2004 Freightliner BUSINESS CLASS M2 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
8 owner complaints analyzed
9 distinct recall campaigns
133,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: . 5 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Suspension is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 8 complaints (25.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 4 | 50.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Suspension | 2 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 |
| Parking Brake:Driveline:Hydraulic | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Air:Antilock | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 |
Suspension: 2; Engine: 1; Fuel System, Diesel: 1; Parking Brake:Driveline:Hydraulic: 1; Service Brakes: 1; Service Brakes, Air:Antilock: 1; Wheels: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 2 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 2
150,000 and above miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 3 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 |
2004: 3; 2006: 2; 2013: 2; 2016: 1
Pattern summary
Suspension leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10079129 · 2004-07-01 (July 1, 2004)
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…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10079129 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10093505 · 2004-10-02 (October 2, 2004)
(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
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10093505 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
8 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 8100.0%ODI 11472393Attached to this is the federal certification label for an Ultra Liner 45 built on the Freightliner chassis. Executive Coach Builders is building this bus, National Bus Sales is selling this bus to schools in Oklahoma and Texas. The states have allowed that, but as an OEM that goes against what is currently allowed. | 150.0%ODI 11586756The 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 | 1100.0%ODI 11590092Horn fails to work when the truck is cold. After the steering wheel has been moved during operation, the horn eventually begins to work. I had a vehicle drift into my lane on the highway, and when I went to use the horn, it failed to work. Fortunately, I was able to swerve to avoid the other vehicle hitting the front of my cab. I bought this truck brand new from Freightliner. They state that there is no longer a warranty on the horn, which in my opinion should be viewed as a safety item and should not have failed in less than (3) years and… | 1100.0%ODI 11586731This is the first of several entries I am making. The DEF headers on 7 of our trucks have had the same failure and if I see more I will report these also. This is an emission system issue. PART NUMBER 04-31354-004 HEADER-SSI,CONC.6BOLY,CMNS | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11020287 · 28,745 miROLL PIN WHICH SECURES PARK BRAKE KNOB ROUTINELY WORKS IT WAY OUT OF THE KNOB AND PREVENTS (DEPENDING ON WHAT POSITION VALVE IS IN) EITHER APPLICATION OR RELEASE OF PARKING BRAKE. OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND USING PARKING BRAKE. | 1100.0%ODI 11181784 · 75,000 miVEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY. THE TRUCK ROLLED FORWARD AND TRAPPED DRIVER UNDER REAR TIRE SET. DEFECTIVE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. DEFECTIVE PARKING BRAKE SPRINGS. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 250.0%ODI 10788393 · 90,000 miWHILE DRIVING THE TRACTOR/TRAILER DOWN THE INTERSTATE AN AMBER WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. WITHIN A MATTER OF SECONDS THE ENTIRE TRUCK COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE DRIVER LOST ALL POWER STEERING, AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INJURY. THE VEHICLE WENT TO THE LOCAL FREIGHTLINER DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A FUSE HAD FAILED ON THE TRUCK BRINGING DOWN THE VEHICLES MCM. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Steering | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 11483147Noticed the steering linkage had an unusual amount of free play, Thinking it might be the bearing had failed. Bought a new part and had the one on the truck taken apart. When it was removed, it was noted that the linkage was not installed correctly. There is a safety bolt that locks the linkage and prevent it from dislodging and it was installed but not in a way to prevent separation from the steering linkage from the steering wheel. In one of the pictures where i took the linkage and attached it the way it was installed on the truck to demons… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10714868 · 1,500 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE INTAKE HEATER WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | Too few reports for a range | 70,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10159251 · 70,000 mi2004 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 FRO… |
| Engine | Too few reports for a range | 190,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10511212 · 190,000 miM2 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 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | Too few reports for a range | 217,167 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10170685 · 217,167 miDT: 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 U… |
| Service Brakes | Too few reports for a range | 133,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10910910 · 133,000 miJUST 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… |
| Wheels | Too few reports for a range | 98,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10511210 · 98,000 miDRIVING 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. *T… |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2022: 1 complaints · 2023: 1 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Suspension | Engine | Fuel System, Diesel | Parking Brake:Driveline:Hydraulic | Service Brakes | Service Brakes, Air:Antilock | Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Parking Brake:Driveline:Hydraulic | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air:Antilock | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.