Owners have filed 10 complaints
about the 2005 Freightliner Business Class M2 with NHTSA between 2006 and 2014.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2005 Freightliner Business Class M2
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
330.0%
Median failure at 32,300 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
220.0%
Median failure at 113,322 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
110.0%
Median failure at 50,000 miles
Suspension
110.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Body & Structure
110.0%
Median failure at 48,500 miles
Electrical System
110.0%
Median failure at 50,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
110.0%
Median failure at 20,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
111.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
444.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
222.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
111.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
111.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2006peak 2Dec 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 2005 Freightliner Business Class M2
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE10007Opened 3 Feb 2010Closed 23 May 2010EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Stop Lamps Intermittent
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 i...
RQ07003Opened 5 Dec 2007Closed 26 Mar 2008SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
FRONT WHEEL SEPARATION
ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA 'S (DTNA) MARCH 19, 2008, DEFECT NOTIFICATION REPORT WHICH OUTLINES DTNA'S INTENTION TO CAMPAIGN 28,764 FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS VEHICLES [EQUIPPED WITH EITHER ARVINMERITOR OR AXLE ALLIANCE COMPANY 6,000 - 8,000 POUND RATED FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLIES UTILIZING A FOUR PIECE SPINDLE NUT SET] MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 26, 2000, AND MARCH 24, 2008.DTNA HAS PROPOSED PROVIDING A REMEDY FOR THE CURRENTLY INSTALLED FOUR PIECE SPINDLE NUT SYSTEMS WHICH MAY LEAD TO INCORRECT END PLAY, [BEARING] CONE SPIN,...
Recalls on the 2005 Freightliner Business Class M2
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2019237110 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: Certain trucks were built with air reservoir tanks that are too small in relation to the size of the air brake chambers. Canadian regulations require enough air reservoir capacity to ensure the brakes work even with heavy use or when there is a partial loss of the air system. Safety Risk: Reduced braking could cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their truck to a Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facility to modify the truck to ensure it meets Canadian regulations.
Recall 201763616,510 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles equipped with Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers may become clogged or require excessive force to activate. Also, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury, and fail to discharge. In case of fire, failure of the extinguisher to function could result in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Owners will be provided with instructions on how to inspect the fire extinguisher to see if it is recalled. Replacement fire extinguishers will be supplied by Kidde directly. Note: For more information about recalled fire extinguishers, please visit <a href="https://inmarmarketaction.com/kidde/Kidde284CA/">www.kidde.com</a>.
Recall 201134512,000 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain trucks, the plastic low-pressure fuel line between the engine-mounted fuel filter and the engine block may develop a diesel fuel leak. The location of the leak is unlikely to result in a vehicle fire; however, diesel fuel spilt on the roadway could endanger other road users by making the roadway unexpectedly slippery. This could ultimately result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the plastic low-pressure fuel line with a steel version.
Recall 20101302,495 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the stop lamps may operate intermittently during light braking applications. Failure of the brake lamps to illuminate when the brakes are applied may result in the following road users being unaware of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the hydraulic brake light switch assembly.
Recall 20084363,039 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, high pressure fuel lines and transfer tubes may fatigue and fracture, causing a diesel fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel lines and transfer tubes with more robust versions.
Recall 20080971,361 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, incorrect spindle nuts may have been installed during vehicle assembly. This could cause 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. Continued operation could lead to wheel separation, which could result in a vehicle crash. As well, this situation creates the risk that nearby bystanders or motorists be struck by a wayward wheel assembly. Either of these concerns could cause property damage, personal injury, or death. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Recall 20080785,007 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain trucks, the high-pressure fuel line at each injector may fatigue and fracture if a fastener at the end of the line is not properly connected. This would allow high pressure atomized diesel fuel to enter the engine compartment, creating a risk of fire, which could result in property damage, personal injury, or death. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Recall 2008061296 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain trucks fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The front reflex reflectors were omitted during vehicle assembly. This could render the vehicle less visible to other motorist during hours of darkness, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash causing injuries or death. Correction: Dealers will install side reflex reflectors to the hood.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Tyler, TXCrash
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND ROLLED ACROSS THE ROAD CRASHING INTO THE SIDE OF A BRICK HOUSE CAUSING MODERATE DAMAGE. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE FRONT AXLE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V137000 (POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE IDENTICAL FAILURE REOCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION AFTER THE REMEDY REPAIR HAD BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE DEALER. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED SIGNIFICANT CONCERN OF THE SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 01/26/11*LJ UPDATED 04/18/11
NHTSA complaint #10354753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 20,000 milesColumbus, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAT FAN WIRING HARNESS OVERHEATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE ON POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #10667090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesColumbus, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN 2006 BUT EVERY YEAR I HAVE TO REPLACE THE HEATER BLOWER MOTOR AND SOONER IF I RUN THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER ON HI I HAVE TO REPLACE EVERY MONTH OR SO.THE GROUND WIRE GETS HOT AND THE MOTOR GOES BAD.A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE ON THIS VEHICLE AND A NEW MODEL OF HEATER BLOWER MOTOR NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED.BECAUSE THE FRENCH MADE MODEL DON'T LAST VERY LONG AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10605802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN 2006 BUT EVERY YEAR I HAVE TO REPLACE THE HEATER BLOWER MOTOR AND SOONER IF I RUN THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER ON HI I HAVE TO REPLACE EVERY MONTH OR SO.THE GROUND WIRE GETS HOT AND THE MOTOR GOES BAD.A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE ON THIS VEHICLE AND A NEW MODEL OF HEATER BLOWER MOTOR NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED.BECAUSE THE FRENCH MADE MODEL DON'T LAST VERY LONG AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10605802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tyler, TXCrash
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND ROLLED ACROSS THE ROAD CRASHING INTO THE SIDE OF A BRICK HOUSE CAUSING MODERATE DAMAGE. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE FRONT AXLE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V137000 (POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE IDENTICAL FAILURE REOCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION AFTER THE REMEDY REPAIR HAD BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE DEALER. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED SIGNIFICANT CONCERN OF THE SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 01/26/11*LJ UPDATED 04/18/11
NHTSA complaint #10354753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,300 milesBlue Ridge, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT THE REAR BRAKES DRAGGING. THERE WAS NO REAR BRAKING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE FRONT BRAKES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ABS SNENSOR DETACHED FROM THE METAL HOLDER, WHICH OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE ABS SENSOR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 32,300. UPDATED 06/03/10*BF UPDATED 06/07/10
NHTSA complaint #10280335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,300 milesBlue Ridge, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT THE REAR BRAKES DRAGGING. THERE WAS NO REAR BRAKING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE FRONT BRAKES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ABS SNENSOR DETACHED FROM THE METAL HOLDER, WHICH OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE ABS SENSOR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 32,300. UPDATED 06/03/10*BF UPDATED 06/07/10
NHTSA complaint #10280335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,226 milesSpringfield, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINES BROKE, CAUSING A BREAKDOWN, TOW AND REPAIR. LOSS OF FUEL ALSO. LINES WERE REPLACED AT AUTHORIZED DEALER WITH WHAT WAS AVAILABLE. THIS BREAKDOWN NOT INCLUDING FUEL LOSS RESULTED IN A LOST DAY AND $700 COSTS. 3 MONTHS LATER, WE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE TO REPLACE THE LINES AGAIN. THE NOTICE SAYS WE COULD QUALIFY FOR REIMBURSEMENT, BUT WHEN I CALLED DETROIT DIESEL, THEY SAID NO. SEEMS THAT DEFECTIVE LINES WERE THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG, REGARDLESS OF THE TIME FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #10268347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,500 milesElko, GA
PARKING BRAKE
PARKING AIR BRAKE VALVE HAS BROKEN LOOSE FROM INNER (PLASTIC) DASH MOUNT RENDERING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE THE BRAKE. THIS COULD CAUSE DEATH OR INJURY IF THE PARKING BRAKE CANNOT BE ENGAGED. I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS STERLING MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS PER THE INTERNET. REPLACEMENT INNER DASH PLUS LABOR IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND PROVIDES NO GUARANTY IT WON'T BREAK AGAIN. THIS IS POOR DESIGN USING INADEQUATE MATERIAL IN A HIGH STRESS AREA. (VIN ENTRY BLOCK WILL NOT ACCEPT MY VIN EVEN THOUGH IT IS CORRECT).
NHTSA complaint #10257306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,500 milesElko, GA
STRUCTURE
PARKING AIR BRAKE VALVE HAS BROKEN LOOSE FROM INNER (PLASTIC) DASH MOUNT RENDERING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE THE BRAKE. THIS COULD CAUSE DEATH OR INJURY IF THE PARKING BRAKE CANNOT BE ENGAGED. I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS STERLING MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS PER THE INTERNET. REPLACEMENT INNER DASH PLUS LABOR IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND PROVIDES NO GUARANTY IT WON'T BREAK AGAIN. THIS IS POOR DESIGN USING INADEQUATE MATERIAL IN A HIGH STRESS AREA. (VIN ENTRY BLOCK WILL NOT ACCEPT MY VIN EVEN THOUGH IT IS CORRECT).
NHTSA complaint #10257306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,419 milesAndalusia, AL
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65MPH, THE FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY BURST WITHOUT WARNING AND BEGAN TO SPRAY DIESEL FUEL ONTO THE VEHICLE AND THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DETERMINED THE FUEL LINES WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A NHTSA RECALL, #05V469000 REMEDY REPAIR TO THE ENGINE BY EMC RECALIBRATION AND REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL LIFT PUMP WAS PERFORMED WHICH PERTAINED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER AN ADDITIONAL REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10170688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.