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2008 Freightliner Business Class M2 problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Freightliner Business Class M2 is acceleration and speed control. It has fewer complaints than a typical Business Class M2 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
14
Service bulletins
241
Worst area
Acceleration

The worst 2008 Freightliner Business Class M2 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Acceleration
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Lights
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Acceleration
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Lights
    1

Recalls 14

Exterior lightingReported April 14, 2020 · 63,175 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
The vehicle's rearward visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 20V214000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported February 28, 2012 · 103,437 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006-2013 freightliner, sterling, and western star vehicles, equipped with detroit diesel epa07 and epa10, dd13 and dd15/16 engines, manufactured from january 20, 2006, through february 20, 2012. The pump to rail high pressure fuel line support system used on these engines is sensitive to assembly torque and may be damaged during service work. As a result of other repairs, the line supports may loosen, potentially leading to fuel line cracking and a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak could create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Also a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dtna will notify owners, and where necessary, the high pressure fuel line support system will be replaced by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 27, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 12V074000 · Recall details

Fuel system, dieselReported September 16, 2011 · 73,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2008 heavy trucks manufactured from july 11, 2003, through september 28, 2007, equipped with epa04 model mbe4000 engines built with plastic low pressure fuel lines and fuel filters mounted near the center of the engine on the left-hand side. The plastic low pressure fuel line between engine mounted fuel filter and engine block may develop a substantial diesel fuel leak.
Risk
This could create a road hazard increasing the risk of a crash. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Daimler trucks will notify owners and the remedy will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities. Vehicles will be inspected and the plastic low pressure fuel line will be replaced with a steel low pressure fuel line. This service will be performed free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on october 28, 2011. The safety recall began on february 21, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V478000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported March 15, 2011 · 50 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 freightliner business class m2 and sterling acterra emergency vehicles manufactured from august 18, 2006, through july 7, 2010, equipped with epa 2007 mbe 900 detroit diesel engines. Engine software may not react properly to certain aftermarket treatment device fault codes. The software may unnecessarily shutdown a vehicle or may fail to shutdown a vehicle with an aftermarket device over-temp fault.
Risk
Unexpected shutdown of a vehicle may increase the risk of a crash. Overheating of the aftertreatment device without engine shutdown may result in a fire.
Remedy
Daimler trucks will notify owners and repairs will be performed by detroit diesel free of charge. The safety recall began on march 25, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712. This safety recall campaign is an expansion of a previous recall (please see 10v‑472).

Recall number 11V173000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported October 8, 2010 · 58 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2010 freightliner business class m2, custom chassis mt45, s2 chassis, and stering acterra vehicles manufactured from october 5, 2006, through may 24, 2010, equipped with epa 2007 mbe 900 detroit diesel engines. Engine software may not react properly to certain aftermarket treatment device fault codes. The software may unnecessarily shutdown a vehicle or may fail to shutdown a vehicle with an aftermarket device over-temp fault.
Risk
Unexpected shutdown of a vehicle may increase the risk of a crash. Overheating of the aftertreatment device without engine shutdown may result in a fire.
Remedy
Daimler trucks will notify owners and repairs will be performed by detroit diesel free of charge. The safety recall began on december 30, 2010. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 10V472000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported April 30, 2010 · 8,971 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Dtna is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2011 freightliner business class c2, fccc b2 chassis, s2 chassis, and mc chassis manufactured beginning january 19, 2005 through april 16, 2010. The stop lamps may be intermittent during light brake applications.
Risk
The stop lamps may not properly indicate that the service brakes are applied which may lead to a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dtna will notify owners and repairs will be performed by dtna dealerships free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2011. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 10V178000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported June 17, 2008 · 172 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks is recalling 172 my 2008-2009 business class m2 106 all wheel drive vehicles equipped with cummins isc engines and highway hoods. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, 'lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.' the headlights measure greater than 54" from the road surface which does not meet the standard requirements.
Risk
Improper height on the headlights may not fully illuminate road surface or may inhibit the ability of motorists to see vehicles which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Daimler trucks will lower the headlights to 54 inches. This service will performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about march 13, 2009. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 08V270000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assemblyReported March 25, 2008 · 28,764 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks is recalling 28,764 my 2001 through 2008 fccc b2 and fs65 school bus chassis, fccc fb65 conventional buses, and sterling acterra, freightliner fln, and business class m2 heavy trucks, built from january 26, 2000, through march 24, 2008, manufactured with arvinmeritor or axle alliance company 6,000 through 8,000 pound front axles utilizing a four piece spindle-nut set. These axle assemblies may have been produced with a thin spindle nut which may lead to incorrect end play, cone spin, excessive heat, degradation of lubrication, wear of the spindle nut and bearing journal, oil contamination with metal shavings, and premature bearing failure.
Risk
Continued operation may lead to wheel separation and possibly a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Daimler trucks will notify owners and will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on january 8, 2009. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 08V137000 · Recall details

Steering: gear box: shaft sectorReported December 21, 2007 · 220 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks equipped with trw steering gears, models tas85 and rcs85, these steering gears contain potentially defective sector shafts with an incorrect gear tooth which may interfere with the rack-piston teeth, resulting in a stick or bind condition.
Risk
This condition has the potential to cause the steering gear to stall and restrict the steering turning angle of the vehicle which could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Freightliner is working with trw to replace the defective steering gear (please see 07e101). The recall began on april 18, 2008. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V592000 · Recall details

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assemblyReported November 13, 2007 · 38,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain truck-tractors equipped with holland simplex se or se ii fifth wheels, the latch lever pivot bolt assembly may have been over-tightened which could distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve. Corrosion or contaminates in the pivot may cause it to bind and prevent the fifth wheel jaw from latching securely around the trailer king pin.
Risk
There is a possibility that the fifth wheel may fail to latch without the driver's knowledge. When the occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the pivot bolt and sleeve with a hex head shoulder bolt and washer. The recall began on january 3, 2008. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V530000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: deliveryReported August 2, 2007 · 4,299 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks, a manufacturing error in the fuel-water separator preheater thermoswitch may prevent the fuel preheater from turning off if the ignition is left on. If the ignition switch is left on when fuel is added to the fuel- water separator at the factory or during a filter element change, a small flame may occur inside the filter cover.
Risk
The potential exists for the flame to spread resulting in possible personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel filter date code and thermoswitch lot code to determine if they contain the suspect component free of charge. The recall began on october 4, 2007. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V335000 · Recall details

Suspension: rearReported July 24, 2007 · 1,200 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks equipped with tuftrac rear suspensions, the center casting brackets may be out of specification. An out of square casting may have unacceptable stress in the bracket when it is installed and may cause it to crack in service.
Risk
The drive axle may not be held in position if a cracked bracket fractures completely. This will affect vehicle control and may cause a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and castings that are out of specification will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on december 12, 2007. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V316000 · Recall details

SteeringReported July 18, 2007 · 18,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Freightliner is recalling certain school bus chassis, heavy trucks, van chassis, rv motorhome chassis manufactured from january 5 to may 17, 2007, equipped with axle alliance company (aac) front axles. During the front axle assembly, the fasteners that attach the steering arm or tie rod arms to the spindle may be over or under tightened.
Risk
Incorrectly tightened steering arm fasteners may fatigue and fracture which could cause a crash without warning.
Remedy
Thomas built will notify owners, inspect the fasteners, and replace the steering arm if necessary. The recall began on december 21, 2007. Owners can contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V306000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: supply: check valveReported July 16, 2007 · 75,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain freightliner school bus chassis, heavy trucks, and thomas built school buses manufactured between july 2002 and july 3, 2007, equipped with bendix sr-7 spring brake control valves. The parker scv brass 90 degree single check valves (scv) which attach to the supply port of a bendix sr-7 spring brake modulating valve can break apart. Pieces of the parker scv can become lodged inside the sr-7 spring brake modulating valve, potentially causing either leakage out of the sr-7 valve or preventing air from properly exhausting from the sr-7 valve. Also, due to a manufacturing defect in the internal rubber check valve inside the sr-7 spring brake modulating valves, the valves can become deformed and not seat properly.
Risk
These conditions could either result in leakage and cause a delay in the application of the spring brake without warning or possibly lead to unintended vehicle rollaway or brake drag which could result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or death.
Remedy
Freightliner will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on january 11, 2008 to freightliner, sterling, and freightliner custom chassis owners; to thomas built bus owners on february 1, 2008. Owners can contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V302000 · Recall details

See all 14 recalls for the 2008 Freightliner Business Class M2

Defect investigations

Stop Lamps IntermittentOpened February 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.

PE10007

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Freightliner Business Class M2 241

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 241 bulletins for the 2008 Freightliner Business Class M2

What 2008 Freightliner Business Class M2 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 29, 2015 · Acceleration, Electrical · 42,000 miles · GA

I was driving south of atlanta on I-75 in "cruise control" mode when all of a sudden two vehicles in front of me had an incident requiring them to brake immediately. I applied my brakes and the "cruise control" did not disengage. My braking effort was affected by the fact that the engine was still at full power. Fortunately I had time to find the "cruise control" on the dash and was able to disengage the "cruise control". I continued my trip not using "cruise control". Later that same day a motorist pulled up along side of me and advised me I had no "stop lights" I took the vehicle to freightliner april 27,2015. The problem was identified as "the switch in the amu-1 was open circuit and needed replacement". The repair bill was $619.28 . The service advisor said she could not locate any recalls for this type of problem. I researched the web and did find reference to brake lights not working recall, but did not find a recall concerning not being able to disengage the "cruise control" with the brake pedal. From the perspective of the driver this was a harrowing experience of traveling 60 MPH, needing to quickly stop only to find out the engine continued to run at full throttle essentially negating any braking effort! It is my opinion this problem is serious as it not only affects the ability to not stop but also affects the operation of the vehicle stop lights at the same time.

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2008 Freightliner Business Class M2

Is the 2008 Freightliner Business Class M2 reliable?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2008 Freightliner Business Class M2, fewer than a typical Business Class M2 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Freightliner Business Class M2?

Acceleration and speed control, with 1 complaint. Next is electrical (1).

How many recalls does the 2008 Freightliner Business Class M2 have?

14 recalls, covering exterior lighting, engine and engine cooling and fuel system, diesel.

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