Recall 26V066 affects 280 2024-2025 Freightliner Business Class M2 vehicles for insufficient steering gearbox oil. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 280 2024-2025 Business Class M2 vehicles because the steering gearbox assembly has insufficient oil. A low-oil gearbox can bind and make the truck harder to steer, raising the risk of a crash; Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering gearbox on the 2024-2025 Freightliner Business Class M2 is the assembly that turns steering input into movement at the wheels. In these dual-drive trucks, the right-hand steering gear box is part of that control path. The gear box needs oil inside it to keep the gears moving smoothly under load.
On affected trucks, the steering gear box was assembled without the required oil. Without that oil film, internal parts rub against each other instead of sliding freely. The friction can make the gear box bind, and in reported failures drivers heard a loud pop before the right-hand steering gear box locked up.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the gear box, so the truck does not give the driver a clear early symptom before the steering assembly binds or locks.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2024 and 2025 Business Class M2 model years, both tied to the same steering gear.
| 2025 Freightliner Business Class M2 | steering gear |
|---|---|
| 2024 Freightliner Business Class M2 | steering gear |
| Units affected | 280 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Insufficient lubrication can make the steering gears bind, which makes the truck harder to steer and increases crash risk. There is no warning sign before failure. If steering feels abnormal, stop in a safe place and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2025 Freightliner Business Class M2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free steering gearbox inspection and replacement that fixes the low-oil lubrication problem.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 26V066 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop and call the dealer if steering becomes hard or starts to bind.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician inspects the steering gearbox for the insufficient oil condition identified in recall 26V066. If the gearbox is affected, the technician replaces the steering gearbox and related hardware. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Fontaine Modification's instructions cover the inspection and, when needed, the gearbox replacement, so the service desk can confirm whether your 2024-2025 Business Class M2 needs only inspection or a new gearbox.
Timeline
| February 4, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 26, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V066?
Recall 26V066 covers 280 2024-2025 Freightliner Business Class M2 vehicles with a steering gearbox that was assembled with insufficient oil. Lack of lubrication can make the gears bind and make the vehicle harder to steer. The steering gearbox inspection and replacement are free.
What should I do if my 2024-2025 Freightliner Business Class M2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V066. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer or Fontaine Modification customer service at 1-800-366-8246 to arrange the steering gearbox inspection. Reference recall number 26V066 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says the steering gearbox inspection and any needed replacement are free. Parts and labor are covered for included 2024-2025 Freightliner Business Class M2 vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is difficulty steering. The steering gearbox was assembled with insufficient oil, and lack of lubrication can cause binding gears. If steering effort increases while the vehicle is moving, the driver has less control, increasing the risk of a crash.
When were owners notified about recall 26V066?
Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. If you own a 2024-2025 Freightliner Business Class M2 and did not receive a letter, check your VIN anyway. Used vehicles, address changes, and fleet transfers can keep a notice from reaching the current owner.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V066000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-366-8246 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V066 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V066000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →