Recall 19V810 affects 5 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 vehicles for a VCU software error causing unexpected movement. Cummins dealer software update is free.
Freightliner is recalling 5 2019 Business Class M2 vehicles with the PowerDrive EV electric drivetrain because a software error in the vehicle control unit can trigger anti-roll back during slow-moving or stop-and-go driving. Unexpected movement increases crash risk, and the Freightliner dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 trucks use a PowerDrive EV electric drivetrain controlled by a vehicle control unit, or VCU. The VCU is the computer that coordinates drive commands between the accelerator, drivetrain, and low-speed features. One of those features is anti-roll back, which is meant to help hold the truck from rolling backward during slow starts or stop-and-go driving.
On these trucks, a software error in the VCU can turn on the anti-roll back feature at the wrong time during slow moving or stop-and-go conditions. When that happens, the drivetrain receives a command the driver did not ask for. The result is unexpected vehicle movement, even though Freightliner reported no field reports of unintended vehicle motion before the recall decision.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver should treat any unexpected movement at low speed as related until a Freightliner dealer checks the VCU software and recall status.
Who's affected?
The scope ties the hybrid propulsion system and automatic transmission control module to the same Business Class M2 trucks.
| 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 | Hybrid propulsion system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 5 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected vehicle movement increases crash risk because the truck can move when the driver does not intend it to. Use extra care around the vehicle and arrange the software update when available. Repair will be free at any franchised Freightliner dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 is included in this recall.
- Confirm repair status with a franchised Freightliner dealer before scheduling service, because this record lists the remedy status as still under development.
- Ask the dealer about the free VCU software update that fixes anti-roll-back activation during slow traffic.
- Bring the owner letter if Freightliner mailed one, or reference recall number 19V810 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, especially in slow-moving or stop-and-go conditions where unexpected vehicle movement can happen.
What happens at the repair
Because the remedy is listed as under development, do not assume the final dealer repair can be scheduled yet. Once the repair opens, a Freightliner technician will update the vehicle control unit software for the PowerDrive EV electric drivetrain using the Cummins field procedure. The final repair will be free under recall 19V810, including the software work and related labor.
Timeline
| November 13, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 25, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 6, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| January 6, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 6, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V810?
Recall 19V810 covers 5 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 vehicles equipped with the PowerDrive EV electric drivetrain. A software error in the vehicle control unit can activate the anti-roll-back feature during slow or stop-and-go driving, causing unexpected movement and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V810. If it is, contact a Cummins dealer or Freightliner service contact and ask for the free vehicle control unit software update. Reference recall number 19V810 and Freightliner recall number FL-838 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost, and the remedy states that Cummins dealers will update the vehicle control unit software free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my Freightliner Business Class M2 before the repair?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is unexpected vehicle movement during slow-moving or stop-and-go conditions, which can increase crash risk. Until the software update is complete, use extra care in those conditions and schedule the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V810000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-286-6467 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V810 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V810000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →