2006 Freightliner Business Class M2 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 Freightliner Business Class M2, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes327.3%
- Engine19.1%
- Fuel system19.1%
- Interior & seats19.1%
- Powertrain (other)19.1%
- Steering19.1%
- Suspension19.1%
- Body & structure19.1%
- Visibility19.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .