2012 Freightliner Business Class M2Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2, most often about the engine. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-616 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 16, 2022. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine10
Exterior lighting10
Steering10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

12 recalls

2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

50%repaired · 2022 Q1

Exterior lighting

Recall 20V-214 · Apr 14, 2020 · 63,175 vehicles · 31,569 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

70%repaired · 2020 Q4

Linkages: tie rod assembly

Recall 18V-503 · Jul 31, 2018 · 1,256 vehicles · 879 repaired

Risk. 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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

65%repaired · 2017 Q3

Disc: caliper

Recall 16V-206 · Apr 12, 2016 · 702 vehicles · 455 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

27%repaired · 2017 Q1

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly

Recall 15V-616 · Oct 1, 2015 · 5,801 vehicles · 1,554 repaired

Risk. If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 8 more recalls
–no report yet

Power train: automatic transmission

Recall 13V-634 · Dec 16, 2013 · 255 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

45%repaired · 2015 Q1

Electrical system

Recall 13V-074 · Mar 4, 2013 · 161 vehicles · 73 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Equipment

Recall 12V-405 · Aug 16, 2012 · 1,663 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Supply: quick release valve

Recall 12V-178 · Apr 24, 2012 · 3,116 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Steering: column

Recall 12V-137 · Apr 2, 2012 · 1,046 vehicles

Risk. 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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine: diesel

Recall 11V-605 · Dec 27, 2011 · 66 vehicles

Risk. IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR RECEIVES AND IGNORES MULTIPLE WARNINGS INDICATING THE NEED FOR OPERATOR INTERVENTION, THE ENGINE MAY SHUT DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 11V-474 · Sep 15, 2011 · 6,225 vehicles

Risk. 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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Freightliner.

Best & worst years

2012 vs. every other Business Class M2 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Business Class M2 median. How we score

'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Air Brake Reservoir Bracket FracturePE12018 · closed Sep 20, 2012
    Led to recall 12V-405

Own a 2012 Business Class M2?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.