Recall 18V251 affects 40 2016-2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 trucks for misoriented rear brake calipers. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 40 2016-2019 Business Class M2 trucks built with air disk brakes and spring suspension because rear disk brake calipers were mounted in the wrong orientation. The caliper can contact the suspension and reduce braking effectiveness, which can increase crash risk; Freightliner dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear air disc brake caliper on a 2016-2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 is the clamp that presses the brake pads against the rotor at the rear wheel. Air pressure moves the brake hardware, and the caliper turns that force into friction so the truck slows as intended. On trucks with spring suspension, the caliper also has to sit far enough from nearby suspension parts to move without contact.
The rear calipers on affected trucks were installed in the wrong orientation. That position lets the caliper contact the suspension during normal movement. Contact can damage the brake hardware or keep it from working through its full range, which reduces braking effectiveness.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver should treat brake noise, dragging, pulling, or weaker braking as a reason to stop using the truck and have a Freightliner dealer inspect it.
Who's affected?
Spans four model years of the Business Class M2, all tied to the same brake-system component.
| 2016 Freightliner Business Class M2 | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Freightliner Business Class M2 | brake system |
| 2018 Freightliner Business Class M2 | brake system |
| 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 | brake system |
| Units affected | 40 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced braking effectiveness means the truck needs more distance or time to stop, which increases the risk of a crash. Until the repair is complete, drive cautiously, leave extra stopping room, and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free rear brake-caliper correction that reorients the calipers so they do not contact the suspension and reduce braking effectiveness.
- Bring the recall notice if DTNA mailed one. Reference recall number 18V251 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the Freightliner dealer or authorized service facility, a Freightliner technician corrects the orientation of the rear brake calipers. The repair is meant to keep the caliper from contacting the suspension and reducing brake effectiveness. Parts and labor are free under the recall. The source record does not give an owner claim process for earlier out-of-pocket repairs, so the dealer process is the confirmed path for this campaign.
Timeline
| April 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 14, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 15, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| June 15, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 15, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V251?
Recall 18V251 covers 40 2016-2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 trucks with air disc brakes and spring suspension. NHTSA campaign 18V251 says the rear disc brake calipers were installed in the wrong orientation, allowing contact with the suspension and reducing brake effectiveness.
What should I do if my 2016-2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V251. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the rear brake caliper orientation correction. Reference recall number 18V251 and DTNA recall FL-767 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Freightliner dealers will correct the rear brake caliper orientation free of charge, and DTNA lists customer service at 1-800-547-0712 for recall FL-767.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking effectiveness. NHTSA campaign 18V251 says the rear disc brake calipers can contact the suspension, which reduces braking performance and increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair before returning the truck to regular service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V251000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V251 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V251000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →