NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Mack CV Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 Mack CV has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mack dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Mack CV. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2003 Mack CV owner complaints

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Mack CV, describing incidents dated July 26, 2005 to May 20, 2008.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 1 complaint
Structure 1 complaint

Of the 2 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10331356 · Filed May 20, 2010
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.
ODI #10137097 · Filed September 20, 2005
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…

Read all 2 complaints

FRONT AXLE BEAM

NHTSA #10V069000 · Power Train — Axle Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported March 3, 2010 · MACK TRUCKS, INC

Potentially affected: 15,490 vehicles

Mack campaign SC0341 · Owners notified March 5, 2010 · Vehicles built February 1, 2002 – September 30, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

MACK TRUCKS RECALL NO. SC0341.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

MACK/FUEL TANK STRAP WELD

NHTSA #04V530000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly — Mounting · NHTSA notice

Reported November 1, 2004 · MACK TRUCKS, INC

Potentially affected: 920 vehicles

Mack campaign SC0290 · Owners notified February 7, 2005 · Vehicles built August 18, 2003 – August 28, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

MACK RECALL NO. SC0290.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

MACK/FMVSS 121/FRONT BRAKE CHAMBER

NHTSA #04V118000 · Service Brakes, Air — Disc — Chamber · NHTSA notice

Reported March 4, 2004 · MACK TRUCKS, INC

Potentially affected: 35 vehicles

Mack campaign SC0286 · Owners notified April 21, 2004 · Vehicles built May 27, 2003 – February 4, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

MACK RECALL NO. SC0286.ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

MACK/FUELTANK SUPPORT BRACKET

NHTSA #03V420000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported October 27, 2003 · MACK TRUCKS, INC

Potentially affected: 179 vehicles

Mack campaign SC0284 · Owners notified January 1, 2004 · Vehicles built August 18, 2003 – August 28, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

MACK TRUCK RECALL NO. SC0284. ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

MACK/FMVSS 121/CHECK VALVE

NHTSA #03V253000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Check Valve · NHTSA notice

Reported July 17, 2003 · MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 1,232 vehicles

Mack campaign SC0281 · Owners notified November 26, 2003 · Vehicles built May 19, 2003 – July 11, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer remedy

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

Notes

MACK RECALL NO. SC0281.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2003 Mack CV. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

2 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Mack CV.

Structure

ODI #10331356

Incident: May 20, 2008 · Filed: May 20, 2010

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.

Service Brakes, Air

ODI #10137097

Fire

Incident: July 26, 2005 · Filed: September 20, 2005

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 SPRING BRAKE CHAMBER MAINTAINS PRESSURE ON THE SPRING DURING NORMAL OPERATION. WHEN THE BRAKES ARE ACTIVATED, THE AIR IS RELIEVED ALLOWING THE SPRING TO DECOMPRESS AND APPLY THE FRICTION SURFACES TO THE DRUMS THROUGH THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE. THE FIRE PATTERNS INDICATE THAT THE FIRE WAS LOCALIZED AND ORIGINATED FROM FRICTION PRODUCED BY THE BRAKE PADS AGAINST THE DRUM ON THE CENTER RIGHT REAR TANDEM WHEELS. THE FRICTION PRODUCED TEMPERATURES IN EXCESS OF THE IGNITION TEMPERATURE OF THE TIRES CAUSING THEM TO IGNITE. THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF ANY ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE SPRING BRAKE CHAMBER IS IDENTIFIED AS MGM 3431157, M092702, 190E 4100 P7. CONCLUSION THE FIRE WAS LOCALIZED AND PRODUCED BY FRICTION. THE FRICTION RESULTED FROM THE BRAKE PADS AGAINST THE DRUMS OF THE CENTER REAR RIGHT TANDEM BRAKES. THIS FRICTION PRODUCED SUFFICIENT TEMPERATURES TO IGNITE THE TIRES. THE APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES THAT PRODUCED THE FIRE RESULTED FROM A FAILURE OF THE SPRING BRAKE CHAMBER OR ITS CONTROLLING SERVICE RELAY VALVE. THE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE RESULTED IN THE SPRING ACTIVATION OF THAT PARTICULAR BRAKE. *JB

Other Mack CV model years

Check your 2003 Mack CV VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mack CV at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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