RoadVitals

2009 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.
2
Latest Dec 6, 2012
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.
8
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Freightliner Business Class M2, most frequently naming the brakes and fuel system categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 427 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

  • Brakes150.0%
  • Fuel system150.0%

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

8 campaigns cover this model year

View all 8

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
20V214000

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
13V634000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Dec 16, 2013
255 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: The increase in engine speed may result in unintended acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North AmericaManufacturer number FL-657View on NHTSA.gov
12V405000

EQUIPMENT

Aug 16, 2012
1,663 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Air tanks that become separated from a moving vehicle may create a road debris hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number FL-631View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

PE12018ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Air Brake Reservoir Bracket Fracture

Opened Jun 25, 2012
Closed Sep 20, 2012

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles had allegedly experienced a fracture of one or more support brackets resulting in an unsecured air brake reservoir.This could result in a loss of air pressure necessary for proper service brake application and a potential road hazard if the reservoir separates from the vehicle in operation.By letter dated August 15, 2012, Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) has notified ODI that it has initiated a safety recall (identified by NTHSA Recall No. 12V-405 and DTNA Recall No. FL-631) to address a safety defect in approximately 1,663 model year (MY) 2009 through 2012 Freightliner 114SD, Business Class M2, Cascadia, Coronado, Sterling 9500 and Western Star 4700 trucks manufactured from July 7, 2008 through December 15, 2011, originally equipped with a specific perpendicular oriented air brake reservoir support bracket (P/N 12-22981-000).To date ODI is unaware of any bracket failures that resulted in a complete separation of the reservoir from the vehicle.Affected owners will be notified by DTNA beginning October 15, 2012 and affected vehicles will have the subject air brake reservoir support brackets replaced with a more robust bracket.Repairs will be performed by DTNA authorized service facilities.Copies of DTNA's reimbursement plan for pre-notification remedies will be submitted to ODI as a supplemental report when available.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:RESERVOIR/TANKLed to recall 12V405000
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

Recent owner complaints

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

Fuel system
Filed Dec 6, 2012

WE HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE FUEL FILTER HOUSINGS STARTING TO SEEP FUEL THROUGH THE HOUSING ASSEMBLIES IN THE MBE ENGINES. WE HAVE HAD TWO OTHER UNITS WITH THE SAME ISSUE THAT WE HAD TO HAVE REPAIRED AND WE HAVE ONE OTHER VEHICLE IN THE SHOP CURRENTLY WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THESE UNITS WILL START TO LEAK FUEL AND WILL DRAIN THE FILTER HOUSING OVERNIGHT LEAKING FUEL ON THE ENGINE AND THE GROUND, AND UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BECOME A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD..WE THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT BUT AFTER FOUR INCIDENTS AND THE PART BEING BACKORDERED WE THINK THIS MAY BE A BIGGER PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10487522
Incident
Dec 26, 2011
Mileage
119,830 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 23, 2011

THE SUPPORT BRACKET FOR THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE, AIR CHAMBER AND CROSS SHAFT BROKE OFF THE REAR AXLE HOUSING WHICH CAUSED THE CROSS SHAFT AND CHAMBER BRACKET TO BREAK. THIS ALLOWED THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE CHAMBER TO ROTATE UPWARD WHICH CAUSED IT TO WEDGE UNDER THE FRAME RAIL. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUPPORT BRACKET WELDED ON THE LEFT REAR SIDE OF THE AXLE HOUSING WAS ALSO BROKEN AND WAS NOT SUPPORTING THE LEFT REAR BRAKE CHAMBER AND CROSS SHAFT ASSEMBLY. IN THE CONDITION IT WAS DISCOVERED THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE WAS NOT FUNCTIONAL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10436895
Incident
Nov 21, 2011
Mileage
26,205 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

SB83-124

VISIBILITY

Revised Freightliner Service Bulletin for Large Temperature Swings at A/C Outlet. Minor note: added an update of document previously submitted. The related VMRS codes are added

TSB-54-259-FTL

ENGINE

Revised Technical Service Bulletin for chassis module replacement

WI21-009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Warranty Information letter announcing that DTNA is increasing the Standard Diagnostic Times (SDTs) shown. The updated after treatment system (ATS) diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) pump times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after April 12, 2021.

WI21-008

EQUIPMENT

Warranty Information Letter announcing DTNA is adjusting the Standard Repair Times (SRTs) shown. The updated times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after April 5, 2021.

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.

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—
2009Viewing282—
20081141—
20074173—
20068132—
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.