Model year

2021 Freightliner Business Class M2

Truck, diesel, 4x2, built in Mexico. Owner complaints on file from Jun 13, 2023 to May 3, 2024.

Recall campaigns covering this model year14349k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints22.0 times the median 2021 truck
Severity index0.02021 trucks average 15.0
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2021 Freightliner Business Class M2 peaked in 2023, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.250.50.75120231202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

50% of complaints about the 2021 Freightliner Business Class M2 name powertrain

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Powertrain
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

14 recall campaigns cover the 2021 Freightliner Business Class M2

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2021 Freightliner Business Class M2
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
25V-760Nov 4, 2025Axle clamp fasteners may be loose, which can result in a loss of vehicle controlSuspension18,783Repair or modification
23V-299Apr 26, 2023Vehicle is equipped with an electronic stability control system and tire combination that may understeer during a J-turnStability and traction control266Part replacement
22V-919Dec 12, 2022Vehicles are equipped with tires that are not compatible with their 8.25-inch rimsTires49Part replacement
22V-817Nov 1, 2022Brake modulator valves on the front axle may corrode and cause the vehicle to pull to the affected side during an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)…Driver assistance219,390Software update
22V-118Mar 2, 2022Brake drum may contact the hub assembly, causing the brake drum to crackBrakes11Not stated
21V-369May 19, 2021Tie rod clamps may be loose, which could result in loose tie rod ends that could break or detachSteering8,482Part replacement
21V-326May 7, 2021Sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leakFuel system9,662Part replacement
21V-256Apr 12, 2021Steering arm and tie rod bolts may have a defective seam that can fractureSteering12,470Part replacement
21V-018Jan 20, 2021On certain vehicles, one of the six brake caliper mounting bolts on the driver side steer axle may have been incorrectly tightenedBrakes133Repair or modification
20V-807Dec 21, 2020Hydraulic caliper tie bar support fasteners on the steer axles may not have been properly tightened or the tie bar may have not been installed in…Brakes80Repair or modification
20V-660Oct 27, 2020Steer axle spindle nut snap-ring locking feature may be incorrectly installed or missing from the left spindle nut at the spindleSuspension1,411Part replacement
20V-527Sep 1, 2020Engine harness wires may chafe at various locations around the air compressor and the frame railElectrical system9,665Repair or modification
20V-466Aug 7, 2020Engine harness may contact and chafe at various locations around the air compressor and the frame railElectrical system5,374Repair or modification
20V-214Apr 14, 2020Rear reflective tape may be partially covered by the mudflap hanger bracket, which may reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers on the roadLighting63,175Inspection
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2021 Freightliner Business Class M2

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed May 3, 2024Failure May 22, 2023Cincinnati, OHUnknown or other

    The DEF header failed on this truck and it causes the vehicle to be disabled. The DEF header is an emissions part. PART NUMBER 04-31354-004 HEADER-SSI,CONC,6 BOLT,CMNS

    NHTSA complaint 11586756
  2. Filed Jun 13, 2023Failure Jun 13, 2023Vero Beach, FLPower train

    Meritor T-Case coating has failed internally. Coating has come off and is clogging the oil pump pick up tube. This can lead to catastrophic failure of the transfer case components.

    NHTSA complaint 11526800
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

200 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • TSB-54-384-FTL May 15, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Technical Service Bulletin for Grote OEM and Alliance Aftermarket Headlamp Replacement
  • SS 583814 May 1, 2026 · Other
    Service Solution for A22-82459-000 Wiper Motor Wiring Connector Pinned Wrong (305)
  • SS 3124-FTL Apr 15, 2026 · Other
    Service Solution for Legacy M2 Bulkhead Module (BHM) Replacement and DiagnosticLink Issues
  • FleetCom 1_Solenoid Apr 9, 2026 · Other
    Fleet Communications for solenoid issues
  • CXA 03_26_ABS LA Fault Mar 19, 2026 · Other
    CX Advocate for 1810/02 ABS longitudinal acceleration fault (TSB-54-104-WST,TSB-54-379-FTL)
  • FleetCom_ESC Warning Lamp Feb 25, 2026 · Other
    Fleet Communications for TSB-54-379-FTL & TSB-54-104-WST ESC warning lamp and ECU replacement
  • MyCom_02062026-1 Feb 6, 2026 · Other
    My Communications for update on UFU R61709 Fuel Filters
  • TSB-54-379-FTL Jan 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Revised Technical Service Bulletin for ESC Warning Lamp and ECU Replacement
  • CXA_01_26_Trans Support Jan 15, 2026 · Other
    CX Advocate for Aftermarket Transmission Support
  • TSB-54-379-FTL Jan 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Technical Service Bulletin for ESC Warning Lamp and ECU Replacement
  • FleetCom_Oil Plug Loc Dec 11, 2025 · Other
    Fleet Communications for NFD Lower Oil Plug Location - SP Axles
  • FleetCom_Heater Core Dec 11, 2025 · Other
    Fleet Communications for Heater Core Plugging
  • SF671-DLR LTR Nov 14, 2025 · Service Campaign
    Revised Field Service Campaign for Beverage Body Frame Rail 50 KSI
  • SF671-Bulletin Nov 14, 2025 · Service Campaign
    Revised Field Service Campaign for Beverage Body Frame Rail 50 KSI
  • CXA 10_25_Air Dryer Purge Oct 16, 2025 · Other
    CX Advocate for Experiencing Excessive Purging from Air Dryer
  • MYCOM_10302025-1 Oct 30, 2025 · Other
    My Communications for Update to DTNA parts on UFU R61709
  • CXA_10_25_Conmet Oil Pan Oct 16, 2025 · Other
    CX Advocate for ConMet Oil Pan Insert Additional Issues
  • MYCOM_09022025-1 Sep 2, 2025 · Other
    My Communications for UFI 0-Ring Announcement
  • MYCOM_08212025-1 Aug 21, 2025 · Other
    My Communications for UPDATE TO DTNA PARTS QUALITY ALERT STOCK HOLD on UFU R61709
  • MYCOM_08182025-1 Aug 18, 2025 · Other
    My Communications for Parts Hold on UFU Filter
  • PB33-004-FTL Jun 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Parts Bulletin for Tie Rod Assembly Part Breakdown
  • TSB88-048-FTL Jun 24, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Technical Service Bulletin for New Grill Design
  • SS3124-FTL Jun 4, 2025 · Other
    Service Solution for Legacy M2 Bulkhead Module (BHM) Replacement and Diagnosticlink Issue
  • CXA 3_25_SAS01T to SAS03T Mar 20, 2025 · Other
    CX Advocate for SAS01T to SAS03T replacement (TSB54-373-FTL, TSB54-097-WST)
  • CXA 3_25_NOx Mar 20, 2025 · Other
    CX Advocate for NOx conversion low faults
  • CXA 2_25_Turbo Oil Drain Feb 20, 2025 · Other
    CX Advocate for turbo oil drain cracking
  • CXA 2_25_NOx Feb 20, 2025 · Other
    CX Advocate for NOx conversion low faults
  • SS3143-FTL Feb 12, 2025 · Other
    Revised Service Solution for M2 Plus Fault Code 232/524000/19- ECU CPC data error
  • TSB54-373-FTL Feb 4, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Technical Service Bulletin for SAS01T to SAS03T Replacement Information
  • CXA 1_16_Turbo Oil Drain Jan 16, 2025 · Other
    CX Advocate for turbo oil drain cracking
  • CXA 1_16_Seat Occupancy Jan 16, 2025 · Other
    CX Advocate for repairing seat occupancy sensor (TSB 91-016-FTL)
  • CXA 1_16_NOx Jan 16, 2025 · Other
    CX Advocate for NOx conversion low faults
  • CXA 1_16_DD13 Altitude Jan 16, 2025 · Other
    CX Advocate for DD13 Gen 5 engines operating at high altitude experience EGR slow response fault.
  • CXA 1_16_CARB Truck Chec Jan 16, 2025 · Other
    CX Advocate for CARB tightening the Readiness Criteria applied to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test submissions for the Clean Truck Check.
  • TSB35-039-FTL Dec 7, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Technical Service Bulletin for Detroit New Final Drive Standard Performance Forward Carrier Change to Top Performance Passive Lube Management
  • TSB35-039-FTL Nov 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Revised Technical Service Bulletin for Detroit New Final Drive Standard Performance Forward Carrier Change to Top Performance Passive Lube Management.
  • SS1032998-FTL Nov 14, 2024 · Other
    Service Solution for M2 mirror wind noise
  • CXA 11_21_M2, SD Transfer Nov 21, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate for M2 and SD Vehicles Transfer Case Failures Due to Excessive Vehicle Speed (SS 3155-FTL)
  • CXA 11_21_CARB Truck Chec Nov 21, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate for CARB tightening the Readiness Criteria applied to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test submissions for the Clean Truck Check.
  • WI24-019 Nov 11, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
    Warranty Information letter for Detroit Line or Line Seal, High Pressure Fuel Injector Standard Repair Time Updates
  • TSB91-016-FTL Nov 20, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Technical Service Bulletin for Repairing Seat Occupancy Sensor for ISRI, SEARS and National Truck Seats
  • CXA_10_17_CARB Truck Chec Oct 17, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate for CARB tightening the Readiness Criteria applied to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test submissions for the Clean Truck Check.
  • SS3155-FTL Oct 22, 2024 · Other
    Service Solution for M2 and SD Vehicles Transfer Case Failures Due to Excessive Vehicle Speed
  • SS1023366-Detroit Oct 1, 2024 · Other
    Service Solution for Detroit Successful Regen Reference for GHG17 DD Engines
  • PB01-009 Oct 23, 2024 · Other
    Parts Bulletin for Powertrain Power Distribution Module (PTPDM) Kit Replacement
  • CXA 9_24_MDEG Updates Sep 19, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate for MDEG Updates
  • SS1023366-Detroit Sep 16, 2024 · Other
    Service Solution for Detroit Successful Regen Reference for GHG17 DD Engines
  • CXA 8_24_MDEG Updates Aug 15, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate for MDEG Updates
  • CXA 8_24_Conmet Oil Pan Aug 15, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate for ConMet Oil Pan Insert Additional Failures
  • CXA 8_24_AutoElevate Disa Aug 15, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate for AutoElevate Disablement Gen5 Engines
  • CXA 8_24_AutoElevate and Aug 15, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate for benefits of Autoelevate and hydrocarbon faults
  • TSB35-039-FTL Aug 29, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Revised Technical Service Bulletin for Detroit New Final Drive Standard Performance Forward Carrier Change to Top Performance Passive Lube Management. Description of Revisions: The bulletin replaces the version dated 05/14/2024. Creation date has been updated.
  • CXA 7_24_MDEG Updates Jul 18, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate for MDEG Updates
  • CXA 7_24_NOx Jul 18, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate for NOx conversion low faults. Update to CXA 6_24_NOx submission.
  • CXA 7_24_Conmet Oil Pan Jul 18, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate for ConMet Oil Pan Insert Additional Failures
  • CXA 7_24_AutoElevate Disa Jul 18, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate for AutoElevate Disablement Gen5 Engines
  • TSB35-039-FTL Jul 1, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Revised Technical Service Bulletin for Detroit New Final Drive Standard Performance Forward Carrier Change to Top Performance Passive Lube Management. Description of Revisions: The bulletin replaces the version dated 05/14/2024. Creation date has been updated.
  • CALFTL13-002 Jul 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer Advisory Letter for Proactive Air Compressor, Resonator, and Suction Line Replacement
  • CXA 06_24_Clutch Bolts Jun 21, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate communication for clutch bolts
  • CXA 06_24_NOx Jun 21, 2024 · Other
    CX Advocate communication for NOx conversion low faults
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.