RoadVitals

2003 Caterpillar 3126E Recalls

Safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA that cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
Recall campaignsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
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Newest Aug 9, 2004
Carrying an NHTSA advisoryCampaigns where NHTSA told owners not to drive the vehicle, or to park it outside, until the repair is done.
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Open investigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
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Recall campaigns

1 campaign cover this model year — what the defect is, what it could cause, and what the remedy is

04E054000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

Aug 9, 2004
2,309 units potentially affected
The defect: CATERPILLAR 2003 MY 3126E ENGINES WITH CONVERTER MUFFLERS WITH WELDS ADDED TO THE STRAPS THAT SUPPORT THE CONVERTER MUFFLERS TO THE CHASSIS. THESE WELDS ARE CAUSING THE STRAPS TO FAIL.
The risk: WHEN THE STRAPS FAIL, THE MUFFLER CAN DROP TO THE GROUND.
The remedy: CATERPILLAR WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A CATERPILLER ENGINE REPAIR FACILITY TO HAVE THE CONVERTER MUFFLER STRAPS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 29, 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 CATERPILLER AT 309-675-6496.
CATERPILLAR INC.View on NHTSA.gov

What a recall is

Safety recall
A safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
Safety investigation
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
Manufacturer communication
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources