- The problem
- Mack is recalling 34,269 my 1999-2005 cx and my 2004-2008 cxn trucks. The headlight switch may prematurely fail resulting in inoperative or intermittent headlights.
- The risk
- The head lights may not operate properly which could result in intermittent or no headlight function. This could impair a driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the headlight switch. The recall began on february 27, 2009. Owners may contact mack at 1-800-528-6586.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Mack CX Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 2003 Mack CX have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in December 2008 for the switch.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical CX year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
2003 Mack CX recalls 10
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 equipped with aset ac model engines, the engine as configured with an external exhaust gas recirculation system makes servicing the fuel injection lines difficult when using traditional tools. Therefore, it is possible for fuel leaks to develop when removing and installing the fuel injection lines.
- The risk
- A leak in the fuel injection line may spray fuel on the hot surfaces of the exhaust gas recirculation system, which could result in an engine fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel injection lines free of charge. Note: this recall supersedes a previous campaign conducted in 2006 (please see 06v392). The recall began on september 11, 2007, with subsequent mailings every six weeks until april 2008. Owners may contact mack at 800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain trucks, a leak in the aset ac fuel injection line may spray fuel on the exhaust gas recirculation pipes that carry hot exhaust gases .
- The risk
- THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE.
- The fix
- Mack has issued a stop work on this campaign under further notice (2-22-2007). The remedy does not adequately address the issue on all vehicles. Mack will re-release the recall in the near future. (Please see nhtsa no. 07V159/mack recall no. Sco323 for vehicles that have had this repair already performed.) This recall has been superseded (please see 07v401/sc0324).
- The problem
- On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, there is a slack on the brake assembly's adjuster and it is interfering with the axle housing.
- The risk
- This interference leads to a reduction in braking capabilities on the right side of the vehicle as the brake "shoes" become worn, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- The rear brake assemblies were replaced. All vehicles have been repaired.
- The problem
- On certain heavy duty class 8 diesel trucks equipped with aset ac engines, the location of the fuel inlet hose may result in overheating or abrasion of the hose, which may lead to a premature failure.
- The risk
- If the hose fails, fuel can be sprayed on the exhaust manifold, which could potentially lead to an engine compartment fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair and replace the fuel inlet hose free of charge. The recall began on february 14, 2005. Due to some quality and supply issues with parts to support this safety recall, owners may have been informed during april 2005,that the safety recall was on hold. These issues have now been resolved. For owners who have not had their vehicle(s) repaired, contact a mack parts and service center immediately to schedule an appointment to have your vehicle(s) repaired. Owners may contact mack trucks at 610-709-2131.
- The problem
- On certain truck chassis, the steering gear mounting bolts were made of inconsistent bolt material, which has led to bolt failures. This inconsistent bolt material condition could result in a failure of a steering gear mounting bolts. The steering gear is mounted to the vehicle's frame with three bolts.
- The risk
- Failure of two of the three bolts could result in the loss of steering, which could result in loss of vehicle control and crash without warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect vehicles. New steering gear mounting bolts will be installed. The recall began october 2004. Owners should contact mack at 1-610-709-3337.
- The problem
- On certain chassis equipped with dana steering axle assemblies. These axles are built with an integral knuckle and steering arm. The steering arm could have longitudinal cracks.
- The risk
- The ball stud could become loose, causing loss of steering control which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the integral knuckle and steer arm and replace if necessary. Owner notification began on january 16, 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.
- The problem
- On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.
- The risk
- If left undetected or corrected it could lead to the separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure, possibly resulting in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions free of charge. 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 jost international at 616-846-7700 or by email to [email protected] or mack at 610-709-3337.
- The problem
- Certain heavy duty trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." The view of one of the four back of cab reflectors is blocked by the exhaust system.
- The risk
- With the right reflector not being visible, the width of the vehicle is not readily apparent, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install two additional reflectors. Owner notification began june 4, 2003. 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-
What owners say
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No complaints about the 2003 Mack CX yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Mack CX: every year compared
All CX years2003 Mack CX vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Mack CX | 0 | 10 | D | |
| 2003 Mack CV | 2 | 5 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Mack CX
Does the 2003 Mack CX have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2003 Mack CX: switch (December 2008); fuel system, diesel (September 2007); fuel system, diesel (October 2006); service brakes, air (April 2005) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 2003 Mack CX had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 2003 Mack CX a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 27 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Mack CX 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.
What should I do if my 2003 Mack CX 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