The problem
Sutphen has notified nhtsa about a defect in certain model year 2004 through 2010 sph model fire trucks manufactured between january 2004 and january 2010, equipped with series 60 detroit diesel or c-13 caterpillar engines. Pre 2007, the detroit diesel engines were mounted low in the frame which causes vibration in the driveline. Post 2007, a new suspension and frame design caused the driveline angles of the detroit diesel and caterpillar engines to be slightly out of alignment.
The risk
Vibration in the driveline can cause premature failure of the u-joints, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Sutphen will notify owners and repair the fire trucks free of charge. The safety recall began on march 8, 2010. Owners may contact sutphen at 1-866-287-5549.
Contacts
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> .
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Sutphen dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 10V071000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.