Check a VIN

2013 Freightliner Business Class M2 problems

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
11
Service bulletins
649

The worst 2013 Freightliner Business Class M2 problems

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

Problems by type

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

Recalls 11

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

Suspension: frontReported June 12, 2012 · 217 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks north america (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2013 freightliner, western star, freightliner custom chassis trucks, and thomas built buses manufactured from april 18, 2012, through may 11, 2012, and equipped with detroit axle-brand front axle knuckles. The front knuckles on these vehicles may have a machining error in the wheel bearing area which may lead to premature spindle failure.
Risk
If the spindle fails, the wheel may separate from the knuckle, resulting in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dtna will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the affected components, free of charge. The safety recall began on august 10, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks north america toll free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 12V266000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported May 10, 2012 · 1,248 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2013 freightliner business class m2 vehicles manufactured from february 6, 2012, through march 14, 2012 because the low beam headlights turn off in high beam mode.
Risk
If this occurs, the driver may have reduced foreground lighting while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dtna will notify owners, and where necessary, the vehicle software will be updated by dtna authorized service facilities, free of charge. The safety recall began on june 26, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 12V207000 · 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

See all 11 recalls for the 2013 Freightliner Business Class M2

Defect investigations

SmartPlex Multiplexer Module FailureOpened January 15, 2013, closed April 11, 2013

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles may allegedly experience a SmartPlex electronic multiplexing switch hub module failure. This failure may result in inadvertent activation of accessory equipment such as external lighting, outriggers, crane, or power takeoff.By letter dated March 1, 2013, Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) notified ODI that it has initiated a safety recall (the federal safety agency Recall No. 13V‑074 and DTNA Recall No. FL-639) to address a safety defect in approximately 161 model year (MY) 2012 through 2013 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD and Business Class M2 trucks.The affected population was manufactured from December 3, 2011 through October 12, 2012 and originally equipped with a certain SmartPlex electronic multiplexing switch hub module with a suspect serial number. According to DTNA, unpassivated flux residue may be present on the printed circuit board assembly in the switch hub module. Under certain heat and humidity conditions, this flux residue may lead to intermittent short circuits, thereby activating certain outputs in the switch hub module.According to DTNA, they identified the issue with the switch hub module on vehicles undergoing the assembly process.DTNA states they have not received any customer or field reports related to the switch hub module.To date, ODI is unaware of any switch hub module failures on in-service vehicles.DTNA will notify affected owners by mail no later than April 29, 2013. Affected vehicles will be inspected and if the switch hub module is in the suspect range the module will be replaced.Repairs will be performed by DTNA authorized service facilities.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

PE13001

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Freightliner Business Class M2 649

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

See all 649 bulletins for the 2013 Freightliner Business Class M2

Compare the 2013 Freightliner Business Class M2

Other model years

20032004200520062007200820092012201520162017202020212022202320252026

Questions about the 2013 Freightliner Business Class M2

Is the 2013 Freightliner Business Class M2 reliable?

Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2013 Freightliner Business Class M2.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Freightliner Business Class M2?

There are not enough complaints to tell.

How many recalls does the 2013 Freightliner Business Class M2 have?

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

Share your experience with the 2013 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 2013 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