2021 Freightliner M2 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2021 Freightliner M2 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 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 2021 compare to other M2 years?

M2 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M2 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Freightliner M2 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	2	25%	▲ up
Transmission	2	25%	▲ up
Engine	1	13%	— flat
Other	1	13%	▼ down
Speed Control	1	13%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	1	13%	— flat

Does the 2021 Freightliner M2 have recalls?

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

23V237000Visibility & WipersApril 4, 2023 · 57,504 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Freightliner Business-Class M2, FCCC Business-Class M2, FCCC S2G (FCCC Business-Class M2), FCCC S2RV, FCCC SC2 (FCCC Shuttle Chassis), 2021-2022 Freightliner 108SD, and Freightliner 114SD vehicles. The windshield wiper linkages may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

Consequence

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield wiper arm and linkage parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL969.

23V105000SteeringFebruary 20, 2023 · 60,604 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Columbia, Coronado, Business Class M2, and 2020 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The drag link taper joint may not have been tightened sufficiently and could come loose, resulting in a complete separation of the drag link from the steering arm.

Consequence

Drag link separation can cause a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will inspect the drag link taper joint and repair it, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL967. This recall expands recall number 21V-689.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2021 Freightliner XC Line Motorhome. The contact stated that the ICU on the coach had delaminated over time and made it difficult to read. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the ICU panel was faulty and needed to be…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 26, 2025

“Meritor Transfer case has failed due to the internal coating coming off and clogging the oil pump pick up tube screen which starves the oil 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 the bearings…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 13, 2023

“The 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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 19, 2024

“The contact owns a 2021 Freightliner M2. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and slightly depressing the accelerator pedal, the pedal travelled down to the floorboard and was stuck, causing the vehicle to accelerate unintendedly. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 25, 2023

“THIS 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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 14, 2021 · crash

2021 Freightliner M2 — common questions

Is the 2021 Freightliner M2 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Freightliner M2 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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 2021 compare to other M2 years?

What are the most common 2021 Freightliner M2 problems?

Does the 2021 Freightliner M2 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2021 Freightliner M2 — common questions

Is the 2021 Freightliner M2 reliable?

Does the 2021 Freightliner M2 have recalls?

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