Check a VIN

2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 is engine and cooling. It has 2.0 times the complaints of a typical Business Class M2 model year.

Typical year2.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
12
Service bulletins
608
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 problems

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

  • Engine
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Steering
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Steering
    1

Recalls 12

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

Steering: linkages: tie rod assemblyReported July 31, 2018 · 1,256 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Freightliner Cascadia, Coronado, Business Class M2, 114SD, and Western Star 4900 trucks. In certain front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations, braking may cause high vibrations, resulting in early failure of the tie-rod tube.
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.
Remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake linings, brake spider, and tie-rod, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL782.

Recall number 18V503000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: disc: caliperReported April 12, 2016 · 702 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2010-2017 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 108SD, 114SD, and Columbia trucks manufactured from January 6, 2010, through February 29, 2016, equipped with certain Bendix rear disk brakes and spring suspensions. The rear disk brake caliper may have been installed incorrectly, thus allowing the caliper to contact the suspension.
Risk
Caliper contact with the spring suspension may reduce the braking effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the orientation of the rear brake calipers, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 8, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's recall number for this campaign is FL-705.

Recall number 16V206000 · Recall details

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assemblyReported October 1, 2015 · 5,801 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Cascadia, Business Class M2, Coronado, and Columbia Glider vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to June 15, 2013. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.
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 detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and DTNA authorized service facilities will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑745‑8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-692.

Recall number 15V616000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported December 16, 2013 · 255 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
The increase in engine speed may result in unintended acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 13V634000 · Recall details

Equipment: electricalReported March 4, 2013 · 161 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD vehicle chassis, manufactured from December 3, 2011, through October 12, 2012 and equipped with a SmartPlex switch hub module. Residue left over in the manufacturing process of the switch hub module may lead to intermittent shorts and energizing of certain switch hub module outputs.
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 increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the affected modules free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2013. Owners may contact DTNA at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 13V074000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported August 16, 2012 · 1,663 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Air tanks that become separated from a moving vehicle may create a road debris hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 12V405000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: supply: quick release valveReported April 24, 2012 · 3,116 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 freightliner 108sd, business class m2, cascadia, coronado vehicles, equipped with a haldex quick release valve, and manufactured from february 3, 2012, through march 2, 2012. The quick release valve cover may not be correctly manufactured, allowing the cover to become separated from the valve body. If the cover separates from the valve body, the front brakes may not function.
Risk
If this condition occurs, increased vehicle stopping distance may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dtna will notify owners, and where necessary, the quick release valve will be replaced by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin before june 15, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 12V178000 · Recall details

Steering: columnReported April 2, 2012 · 1,046 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling one 2012 cascadia and certain model year 2012 and 2013 freightliner business class m2 vehicles, and model year 2013 108sd and 114sd vehicles manufactured from january 20, 2012, through february 17, 2012. Certain property class 04 (pc04) steering wheel nuts with incompletely formed threads were supplied to dtna in lieu of the specified property class 05 nuts. The steering wheel nuts supplied may not provide the clamp load required to fully seat the steering wheel on the steering shaft when tightened to the specified torque.
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.
Remedy
Dtna will notify owners, and affected vehicles will have a new steering wheel nut installed by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. The safety recall began on may 21, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 12V137000 · 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

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported December 27, 2011 · 66 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 freightliner business class m2 and western star 4900 emergency vehicles manufactured from july 2, 2010, through december 13, 2011, equipped with a dd13 epa10 detroit diesel engine. The engine shutdown software normally provided to protect the engine and vehicle may not have been disabled on engines intended for emergency vehicle applications.
Risk
If the vehicle operator receives and ignores multiple warnings indicating the need for operator intervention, the engine may shut down unexpectedly. Unexpected emergency vehicle engine shutdown under certain conditions could hamper rescue operations and place the public at risk.
Remedy
Dtna will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine shutdown software free of charge. The safety recall began on march 13, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V605000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported September 15, 2011 · 6,225 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2011- 2012 business class m2 and coronado trucks manufactured from september 1, 2010, through december 31, 2010, equipped with a cummins isx or isl diesel engine. The v-band clamp assembly, part numbers q187684, q187685, and q187686, used to connect the inlet and outlet cone sections to the diesel oxidation catalyst (doc)/diesel particulate filter (dpf) include a t-bolt which can fracture and fail when subjected to stress or load. A fracture or failure of the t-bolt may cause the clamp to loosen and the inlet or outlet sections attached to the doc/dpf housing to disconnect.
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. If both clamps fail, there is a risk in some applications that the doc/dpf housing may detach completely, creating a road hazard.
Remedy
Daimler trucks is working with cummins to identify and notify owners of the recall campaign. Repairs will be performed by authorized cummins dealers free of charge. The safety recall began on october 10, 2011. Owners may contact cummins at 1‑812‑377‑5000 or daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V474000 · Recall details

See all 12 recalls for the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2

Defect investigations

Air Brake Reservoir Bracket FractureOpened June 25, 2012, closed September 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.

PE12018

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 608

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

See all 608 bulletins for the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2

What 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 16, 2022 · WA

ELD disconnected by a not yet qualified driver. Driver ID known, vehicle known but the location of the vehicle unknown. We are not able to locate the vehicle and by the conduct of the driver we believe he can be a threat on the road.

Filed Nov 28, 2020 · Engine · 100 miles · CA

Catalytic has issues

Filed May 28, 2019 · Steering · 6,000 miles · NY

Persistent front sway bar bushing failure causing excessive roll in vehicle steering while vehicle is in motion. Related to technical service bulletin 32-47. Bushings fail after only a few thousand miles and must be replaced repeatedly.

Filed Jun 4, 2012 · Lights · 4,399 miles · IL

The parking lamps had failed prematurely on this vehicle. This is not the only instance of these lamps failing on the 2012 model year freightliner.

Compare the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2

Other model years

20032004200520062007200820092012201520162017202020212022202320252026

Questions about the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2

Is the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 reliable?

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2, 2.0 times a typical Business Class M2 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2?

Engine and cooling, with 1 complaint. Next is lights (1).

How many recalls does the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 have?

12 recalls, covering exterior lighting, steering and service brakes, air.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 engine?

Yes, 3 recalls: 12V074000, 11V605000, 11V474000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Share your experience with the 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN