- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Mack CV Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2003 Mack CV with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (1) and the body, doors & structure (1). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in March 2010 for the axle assembly. For comparison, the 2002 has 0 and the 2004 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical CV year, for its age
#342 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Mack CV problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Mack CV recalls 5
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This could cause the stopping distance to be increased, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- In this condition, the vehicle would not meet the emergency requirements of the standard.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the check valve. Owner notification began november 26, 2003. Owners should contact mack at 1-610-709-3337.
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 2003 Mack CV
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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.
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...
Read the full complaint
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
Mack CV: every year compared
All CV yearsQuestions about the 2003 Mack CV
Does the 2003 Mack CV have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Mack CV: axle assembly (March 2010); mounting (November 2004); chamber (March 2004); tank assembly (October 2003) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mack CV?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (1), body, doors & structure (1).
How many complaints has the 2003 Mack CV had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 20, 2005 and the latest on May 20, 2010. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Mack CV a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 41 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Mack CV year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mack CV years have the most complaints?
2003 (2), 2005 (2). See every Mack CV year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Mack CV has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data