2003 Mack CV: complaints, problems and recalls

THIS VEHICLE IS A 2003 MACK TRUCK MODEL CV AND IS A STRAIGHT FRAME DUMP TRUCK WITH THREE REAR TANDEM AXLES. STOPPING IS ACHIEVED THROUGH A STANDARD AIR BRAKE SYSTEM WHERE COMPRESSED AIR IS USED AS THE ENERGY MEDIUM. THE BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT OF THE OPERATOR IS USED ONLY TO MODULATE THE AIR PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE CHAMBERS. THIS TRUCK CONFORMS TO THE DUAL BRAKE SYSTEM. ALTHOUGH THE ENERGY SOURCE IS COMPRESSED AIR, THE TRANSMISSION OF ENERGY FROM THE BRAKE CHAMBER TO THE FRICTION SURFACES INVOLVES LEVER ARMS AND CAMS. THE COMPRESSED AIR IN THE…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10137097 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MACK CV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE FRAME RAILS WERE BREAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10331356 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2003-07-17 (July 17, 2003)

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." IMPROPER SEATING OF THE CHECK VALVE RETAINER IN THE BRASS FITTING HOUSING HAS OCCURRED. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE AIR BRAKE SYSTEM PRESSURE TO PUSH THE CHECK VALVE INTERNAL PARTS INTO THE PRIMARY SYSTEM RESERVOIR AND A VEHICLE OPERATOR WOULD NOT KNOW THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.

Consequence: IN THIS CONDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MEET THE EMERGENCY REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CHECK VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MACK AT 1-610-709-3337.

Reported: 2003-10-27 (October 27, 2003)

ON CERTAIN CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH DEFIANCE METAL FUEL TANK SUPPORT BRACKET ASSEMBLIES, THE FUEL TANK BRACKET WAS NOT WELDED PER SPECIFICATION. THIS CAN CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO SEPARATE FROM THE CHASSIS DURING ASSEMBLY OPERATION.

Consequence: IF THE FUEL TANK SEPARATES FROM THE VECHILE, THERE IS A RISK THE TANK MAY RUPTURE CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK ON THE GROUND WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 1, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MACK AT 1-610-709-3337.

Reported: 2004-03-04 (March 4, 2004)

CERTAIN TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE FRONT BRAKE CHAMBER ON SOME 18,000 LB. AND 20,000 LB FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLIES IS TOO SMALL TO MEET STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS.

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BE INCREASED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE CHAMBERS. THE RECALL BEGAN APRIL 21, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MACK AT 1-610-709-3337.

Reported: 2004-11-01 (November 1, 2004)

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAP WAS NOT WELDED TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY FAIL. THE FUEL TANK STRAP SUPPORTS AND FASTENS THE STEPS FOR THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER TO ENTER AND EXIT THE CAB.

Consequence: IF THE PEDESTAL STEP MOUNTING BRACKET SEPARATED FROM THE FUEL TANK STRAP, PASSENGER COULD FALL FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN ENTERING OR EXITING THE CAB, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURIES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAP AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN FEBRUARY 7, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MACK TRUCKS AT 1-610-709-3337.

Reported: 2010-03-03 (March 3, 2010)

MACK TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CL, CV, LE, MR, RB, RD, AND MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2004 DM HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2002 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003, EQUIPPED WITH AXLE BEAMS MANUFACTURED BY BHARAT FORGE. THE AXLE BEAM MAY HAVE TRANSVERSE SHEAR LINES ON THE BOTTOM OF THE AXLE FROM THE TRIMMING PROCESS.

Consequence: THESE LINES, IF PRESENT, CAN PROMOTE INITIATION OF CRACKS, WHICH OVER TIME MAY POSSIBLY LEAD TO AXLE BEAM FAILURE AND A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Remedy: MACK WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY AFFECTED AXLE BEAMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MACK AT 1-800-866-1177.