2002–2004 Freightliner Business Class M2, 2003–2004 Freightliner Century, 2003–2004 Freightliner Columbia and 1 other model Recall: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, THE TAPERED JOINT…
NHTSA campaign 04V205000 · Power Train · filed May 4, 2004 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, THE TAPERED JOINT THAT ATTACHES THE SHIFTER TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY BECOME LOOSE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO GEAR.
The risk
IF SHIFT LEVER DETACHMENT OCCURS, THA ABILITY RO ACCELERATE OT MAINTAIN SPEED WILL BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL RE-SECURE THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE TRANSMISSION USING THREADLOCK AND RE-TORQUING THE FASTENING BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-420.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Freightliner | Business Class M2 | 2002, 2003, 2004 |
| Freightliner | Century | 2003, 2004 |
| Freightliner | Columbia | 2003, 2004 |
| Sterling | HX | 2003, 2004 |
Related recalls
More Freightliner Business Class M2 recalls
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Other campaigns involving Freightliner vehicles
All Freightliner Business Class M2 recalls → · All Freightliner recalls →
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 04V205000 (manufacturer number FL-420). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.