NHTSA vehicle safety data
2003 Caterpillar 3126E Recalls & Complaints
The 2003 Caterpillar 3126E has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on file as of October 21, 2026. try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 2003 Caterpillar 3126E. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Caterpillar dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Caterpillar 3126E. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
CATERPILLAR/CONVERTER MUFFLER STRAP FAILURE
NHTSA #04E054000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System · NHTSA notice
Reported August 9, 2004 · CATERPILLAR INC.
Potentially affected: 2,309 vehicles
Owners notified October 29, 2004
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
WHEN THE STRAPS FAIL, THE MUFFLER CAN DROP TO THE GROUND.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Check your 2003 Caterpillar 3126E VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Caterpillar 3126E at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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