Freightliner M2 Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 12, 2026 · 30 owner complaints analyzed

NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 44 safety recalls on file for the Freightliner M2, across 20 model years (2005–2024). The 2021 model year has the most complaints (8). The most reported problem area overall is engine.

Peak: 2021, with 8 complaints
2005: 0200502006: 332007: 2200722008: 112009: 3200932010: 112011: 0201102012: 222013: 1201312014: 112015: 1201512016: 222017: 1201712018: 002019: 1201912020: 002021: 8202182022: 332023: 0202302024: 00

n = 30 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Freightliner M2 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

No M2 model year stands out with more than twice the complaints of a typical year.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2021 M2: 8 complaints, 2 recalls
  2. 2022 M2: 3 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2009 M2: 3 complaints, 15 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2008 M2: 1 complaint, 10 recalls
  2. 2010 M2: 1 complaint, 17 recalls
  3. 2013 M2: 1 complaint, 8 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Freightliner M2 problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine760
Electrical System530
Power Train430
Tires442
Service Brakes, Air320
Vehicle Speed Control331
Service Brakes220
Electronic Stability Control (esc)110
Equipment110
Exterior Lighting110
Forward Collision Avoidance110
Seats110
Service Brakes, Hydraulic110
Structure110
Suspension110

All Freightliner M2 model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2024 M202——
2023 M202——
2022 M231—Engine
2021 M282—Electrical System
2020 M202——
2019 M211—Engine
2018 M204——
2017 M216—Power Train
2016 M226—Equipment
2015 M2112—Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2014 M2111—Vehicle Speed Control
2013 M218—Engine
2012 M229—Electronic Stability Control (esc)
2011 M2017——
2010 M2117—Power Train
2009 M2315—Electrical System
2008 M2110—Service Brakes, Air
2007 M227—Electrical System
2006 M235—Service Brakes, Air
2005 M202——

More from Freightliner: all Freightliner models · VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Freightliner M2 years should you stay away from?

No year stands out at twice the typical count; the most complaints are for 2021 (8), 2022 (3), 2009 (3). Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Freightliner M2?

Engine, with 7 complaints across 6 model years.

How many recalls does the Freightliner M2 have?

44 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.