2018 Freightliner M2: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
0 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Most common problems
No owner complaints are recorded for this selection. A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
No usable records for this chart.
| Category | Count |
|---|
No records.
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 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 0 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.
No usable records for this chart.
| Category | Count |
|---|
No records.
Pattern summary
There is not enough complaint evidence to summarize patterns.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
19V236000 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
Reported: 2019-03-26 (March 26, 2019)
Excellance, Inc. (Excellance) is recalling certain 2018 Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles built on Ford E-350, E-450, F-650, F-550 4x4, Chevrolet G4500, G4500 Diesel, C3500, G3500, Freightliner M2, International 4300, and Dodge 4500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Excellance has notified owners, instructing them to contact Whelen to have the brake lights replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Execellance at 1-256-772-9321.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V239000 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
Reported: 2019-03-26 (March 26, 2019)
Custom Fab & Body LLC (Custom Fab & Body) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-650 XLT Crew Cab, 2017-2018 International 7500 4x4, and 2018 International 7500 4x2, Freightliner M2-112 and M2-106, and Kenworth T-370-based emergency vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Custom Fab & Body has notified owners, instructing them to contact Whelen for replacement lights, free of charge. The recall began April 11, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-526-9504.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V251000 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
Reported: 2019-03-28 (March 28, 2019)
Fire Equipment Sales & Service (FES) is recalling one Super C Brush emergency vehicle and one Tanker emergency vehicle equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FES has already notified owners, and replaced the brake lights, free of charge. Owners may contact FES customer service at 1-803-494-6000 or Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V002000 · Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate | Exterior Lighting
Reported: 2021-01-08 (January 8, 2021)
Marion Body Works Inc. (Marion) is recalling one 2018 Freightliner M2-106 Medium Duty vehicle equipped with a Maxon License Plate Kit. A license plate light may have been installed that aims rearward and not towards the license plate.
Consequence: A license plate light aimed toward other drivers may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Marion will notify the owner, and a dealers will provide a replacement kit, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Marion customer service at 1-715-754-5261. Marion's number for this recall is 20E-034.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
0 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
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 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11132291 · 430,000 miTHE INTAKE HEATER LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I INCREASE SPEED OVER 25 MILES AND HOUR. ONCE AT 55 MILES AN HOUR, THE LIGHT STAYS ON. | 1100.0%ODI 11129707 · 257,165 miFLYWHEEL SHEARED OFF (COMPLETELY NO TEETH AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE). TRANSMISSION NOT DROPPED DOWN TO CONFIRM BUT CURRENTLY THERE ARE NOT TEETH ON FLYWHEEL TO MESH WITH STARTER TEETH.CANNOT SEE ANY TEETH THROUGH INSPECTION HOLE. | 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. | 1100.0%ODI 11696931Rocker arm failure. Detroit released repair at no cost on the DD15 and up but not on the DD5 when they have the exact same problem and design and parts as the larger engines and they know that it is a problem. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 225.0%ODI 11634557 · 151,024 miThe contact owns a 2021 Freightliner M2. The contact stated that while a driver was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started decelerating unintendedly and then stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to coast to the side of the roadway. The driver was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that there was an excessive amount of oil in the engine. The dealer determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer linked the failure to NHTSA Campa… | 133.3%ODI 11535532 · 14,000 miThe contact's company owns a 2022 Freightliner M2. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the front driver seat was not steady and would rock to the side (left and right) and the front passenger recliner was not stable. The contact took the semi truck to the local dealer but was unable to repair the seats. The semi truck was not repaired. The contact called the seat manufacturer and they provided the front driver suspension base and chugger fore and isolator and the front passager recliner kaob kit to be replaced. The contact took the semi tr… | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 00.0%No 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. | 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. | 225.0%ODI 11634557 · 151,024 miThe contact owns a 2021 Freightliner M2. The contact stated that while a driver was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started decelerating unintendedly and then stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to coast to the side of the roadway. The driver was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that there was an excessive amount of oil in the engine. The dealer determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer linked the failure to NHTSA Campa… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train | 1100.0%ODI 11455793The transmission lines where it connects to the radiator are leaking just like on the recall there is for the 2014 and up years of the freightliner m2 business class | 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11639126 · 180,000 miThe contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Freightliner M2. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and slammed into gear. The vehicle returned to normal functionality and the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The message "Range Motion Detected" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact continued driving slowly. An independent mechanic went to the workplace to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the retaining clip had failed, causing the hose to pop out an… | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 225.0%ODI 11506369We have had close to 30 failures of the Meritor Transfer Case in both International and Freightliner chassis. This case specifically and of which I will add photos, is a 2021 Freightliner. The internal coating is flaking off and clogging the oil pump pick up screen which in turn starves the pump and eventually leads to bearing failure. This is a safety concern because the T-Case is the central connecting point for the drive line. When bearings fail or seize the torque from the input shaft can cause the connecting components (u-joints, Drive Sha… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Tires | 00.0%No 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. | 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. | 112.5%ODI 11719221The contact owns a 2021 Freightliner XC-M. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V00H000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING) and 21V921000 (TIRES). The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact reached out to the manufacturer with questions about the recalls. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00H000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). However, the manufacturer informed the contact that the repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V921000 (TIRES) would not be completed b… | 133.3%ODI 11519018 · 8,000 miThe contact owns a 2022 Freightliner XC-M. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V379000 (Tires) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the RV was displaying inaccurate tire pressure numbers and tire temperature numbers as well. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11132291 · 430,000 miTHE INTAKE HEATER LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I INCREASE SPEED OVER 25 MILES AND HOUR. ONCE AT 55 MILES AN HOUR, THE LIGHT STAYS ON. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11112178 · 10,000 miWE PURCHASED A BRAND NEW BOX TRUCK FROM I STATE TRUCK (INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN). THEY DOT'D THE TRUCK BEFORE WE TOOK POSSESSION OF IT. ON 11/27/17 WE WERE PULLED OVER BY A STATE TROOPER FOR A ROAD SIDE INSPECTION. WE FAILED THE INSPECTION FOR THE "REAR IMPACT GUARD." WE NOTIFIED I STATE IMMEDIATELY AND ASKED THEM TO FIX IT. THEY COULDN'T OR WOULDN'T COMPLETE THE TASK WITHIN 2 WEEKS SO WE BROUGHT IT TO ANOTHER FACILITY. I STATE SHOULD NOT SELL OR DOT TRUCKS THAT DO NOT MEET ALL DOT REQUIREMENTS. IN TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE DIRECTLY W… | 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. | 112.5%ODI 11408637 · 5,000 miTHIS VEHICLE IS OUTFITTED WITH A BRIDGEPORT AUTOMATED ARM GARBAGE TRUCK BODY. AN ACCIDENT RECENTLY OCCURRED ON 14 APRIL 2021 BECAUSE OF NO WARNING SENSOR ON THE FORKS WITH GRAB THE GARBAGE/RECYCLE CART TO WARN THE DRIVER THAT THE FORKS ARE NOT COMPLETELY RETRACTED AND SAFELY STOW FOR TRANSPORT. A WARNING SENSOR IS ON THE FORK BOOM TO WARN THE DRIVER THAT THE BOOM IS NOT FULLY RETRACTED HOWEVER THIS DOES NOT LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT THE FORKS ARE STILL A POTENTIAL HAZARD. I REALIZE THAT IT IS THE DRIVER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW ALL THE ELEMENTS… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes | 1100.0%ODI 11455793The transmission lines where it connects to the radiator are leaking just like on the recall there is for the 2014 and up years of the freightliner m2 business class | 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. | 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. | 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. |
| Service Brakes, Air | 00.0%No 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. | 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. | 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. |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 00.0%No 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. | 1100.0%ODI 10712330I HAVE TWO 'GRIPES' ABOUT CRUISE CONTROL: 1. THE LACK OF A 'CRASH SWITCH' TO DUMP THE CRUISE CONTROL AGGRAVATED AN ACCIDENT I RECENTLY HAD IN A TRUCK. I REMEMBER YEARS AGO INSTALLING CC IN A CAR, AND THERE WAS A MERCURY SWITCH TO DUMP THE CRUISE CONTROL IF THE CAR WERE IN AN ACCIDENT. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WAS A FALSE DUMP ON A BUMP, BUT IT JUST SERVED TO REMIND ME THE SAFETY FEATURE WAS WORKING! 2. IN AN AUTO WITH AUTOMATIC AND SELECTIVE SPORT SHIFT, THE CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T DISENGAGE WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS MOVED. IN A MANUAL CAR, THE C… | 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. | 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. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. | ||||
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 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 (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: 2 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 | 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 |
|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. |
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.