2004 Freightliner Business Class M2
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Freightliner › Business Class M2 › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Freightliner Business Class M2. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
10 recalls name the 2004 Freightliner Business Class M2. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Daimler trucks north america (dtna) IS recalling 24,650 school and non-school buses, motor home chassis, and trucks manufactured from march 9, 2004 through august 18, 2006, equipped with epa04 certified mbe900 engines, manufactured by detroit diesel between march 1, 2004, and july 31, 2006. the high pressure fuel lines and transfer tubes may fatigue and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fractured fuel line may leak diesel fuel possibly resulting in a fire or fuel may be spilled on the road causing a slippery surface, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Detroit diesel will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired with more robust lines and vibration dampers free of charge. repairs will be performed by authorized detroit diesel distributorships. the recall began on march 9, 2009. owners may contact detroit diesel 1-313-592-3708 or dtna toll-free at 1-800-547-0712 for more information.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Certain 2004 and 2005 thomas built C2 school buses and freightliner business class M2 heavy trucks manufactured between june 2004 and march 2005. the anchor/pivot bolt supplied with the park brake IS defective and could fatigue fracture prematurely, resulting in the park brake failing to apply.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the park brake anchor bolt fatigues and ultimately fractures, the park brake may not function and there may be no indication to the driver of the malfunction when the park brake IS set. this may cause the vehicle to roll away without warning, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Freightliner will notify its owners and inspect and replace defective anchor bolts free of charge. the recall began on march 7, 2006. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Certain my 2004 freightliner business class M2 and thomas built saf-t-liner C2 school buses manufactured between july 26 and october 29, 2004, equipped with a caterpillar C-7 engine and borg-warner kys 4735 35480 55 engine fan. the fan shroud may be drawn back into the fan at high engine speeds when the fan clutch engages. due to reduced clearance, heavy…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The fan may fracture and pieces may separate from the fan blade. in certain conditions, this may present a hazard to people near the vehicle with the hood open and the engine running.
Remedy
Freightliner will notify its customers and replace the engine fan with a fan that has a different mounting offset free of charge. the recall IS expected to begin on january 16, 2006. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
On certain trucks and fire trucks equipped with kys 4735-43782-02 engine cooling fans and built on caterpillar 3126, C7, mbe906, mbe926, or cummins isc engines, the steel fan insert on the cooling fans can crack.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can result in fan breakage, resulting in vehicle damage or personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine cooling fan free of charge. the recall began on june 8, 2005. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Certain michelin xde commercial truck tires, size 10r22.5 lrg and lrf for use on freightliner school and transit buses. These tires were manfactured between may 23 and october 24, 2004, can experience rapid air loss due to an irregularity of the inner liner.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Rapid air loss can result in loss of vehicle control and a vehicle crash can occur.
Remedy
Michelin will notify its customers and replace the tires free of charge. the recall began december 27, 2004. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact michelin at 888-622-2306.
On certain trucks, incorrect springs were installed in the exhaust port of certain air management unit (amu) solenoid valves and they may not turn off after actuation.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Depending on the function affected, this could result in rear suspension air pressure loss, malfunction of the engine brake, permanent engagement of the rear axle differential lock, or prevent engagement of the fifth wheel slide lock. if the warning indicators in the dash are not heeded, a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the affected valves. the recall began june 29, 2004. owners should contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
On certain trucks equipped with manual transmission, the tapered joint that attaches the shifter to the transmission may become loose making it difficult to put the transmission into gear.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If shift lever detachment occurs, tha ability ro accelerate ot maintain speed will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will re-secure the shift lever to the transmission using threadlock and re-torquing the fastening bolt. owner notification began on may 21, 2004. owners should contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Owner complaints
8 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Just bought this truck from hubbard trailers, in arizona, with a receipt from having both rear brakes redone. Drove it home then took it to the local fl dealership (nampa, ID) to get an official inspection. On inspection the ABS and brake lights were on. Work was done, and I was told everything was…
Just bought this truck from hubbard trailers, in arizona, with a receipt from having both rear brakes redone. Drove it home then took it to the local fl dealership (nampa, ID) to get an official inspection. On inspection the ABS and brake lights were on. Work was done, and I was told everything was fine on the truck re:brakes. I drove it home, about 30 miles and no problem. First time I tried to take it out on a trip, the rear caliper locked up. Called nampa freightliner, multiple times, while stopped on side of road. They advised to bleed the brakes, which I did. Started off again, rear caliper locked up, pulled truck over and found fire in the rear underchassis.
- Engine
M2 106 model started presenting major oil leak one month ago. Replaced oil pan gasket, but didn't correct problem. After mechanic verification, it turns out it IS the front crankshaft oil seal. Mechanic stated he has seen quite a few freight models equipped with the cat3126 with oil leak problems from the same crankshaft oil seal. *tr
- Wheels
Driving at 60mph highway limit. Without warning or vibration, front passenger wheel bearing broke off, sending the tire/wheel flying off the highway hill, down the access road, and smashing against a bank stone wall, after it broke through a 2ND stand alone stone wall. Lucky we could stop the truck…
Driving at 60mph highway limit. Without warning or vibration, front passenger wheel bearing broke off, sending the tire/wheel flying off the highway hill, down the access road, and smashing against a bank stone wall, after it broke through a 2ND stand alone stone wall. Lucky we could stop the truck without flipping over and lucky flying wheel/tire did not hit any vehicles, as it happened during lunch traffic hours. Bearing completely broke off. Was made responsible for second hand collision, property damages, and txdot $400 towing charges. *tr
- Fuel system, diesel
Dt: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the fuel line assembly burst without warning spraying diesel fuel onto the vehicle and the highway. The contact managed to park the vehicle on the side of the highway without further incident. the contact inspected the vehicle and determined…
Dt: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the fuel line assembly burst without warning spraying diesel fuel onto the vehicle and the highway. The contact managed to park the vehicle on the side of the highway without further incident. the contact inspected the vehicle and determined the fuel lines were fractured into and needed replaced. a nhtsa recall, #05v469000 was performed on the vehicle concerning, the fuel system however, the recall did not remedy the problem. the dealership would not offer a second repair without charge under the recall. the manufacturer was alerted.
- Suspension
2004 feightliner M2 .on tuesday nov. 1ST 2005 with no warning whatsoever my right front wheel came off with lug nuts and brake drum still attached nearly lost truck but kept it steady until I could stop it .wheel bearing and spindle failure was said to be the cause. Replaced whole front axle and…
2004 feightliner M2 .on tuesday nov. 1ST 2005 with no warning whatsoever my right front wheel came off with lug nuts and brake drum still attached nearly lost truck but kept it steady until I could stop it .wheel bearing and spindle failure was said to be the cause. Replaced whole front axle and both sides wheel bearings under warranty. keep in mind that this was interstate posted speed of 65 mph. Now at 112000 miles 42K later I go to get new tires and balance and what do you know now the driver side has given warning and it IS 1/8 inch from disaster wheel bearing and spindle again. Have found nothing on any recalls on these defects. p.s. 75% of our nations school children are riding around on this same chassis. *Jb
- Suspension
(1) poor engineering. (2) front axel rated capacity IS inadequate for vehicle (3) freightliner speciality vehicles advised of saftey issue 06/04/04, & freightliner on 09/08/04. They have taken no action to date. *Ak
- Parking brake › Driveline › Hydraulic
(1) design (2) parking brake allows vehicle to move as much as 4 inches after setting. Unable to hook-up trailer without 2 people. Damaged hitch. (3) freightliner claims it can not be fixed.*ak
- Service brakes, air › Antilock
The freightliner tractors we are now using at yellow transportation, in nationwide service, have a problem with the foot brakes. The brakes, when applied, are very slow to release. I feel this could cause a serious problem on slick surfaces. We usually pull twin trailers behind these tractors--and…
The freightliner tractors we are now using at yellow transportation, in nationwide service, have a problem with the foot brakes. The brakes, when applied, are very slow to release. I feel this could cause a serious problem on slick surfaces. We usually pull twin trailers behind these tractors--and they are sleeper cabs, two man operation. The brakes will often drag the vehicle to a stop, even when no pressure IS being applied.(as when coming to a red light-the light changes,brakes are released, but the vehicle continues to slow and will come to a stop). *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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, excessive heat, degradation of lubrication, wear of the spindle nut [backface] and bearing journal, oil contamination with metal shavings, and premature bearing failure.continued operation may lead to a wheel separation.odi has relieved dtna of the responsibility to provide the information requested as part of this rq so that dtna could focus their efforts on investigation of the wheel separation issues and planning and implementing a responsive and timely field action (campaign).
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10195659SS 1032974 High Oil Pressure on 2017 DTNA Vehicles Instrument Cluster Display
- 10195640SS 1032728 Bulkhead Module Fault Codes 524280 thru 524286 with FMI 7 Clarification
- 10195624Service Solution SS 1032989 BHM Fault Code Changes
- 10195601Service Solution SS 1032998 M2 mirror wind noise
- 10195575Service Solution SS 1033094 KUS Float Tube Fuel Level Sensor Inform...
- 10195561Service Solution SS 1033180 BHM Fault Code SPN 524251 FMI 7 - Extr...
- 10195484Service Solution SS 1033289 BHM Fault Code SPN 524249 / FMI 7
- 10192956Rear Brake Calipers and Anchor Plates.
- 10187830Revised Technical Service Letter for Series 60 and Series 50 Camshaft Timing Specifications. Camshaft timing, valve lash, injector height, and Jake Brake lash are all very important specifications that must be followed closely in order to optimize the performance and service life of any Detroit Diesel engine.
- 10184914Tech Talk discussion on MBE 900 Metal In Main Filter Housing.
- 10184785Revised Freightliner Service Bulletin for Axle Flange Gasket Replaced with O-Ring. Revision removed steps instructing removal and installation of wheels. Daimler Trucks North America has released a new axle shaft to hub rubber O-ring (part number 11-30728-000) as a replacement for the paper gasket (part number 11-14418-000). The new O-ring will provide better sealing and is reusable. It is quicker and easier to use compared to the paper gasket, because using a paper gasket requires cleaning the hub when the axle shaft is removed.
- 10181983Tech Talk discussion on 1939 voltages.
- 10181759Updated Freightliner Service Bulletin for Powernet Troubleshooting Guide - Batteries, Path, Alternator, and Starter. This bulletin replaces the version dated 5/31/2017. Information is added about the BCT-460DTNA PowerNet Assessment Tool. When troubleshooting Powernet issues, use the BCT-460DTNA PowerNet Assessment Tool. As of May 29, 2018, the AutoMeter is the only Daimler-approved tool for troubleshooting vehicle Powernet issues.
- 10181049Freightliner Service Bulletin for Axle Flange Gasket Replaced with O-Ring. Daimler Trucks North America has released a new axle shaft to hub rubber O-ring (part number 11-30728-000) as a replacement for the paper gasket (part number 11-14418-000). The new O-ring will provide better sealing and is reusable. It is quicker and easier to use compared to the paper gasket, because using a paper gasket requires cleaning the hub when the axle shaft is removed.
- 10168048Service Bulletin for severe duty main PDM installation for vehicles operating in severe moisture and/or corrosive environments.
- 10154847Service Bulletin- sb0006 Freightliner Courtesy Engineering Policy
- 10151600Service information Bulletin
- 10141701sb2062 Removing the Shipping Plate from the Fan Hub on ISB Engines
- 10141699sb2059 Replacing Push-to-Connect Air Line Fittings with Brass Compression Fittings
- 10141698sb2058 Early EPA07 QLD Radiator Replacement
- 10141675sb2032 Gates PowerGrip Hose Clamps, Replacement
- 10141672sb2028 Engine Coolant Changes
- 10041425Freightliner: tank seams are split/cracked which causes fuel to leak. The valve might be plugged with contaminate.
- 10037075Daimler trucks: the 294 bolt IS deemed serviceable and there IS a procedure for replacing it.
- 10032688Freightliner: ABS fault codes due to connector water intrusion. On some trucks, the ABS module was moved into the cab. This required a connector to be placed under the cab, behind the front steering axle, on the frame rail. If this connector IS loose, or improperly installed, moisture can enter the connector and cause corrosion on the terminals, which will lead to connectivity issues, causing various ABS fault codes, and the ABS dash light to come on.
- 10030872Freightliner: some trucks have been found with incorrect sealing of air intake duct assemblies, allowing unfiltered air to bypass the air cleaner. Loose duct connections or dirt found in the ducting during a filter service indicate that duct clamps should be checked, and rubber seals added where not present. Loose ducting should be thoroughly inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. No model years listed.
- 10029985Freightliner truck: steer axle maintenance, aac and meritor 6000lb and 8000lb axles: this bulletin IS to provide information on the recommended maintenance procedure to be added to dtna maintenance manuals for all models with these axle ratings. It IS recommended that these procedures be adopted as soon as possible. No model years listed.
- 10029425Freightliner: a new bulb socket IS available for turn/park lights that IS metalized to withstand high heat without out gassing. Model years unknown. Models columbia, business class M2 and cascadia. Updated on 6/14/2011.
- 10027084Freightliner trucks: new severe duty taillight and trailer pdms (power distribution modules).for replacing existing pdms on trucks. The design improvements protect against water and dust intrusion.
- 10026123Freightliner: cummins isb drive belt jumping. The poly-v serpentine drive belt may jump off one or more of the pulleys during operation.
- 10022818Arvinmeritor rear drive axle lock screws.
- 10010433Fog light control.
Every Freightliner Business Class M2 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.