RoadVitals

2006 Freightliner Business Class M2

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
8
Latest Sep 14, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
13
Latest Apr 14, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Freightliner Business Class M2, most frequently naming the brakes, engine and fuel system categories. 13 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 38 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes327.3%
  • Engine19.1%
  • Fuel system19.1%
  • Interior & seats19.1%
  • Powertrain (other)19.1%
  • Steering19.1%
  • Suspension19.1%
  • Body & structure19.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

13 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 14, 2020
63,175 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL848View on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Feb 28, 2012
103,437 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number 12C-2View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

Sep 16, 2011
73,500 units potentially affected
The 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 PRESSURE FUEL LINE BETWEEN ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL FILTER AND ENGINE BLOCK MAY DEVELOP A SUBSTANTIAL DIESEL FUEL LEAK.
The risk: 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.
The 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 MAILED TO OWNERS ON OCTOBER 28, 2011. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number 11C-2View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE10007ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Stop Lamps Intermittent

Opened Feb 3, 2010
Closed May 23, 2010

This investigation was opened after ODI was contacted by a fleet alleging that in certain situations, such as a light brake peal application during a low speed operation, the brake lamps fail to illuminate on the rear of the bus.ODI confirmed the problem with two fleets.On April 29, 2010, Daimler filed a defect report concerning this issue. The stop lamps may be intermittent during light brake applications.They are still evaluating the remedial program and will furnish this information to ODI when it is available. This safety recallresolves the issue raised by this investigation. Hence, this investigation is closed.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTSLed to recall 10V177000
RQ07003ClosedRecall Query

FRONT WHEEL SEPARATION

Opened Dec 5, 2007
Closed Mar 26, 2008

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 POUND RATED FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLIES UTILIZING A FOUR PIECE SPINDLE NUT SET] MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 26, 2000, AND MARCH 24, 2008.DTNA HAS PROPOSED PROVIDING A REMEDY FOR THE CURRENTLY INSTALLED FOUR PIECE SPINDLE NUT SYSTEMS WHICH MAY LEAD TO INCORRECT END PLAY, [BEARING] CONE SPIN, EXCESSIVE HEAT, DEGRADATION OF LUBRICATION, WEAR OF THE SPINDLE NUT [BACKFACE] AND BEARING JOURNAL, OIL CONTAMINATION WITH METAL SHAVINGS, AND PREMATURE BEARING FAILURE.CONTINUED OPERATION MAY LEAD TO A WHEEL SEPARATION.ODI HAS RELIEVED DTNA OF THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION REQUESTED AS PART OF THIS RQ SO THAT DTNA COULD FOCUS THEIR EFFORTS ON INVESTIGATION OF THE WHEEL SEPARATION ISSUES AND PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING A RESPONSIVE AND TIMELY FIELD ACTION (CAMPAIGN).

SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUBLed to recall 08V137000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

BrakesPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 14, 2021

Not sure if it is a malfunction or not. Can not verify. Seller mentioned: “Allison Automatic Transmission will not shift from Neutral to Drive or Reverse unless you hit the brake”. It does shift w/o braking. This seems like it would be a safety issue but Freightliner Techs can not verify. Vehicle is new to me and has not been inspected yet although I did consult Freigthliner tech via phone. No warning lights related. Operates fine otherwise.

NHTSA ID
11432993
Incident
May 1, 2021
Brakes
Filed Oct 23, 2017

I HAVE HAD 4 BRAKE FAILURES DUE TO STUCK CALIPERS AND SEVERE OVERHEATING AND LOSS OF BRAKES DUE TO BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. ALL 4 WHEELS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED AT DIFFERENT TIMES. TWO WERE WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND TWO WHILE DRIVING ON SECONDARY ROADS. TWO OF THE FAILURES REQUIRED TOWING TO THE REPAIR FACILITY. THE BRAKES ARE BOSCH DISC BRAKES WITH 66MM DUAL PISTONS, THE TIMELINE ON THE STUCK CALIPERS IS AS FOLLOWS; JUNE 20, 2012, 50,908 MILES, RIGHT REAR CALIPER STUCK AND LOST BRAKES, TOWED TO FREIGHTLINER SERVICE CENTER, MAY 20, 2016, 74,326 MILES, LEFT REAR CALIPER STUCK, LOST BRAKES, JULY 14, 2017, 80837 MILES LEFT FRONT CALIPER STUCK LOST BRAKES AND WAS TOWED, SEPT. 8, 2017, 84,000 MILES, RIGHT FRONT CALIPER STUCK AND GOT VERY HOT, I STOPPED AND LET THE BRAKE COOL AND MADE IT HOME AND THEN REPLACED CALIPER. THE BRAKES HAVE GOTTEN SO HOT THAT THE CALIPER, ROTOR AND PADS AND ABS SENSORS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED EVERY TIME. AS FAR AS I AM AWARE, BOSCH HAS NOT ISSUED ANY RECALL OR SAFETY NOTICE ON WHY THIS HAPPENS OR HOW TO PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING. A SCAN ON THE INTERNET REVEALS THAT THIS HAPPENS A LOT WITH THIS BRAKING SYSTEM. DUE TO THE EXTREME DANGER THAT THIS CONDITION CAUSES, BOSCH SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11035792
Incident
Sep 8, 2017
Mileage
84,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 16, 2012

REAR BRAKES STARTED DRAGGING WHILE DRIVING ALONG. I STOPPED TO CHECK THEM AND THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE WAS VERY HOT AND SMELLING OF OVERHEATED BRAKES. I TURNED AROUND TO TRY AND MAKE IT HOME BUT THE NEXT TIME I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO GET STOPPED. I WAS TOWED TO A FREIGHTLINER SERVICE CENTER WHERE THEY TOLD ME I HAD A STUCK CALIPER. THIS VEHICLE IS A MOTORHOME CONVERSION BY DYNAMAX AND HAS HYDRAULIC, ABS BRAKES. *JB

NHTSA ID
10461961
Incident
Jun 9, 2012
Mileage
50,607 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 18, 2010
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER ON BOTH OCCASIONS WHERE THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND SPINDLES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,446.

NHTSA ID
10350251
Incident
Apr 1, 2009
Mileage
12,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Nov 1, 2007

PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW CONTINUES TO COME OFF TRACK WHEN DOOR IS SHUT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO FREIGHTLINER REPAIR FACILITY NUMEROUS TIMES AND THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES TO EXIST. FACTORY REPS STATE THAT THIS IS A DEFECT BUT IT IS NOT A RECALL. WHEN THE DOOR IS SHUT, THE METAL FLEXES AND CAUSES THE WINDOW TO FALL OFF ITS TRACK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10207609
Incident
Oct 30, 2007
Mileage
5,896 mi
Body & structureFuel systemSteering
Filed Aug 24, 2006

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF TRUSSVILLE PURCHASED A NEW BUS FROM ILLINOIS BUS SALES (IBS), 1216 RAND ROAD, DES PLAINES, IL 60016, THE BUS HAS SEATING CAPACITY FOR 36 INDIVIDUALS. THE CHURCH PAID CASH FOR THE BUS. IT WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM IBS ON MAY 23, 2006. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER IS 1FVACWCS17XXXXXXX - 2006 FREIGHTLINER F160/M2 - AMERITRANS BODY - AT TIME OF PURCHASE IT HAD 197 MILES. ON THE FIRST OCCASION TO USE THE BUS WITH PASSENGERS, IT VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND WOULD NOT STAY ON THE ROAD. IT HAS A STEERING DEFECT AS WELL. IN ADDITION, IT HAD A FUEL LINE LEAK. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP AT FREIGHTLINER IN BIRMNGHAM, SINCE LATE JUNE 2006, WHERE IT REMAINS. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE MANAGER (RAYMOND) AT FREIGHTLINER IN BIRMINGHAM, IT IS A DESIGN PROBLEM, AND THE BUS IS IRREPARABLE AND SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD. WE BELIEVE DOT SHOULD REVISIT ITS CERTIFICATION OF THIS PARTICULAR CONVERSION BUS, AS IT IS IRREPARABLE AND POSES A REAL AND PRESENT DANGER TO THE PUBLIC. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL UPON MY OFFICES FOR ANY ASSISTANCE YOU MAY NEED. ALSO, THE ADMINISTRATOR OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF TRUSSVILLE, ALABAMA - MAY PROVIDE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION - HIS CONTACT INFORMATION IS - FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF TRUSSVILLE, ALABAMA - 128 NORTH CHALKVILLE ROAD, TRUSSVILLE, ALABAMA 35173 - 205.655.XXXX. *NM *NM

NHTSA ID
10165708
Incident
Jun 21, 2006
Mileage
550 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 10, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO SUGGESTED THE FUEL FILTER BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE STARTED AND WAS DRIVEN TO A PARKING LOT WHERE THE FUEL FILTER WAS CHANGED. THREE DAYS LATER, VEHICLE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED AN INJECTOR. THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, AND THE OIL PUMP, INJECTORS, TURBO, AND RADIATOR FILTERS WERE REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE EMITTED BLACK SMOKE AND OPERATED NO FASTER THAN 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DETERMINED BUT THE TURBO WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.

NHTSA ID
10165180
Incident
Aug 10, 2006
Mileage
42,198 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Mar 7, 2006
1 injury reported

ON 3-4-06 I WAS DRIVING AN M2 FREIGHTLINER OVER THE ROAD ON I-80 IN PA WHEN HIT A POT HOLE AND THE TRUCK LIFTED ME OUT OF THE SEAT . WHEN I CAME BACK DOWN ON THE SEAT I INJURED MY BACK . THE INJURY PUT ME IN THE HOSPITAL WITH A BACK STRAIN. *NM

NHTSA ID
10152097
Incident
Mar 4, 2006
Mileage
2,800 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

04TS-43REV4

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Revised Technical Service Letter for Series 60 and Series 50 Camshaft Timing Specifications. Camshaft timing, valve lash, injector height, and Jake Brake lash are all very important specifications that must be followed closely in order to optimize the performance and service life of any Detroit Diesel engine.

SB35-036

POWER TRAIN

Revised Freightliner Service Bulletin for Axle Flange Gasket Replaced with O-Ring. Revision removed steps instructing removal and installation of wheels. Daimler Trucks North America has released a new axle shaft to hub rubber O-ring (part number 11-30728-000) as a replacement for the paper gasket (part number 11-14418-000). The new O-ring will provide better sealing and is reusable. It is quicker and easier to use compared to the paper gasket, because using a paper gasket requires cleaning the hub when the axle shaft is removed.

SB54-278

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Updated Freightliner Service Bulletin for Powernet Troubleshooting Guide - Batteries, Path, Alternator, and Starter. This bulletin replaces the version dated 5/31/2017. Information is added about the BCT-460DTNA PowerNet Assessment Tool. When troubleshooting Powernet issues, use the BCT-460DTNA PowerNet Assessment Tool. As of May 29, 2018, the AutoMeter® is the only Daimler-approved tool for troubleshooting vehicle Powernet issues.

SB35-036

EQUIPMENT; POWER TRAIN

Freightliner Service Bulletin for Axle Flange Gasket Replaced with O-Ring. Daimler Trucks North America has released a new axle shaft to hub rubber O-ring (part number 11-30728-000) as a replacement for the paper gasket (part number 11-14418-000). The new O-ring will provide better sealing and is reusable. It is quicker and easier to use compared to the paper gasket, because using a paper gasket requires cleaning the hub when the axle shaft is removed.

SB54-319

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Service Bulletin for severe duty main PDM installation for vehicles operating in severe moisture and/or corrosive environments.

sb0006

EQUIPMENT

Service Bulletin- sb0006 Freightliner Courtesy Engineering Policy

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Freightliner Business Class M2 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027010
2026050
20251110
2024070
2023170
2022190
20212140
20208120
20190230
20180160
20171150
20161160
20154140
20140102
20130111
20124121
2011083
20100102
2009282
20081141
20074173
2006Viewing8132
2005792
20048101
2003151
2002051
2001020
2000010
1999000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.