2012 Freightliner M2Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2012 Freightliner M2, most often about the electronic stability control (esc). It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-112 the manufacturer reports only 5% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 14, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Freightliner M2 has problems

2 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
Electronic stability control (ESC)10
Engine10
Suspension10

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

9 recalls

2012 Freightliner 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.

14%repaired · 2023 Q1

Supply: reservoir/tank

Recall 19V-370 · May 14, 2019 · 741 vehicles · 105 repaired

Risk. An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 15V-343 · Jun 3, 2015 · 3,200 vehicles

Risk. If engine oil comes into contact with a hot surface, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

12%repaired · 2016 Q3

Brake lights: switch

Recall 15V-220 · Apr 14, 2015 · 3,571 vehicles · 411 repaired

Risk. If the primary brake air system fails causing the truck to rely on the secondary brake air system, the brakes lights may not illuminate when the brakes are…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

5%repaired · 2015 Q1

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 15V-112 · Feb 25, 2015 · 117 vehicles · 6 repaired

Risk. If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 5 more recalls
69%repaired · 2016 Q1

Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

Recall 14V-680 · Oct 29, 2014 · 65 vehicles · 45 repaired

Risk. Due to the area of its placement, the exhaust system forces heat around, and may overheat, the fuel system components, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 14V-080 · Feb 21, 2014 · 3,258 vehicles

Risk. The sensor malfunction could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Recall 11V-465 · Sep 8, 2011 · 4,444 vehicles

Risk. IF THE DRIVER IS SLOW TO REACT DURING THIS ESC INTERVENTION, THE VEHICLE MAY DEVIATE FROM THE INTENDED LINE OF TRAVEL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 11V-455 · Aug 31, 2011 · 43 vehicles

Risk. A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Power train: driveline

Recall 11V-257 · Apr 26, 2011 · 347 vehicles

Risk. A TUBE SEAM WELD THAT IS NOT PROPERLY BONDED CAN RESULT IN THE DRIVELINE ASSEMBLY FRACTURING ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE TUBE SEAM WELD.

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 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 M2 median. How we score

'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What M2 owners report

Recent electronic stability control (esc) complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE INTAKE HEATER LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I INCREASE SPEED OVER 25 MILES AND HOUR. ONCE AT 55 MILES AN HOUR, THE LIGHT STAYS ON.
Complaint 11132291 · Sep 29, 2018 · 430,000 miles

Own a 2012 M2?

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