2006-2010 Freightliner FLD, and 2017 Western Star 5700 vehicles. The rear reflective tape may be partially covered by the mudflap hanger bracket, which may reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers on the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Safety consequence

The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reposition the reflective tape to ensure that it is completely visible, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 29, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL848.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Tie-Rod Separation Due to Vibration

NHTSA #18V503000 · Steering — Linkages — Tie Rod Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported July 31, 2018 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Potentially affected: 1,256 vehicles

Repair completion: 70.21% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign FL782 · Owners notified March 22, 2019 · Vehicles built July 1, 2011 – January 30, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Freightliner Cascadia, Coronado, Business Class M2, 114SD, and Western Star 4900 trucks. In certain front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations, braking may cause high vibrations, resulting in early failure of the tie-rod tube.

Safety consequence

A tie-rod failure would cause a disconnect between the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering ability, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake linings, brake spider, and tie-rod, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL782.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Reduced Braking Power

NHTSA #16V206000 · Service Brakes, Air — Disc — Caliper · NHTSA notice

Reported April 12, 2016 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Potentially affected: 702 vehicles

Repair completion: 64.81% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign FL-705 · Owners notified June 6, 2016 · Vehicles built January 6, 2010 – February 29, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2010-2017 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 108SD, 114SD, and Columbia trucks manufactured from January 6, 2010, through February 29, 2016, equipped with certain Bendix rear disk brakes and spring suspensions. The rear disk brake caliper may have been installed incorrectly, thus allowing the caliper to contact the suspension.

Safety consequence

Caliper contact with the spring suspension may reduce the braking effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the orientation of the rear brake calipers, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 8, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's recall number for this campaign is FL-705.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fifth Wheel Locking Mechanism may not Engage

NHTSA #15V616000 · Trailer Hitches — Fifth Wheel Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported October 1, 2015 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Potentially affected: 5,801 vehicles

Repair completion: 26.79% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign FL-692 · Owners notified November 20, 2015 · Vehicles built April 5, 2010 – June 15, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Cascadia, Business Class M2, Coronado, and Columbia Glider vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to June 15, 2013. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.

Safety consequence

If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and DTNA authorized service facilities will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-692.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Hybrid Transmission Software

NHTSA #13V634000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported December 16, 2013 · Daimler Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 255 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-657 · Owners notified February 5, 2014 · Vehicles built August 27, 2008 – December 10, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 model year Freightliner Business Class M2 and Freightliner Custom Chassis MT45 and MT55 chassis manufactured August 27, 2008, through December 10, 2013 and equipped with Eaton hybrid automated transmissions. The software controlling the affected transmissions may improperly raise the vehicle's engine speed during downshifts without the driver's input.

Safety consequence

The increase in engine speed may result in unintended acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners and dealers will update the hybrid transmission software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2014. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-503-745-6910. DTNA's recall number is FL-657.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Smartplex Switch Hub Module

NHTSA #13V074000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice

Reported March 4, 2013 · Daimler Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 161 vehicles

Repair completion: 45.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign FL-639 · Owners notified April 29, 2013 · Vehicles built December 3, 2011 – October 12, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD vehicle chassis, manufactured from December 3, 2011, through October 12, 2012 and equipped with a SmartPlex switch hub module. Residue left over in the manufacturing process of the switch hub module may lead to intermittent shorts and energizing of certain switch hub module outputs.

Safety consequence

If the module is energized, the module may inadvertently activate body equipment or features, increasing the risk of injury to the vehicle operator or increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the affected modules free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2013. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

DTNA's recall campaign number is FL-639.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Perpendicular Air Tank Mounting Brackets

NHTSA #12V405000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported August 16, 2012 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 1,663 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-631 · Owners notified December 24, 2012 · Vehicles built July 7, 2008 – December 15, 2011 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Freightliner, Sterling, and Western Star vehicles manufactured from July 7, 2008, through December 15, 2011, and equipped with perpendicular air tank mounting brackets. The air tank mounting brackets may develop cracks which can lead to the air tank brackets separating from the frame rail. The air tanks may also separate from the vehicle.

Safety consequence

Air tanks that become separated from a moving vehicle may create a road debris hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2012. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks North America toll free at 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

DTNA's recall campain number is FL-631.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

QUICK RELEASE VALVE

NHTSA #12V178000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Quick Release Valve · NHTSA notice

Reported April 24, 2012 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 3,116 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-625 · Owners notified June 27, 2012 · Vehicles built February 3, 2012 – March 2, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012-2013 FREIGHTLINER 108SD, BUSINESS CLASS M2, CASCADIA, CORONADO VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH A HALDEX QUICK RELEASE VALVE, AND MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 3, 2012, THROUGH MARCH 2, 2012. THE QUICK RELEASE VALVE COVER MAY NOT BE CORRECTLY MANUFACTURED, ALLOWING THE COVER TO BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE VALVE BODY. IF THE COVER SEPARATES FROM THE VALVE BODY, THE FRONT BRAKES MAY NOT FUNCTION.

Safety consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, INCREASED VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE MAY RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WHERE NECESSARY, THE QUICK RELEASE VALVE WILL BE REPLACED BY DTNA AUTHORIZED SERVICE FACILITIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BEFORE JUNE 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

DTNA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS FL-625.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

STEERING WHEEL NUTS

NHTSA #12V137000 · Steering — Column · NHTSA notice

Reported April 2, 2012 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 1,046 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-623 · Owners notified May 21, 2012 · Vehicles built January 20, 2012 – February 17, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING ONE 2012 CASCADIA AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 AND 2013 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 VEHICLES, AND MODEL YEAR 2013 108SD AND 114SD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 20, 2012, THROUGH FEBRUARY 17, 2012. CERTAIN PROPERTY CLASS 04 (PC04) STEERING WHEEL NUTS WITH INCOMPLETELY FORMED THREADS WERE SUPPLIED TO DTNA IN LIEU OF THE SPECIFIED PROPERTY CLASS 05 NUTS. THE STEERING WHEEL NUTS SUPPLIED MAY NOT PROVIDE THE CLAMP LOAD REQUIRED TO FULLY SEAT THE STEERING WHEEL ON THE STEERING SHAFT WHEN TIGHTENED TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.

Safety consequence

A STEERING WHEEL THAT IS NOT FULLY SEATED ON THE STEERING SHAFT MAY WOBBLE AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL HAVE A NEW STEERING WHEEL NUT INSTALLED BY DTNA AUTHORIZED SERVICE FACILITIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

DTNA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS FL-623.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE

NHTSA #12V074000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported February 28, 2012 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 103,437 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 12C-2 · Owners notified April 27, 2012

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2013 FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT DIESEL EPA07 AND EPA10, DD13 AND DD15/16 ENGINES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 20, 2006, THROUGH FEBRUARY 20, 2012. THE PUMP TO RAIL HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE SUPPORT SYSTEM USED ON THESE ENGINES IS SENSITIVE TO ASSEMBLY TORQUE AND MAY BE DAMAGED DURING SERVICE WORK. AS A RESULT OF OTHER REPAIRS, THE LINE SUPPORTS MAY LOOSEN, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO FUEL LINE CRACKING AND A FUEL LEAK.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WHERE NECESSARY, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE SUPPORT SYSTEM WILL BE REPLACED BY DTNA AUTHORIZED SERVICE FACILITIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

DTNA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 12C-2.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

EMERGENCY VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTDOWN

NHTSA #11V605000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported December 27, 2011 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 66 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 11C-4 · Owners notified March 13, 2012 · Vehicles built July 2, 2010 – December 13, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 AND WESTERN STAR 4900 EMERGENCY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 2, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 13, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH A DD13 EPA10 DETROIT DIESEL ENGINE. THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN SOFTWARE NORMALLY PROVIDED TO PROTECT THE ENGINE AND VEHICLE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN DISABLED ON ENGINES INTENDED FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLE APPLICATIONS.

Safety consequence

IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR RECEIVES AND IGNORES MULTIPLE WARNINGS INDICATING THE NEED FOR OPERATOR INTERVENTION, THE ENGINE MAY SHUT DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY. UNEXPECTED EMERGENCY VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTDOWN UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD HAMPER RESCUE OPERATIONS AND PLACE THE PUBLIC AT RISK.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL DISABLE THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

DTNA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11C-4 (FL-621).OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY/CUMMINS

NHTSA #11V474000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported September 15, 2011 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 6,225 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-611 · Owners notified October 10, 2011 · Vehicles built September 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011- 2012 BUSINESS CLASS M2 AND CORONADO TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ISX OR ISL DIESEL ENGINE. THE V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBERS Q187684, Q187685, AND Q187686, USED TO CONNECT THE INLET AND OUTLET CONE SECTIONS TO THE DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC)/DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) INCLUDE A T-BOLT WHICH CAN FRACTURE AND FAIL WHEN SUBJECTED TO STRESS OR LOAD. A FRACTURE OR FAILURE OF THE T-BOLT MAY CAUSE THE CLAMP TO LOOSEN AND THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS ATTACHED TO THE DOC/DPF HOUSING TO DISCONNECT.

Safety consequence

IF THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS DISCONNECT, HOT EXHAUST GASES CAN VENT PRIOR TO EXITING THE TAILPIPE, CREATING THE RISK OF COMBUSTION AND A FIRE. IF BOTH CLAMPS FAIL, THERE IS A RISK IN SOME APPLICATIONS THAT THE DOC/DPF HOUSING MAY DETACH COMPLETELY, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD.

Manufacturer remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED CUMMINS DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 10, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-812-377-5000 OR DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

CUMMINS' RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS C1154.DAIMLER TRUCKS' SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS FL-611.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

Other Freightliner Business Class M2 model years

Check your 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 VIN

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