2018 Freightliner M2 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2018 Freightliner M2 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other M2 years?

M2 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M2 years to avoid →

Does the 2018 Freightliner M2 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V002000Body & StructureJanuary 8, 2021 · 1 units

Defect

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.

19V251000LightingMarch 28, 2019 · 2 units

Defect

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.

19V236000LightingMarch 26, 2019 · 36 units

Defect

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.

19V239000LightingMarch 26, 2019 · 7 units

Defect

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.

2018 Freightliner M2 — common questions

Is the 2018 Freightliner M2 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Freightliner M2 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Freightliner M2. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2018 compare to other M2 years?

Does the 2018 Freightliner M2 have recalls?

2018 Freightliner M2 — common questions

Is the 2018 Freightliner M2 reliable?

Does the 2018 Freightliner M2 have recalls?

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