Recall 21V484 affects 89 2017-2018 Freightliner, Peterbilt, and International vehicles with license plate light kits. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner recall 21V484 covers 89 2017-2018 M2, 220, 4000 Series 4300, and Business Class M2 vehicles with lift gate license plate light kits that shine rearward instead of downward. That improper lighting can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The license plate kit on these 2017-2018 M2, 220, 4000 Series 4300, and Business Class M2 trucks includes the lamp that lights the rear plate. Its normal job is simple: aim light downward so the plate is visible without sending glare straight behind the truck. On trucks with the affected lift gate setup, that lamp is part of the license plate lamp installation kit.
The problem is the way the light kit is installed or aimed in the affected kit, part number 298872-01. Instead of illuminating the plate from above, the lamp shines rearward. That means the plate is not properly lit the way the exterior lighting system is supposed to work.
An owner is unlikely to feel a driving change from this defect because it is in the rear exterior lighting, not the engine, brakes, or steering. There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is visible from outside the truck when the license plate lamp is on and the light shines rearward instead of down onto the plate.
Who's affected?
The included models share the same license plate lamp installation kit, listed under exterior lighting.
| 2017 Freightliner M2 | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| 2018 Peterbilt 220 | Exterior lighting |
| 2017 International 4000 Series 4300 | Exterior lighting |
| 2017 Freightliner Business Class M2 | Exterior lighting |
| Units affected | 89 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
Improper license plate lighting can confuse other drivers and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair and have the replacement license plate kit installed before the truck returns to regular use. Repair will be free at any franchised Freightliner dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Freightliner M2, 220, 4000 Series 4300, or Business Class M2 is included in this recall.
- Use the owner letter from Mickey Truck before scheduling the repair.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer about the free replacement license plate kit.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V484 when you call.
- Drive with extra space around the truck until the replacement kit is installed because the rear-facing license plate light can confuse other drivers.
What happens at the repair
The filing says dealers will provide a replacement license plate kit at no charge. Once the repair is available for your VIN, a Freightliner technician replaces the kit so the plate light points down toward the license plate instead of shining rearward. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The owner letters were mailed on July 10, 2021, so ask the service desk to confirm parts before arranging the visit.
Timeline
| July 10, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V484?
Recall 21V484 covers 89 2017-2018 Freightliner, Peterbilt, and International vehicles with certain lift gates and license plate kit part number 298872-01. The light kit shines rearward instead of downward, and dealers will provide a replacement license plate kit for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Freightliner M2, Peterbilt 220, International 4000 Series 4300, or Freightliner Business Class M2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V484. If it is, contact a franchised dealer to schedule the replacement license plate kit. Reference recall number 21V484 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V484, dealers will provide a replacement license plate kit free of charge. You can also contact Mickey Truck customer service at 1-336-888-2291.
What is the safety risk?
Recall 21V484 addresses license plate lighting that shines rearward instead of downward. NHTSA says the improper lighting can confuse other drivers on the road, increasing crash risk. The fix is a replacement license plate kit provided by the dealer at no cost.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the July 10, 2021 owner letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call the dealer with recall number 21V484.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V484000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-336-888-2291 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V484 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V484000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →