2016 Freightliner Business Class M2Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2016 Freightliner Business Class M2, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 16 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-924 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 11, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Freightliner Business Class M2 has problems

1 complaint 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
Service brakes10

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

16 recalls

2016 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.

27%repaired · 2026 Q3

Engine control module (ecu/ecm): software

Recall 24V-924 · Dec 11, 2024 · 139 vehicles · 38 repaired

Risk. An unexpected engine shutdown can delay emergency responders and increase the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

46%repaired · 2023 Q1

Automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines

Recall 21V-067 · Feb 11, 2021 · 15,835 vehicles · 7,229 repaired

Risk. If a rapid loss of transmission fluid occurs while driving, it could result in a road hazard for other motorists, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 →

Show 12 more recalls
59%repaired · 2018 Q4

Service brakes, air

Recall 17V-402 · Jun 26, 2017 · 1,550 vehicles · 908 repaired

Risk. A rapid loss of air pressure in the secondary system could cause a similar rapid loss of pressure in the primary system, which may lead to a sudden application…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

44%repaired · 2018 Q3

Electrical system: software

Recall 17V-043 · Jan 19, 2017 · 769 vehicles · 340 repaired

Risk. Unresponsive instrument clusters and/or turn signals can increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

48%repaired · 2018 Q3

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Recall 16V-666 · Sep 14, 2016 · 3,329 vehicles · 1,608 repaired

Risk. If "PARK" illuminates instead of the word "BRAKE," the driver will be unaware of a braking issue or malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2018 Q2

Disc: caliper

Recall 16V-658 · Sep 13, 2016 · 251 vehicles · 250 repaired

Risk. If the brake caliper mounting bolts loosen or detach, braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

88%repaired · 2018 Q1

Power train: axle hubs

Recall 16V-634 · Aug 31, 2016 · 156 vehicles · 137 repaired

Risk. If a wheel separates from the axle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2016 Q2

Tires

Recall 16V-207 · Apr 12, 2016 · 4 vehicles · 4 repaired

Risk. The operator may unintentionally overload the tires, possibly causing tire failure 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 →

81%repaired · 2018 Q1

Power train: axle assembly

Recall 15V-859 · Dec 22, 2015 · 43 vehicles · 35 repaired

Risk. If the hex nuts are not tightened to specification, the driveshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, resulting in a loss of propulsion and increasing the…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

86%repaired · 2017 Q1

Power train: manual transmission

Recall 15V-617 · Oct 1, 2015 · 14 vehicles · 12 repaired

Risk. Even though the transmission has been shifted out of reverse into neutral, the vehicle may unexpectedly move backwards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

66%repaired · 2017 Q1

Arm: idler and attachment

Recall 15V-613 · Sep 30, 2015 · 10,843 vehicles · 7,189 repaired

Risk. If the steering arm bolts are not properly tightened, the steering arm may separate from the knuckle causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a…

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

2016 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
In owners' words

What Business Class M2 owners report

Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

ROLL PIN WHICH SECURES PARK BRAKE KNOB ROUTINELY WORKS IT WAY OUT OF THE KNOB AND PREVENTS (DEPENDING ON WHAT POSITION VALVE IS IN) EITHER APPLICATION OR RELEASE OF PARKING BRAKE. OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND USING PARKING BRAKE.
Complaint 11020287 · Aug 29, 2017 · 28,745 miles

Own a 2016 Business Class M2?

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