2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
8
Owner Complaints
10
Recalls
6
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2
The 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 has received a total of 8 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 10 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY. 6 technical service bulletins have been issued by FREIGHTLINER LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Suspension (2 complaints), Engine (1 complaint), and Fuel System Diesel (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2
NHTSA has recorded 10 recalls for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2, potentially affecting up to 230,427 vehicles.
Recall 11V478000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
| 73,500 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 MOUNTED FUEL FILTER AND...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 08V668000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 24,650 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 FRACTURE.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 08V137000 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
| 28,764 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 FOUR PIECE SPINDLE-NUT SET. THESE...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 07V302000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
| 75,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 PARKER SCV...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 05V468000 — PARKING BRAKE
| 3,850 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 05V393000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
| 1,395 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 05V126000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
| 3,568 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 04T023000 — TIRES
| 4,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 04V220000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
| 1,700 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 04V205000 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
| 14,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2
8 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Diesel | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Parking Brakedrivelinehydraulic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Airantilock | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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
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
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.
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
Safety Rating for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2
FREIGHTLINER LLC has issued 6 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
Techtalk7941 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Tech Talk discussion on MBE 900 Metal In Main Filter Housing.
TechTalk7739 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tech Talk discussion on 1939 voltages.
FSB-20-67 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FREIGHTLINER: TANK SEAMS ARE SPLIT/CRACKED WHICH CAUSES FUEL TO LEAK. THE VALVE MIGHT BE PLUGGED WITH CONTAMINATE. *PE
FSB-54-224 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
FREIGHTLINER 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. *PE
01-93 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
FREIGHTLINER: CUMMINS ISB DRIVE BELT JUMPING. THE POLY-V SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT MAY JUMP OFF ONE OR MORE OF THE PULLEYS DURING OPERATION. *PE
SB-42-63 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
FREIGHTLINER: 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...
NHTSA Investigations for the 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2
- 1999 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 — 0 complaints
- 2000 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 — 0 complaints
- 2001 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 — 0 complaints
- 2002 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 — 0 complaints
- 2003 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 — 1 complaint
- 2004 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 (current)
- 2005 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 — 10 complaints
- 2006 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 — 11 complaints
- 2007 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 — 4 complaints
- 2008 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 — 3 complaints
- 2009 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 — 2 complaints
Other FREIGHTLINER Models
- FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA — 396 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER — 188 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER CONVENTIONAL — 117 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA — 110 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER CENTURY — 76 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER 2500 — 64 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER FL-70 — 50 total complaints
- FREIGHTLINER MT — 39 total complaints