2003 Mack CH, 2003 Mack CL, 2003 Mack CV and 7 other models Recall: CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF…
NHTSA campaign 03V253000 · Service Brakes, Air · filed Jul 17, 2003 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
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.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CHECK VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MACK AT 1-610-709-3337.
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).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Mack CH recalls
- 2002–2007 Mack CH and 3 other models — ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ASET AC MODEL ENGINES, THE…
- 2007 Mack CH and 3 other models — CERTAIN TRUCKS WERE RECALLED FOR THE INSTALLATION OF…
- 2003–2007 Mack CH and 3 other models — ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, A LEAK IN THE ASET AC FUEL INJECTION…
- 2002–2005 Mack CH and 3 other models — ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 DIESEL TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH…
- 2003 Mack CH and 1 other model — ON CERTAIN TRUCK CHASSIS, THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS…
Other campaigns involving Mack vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 03V253000 (manufacturer number SC0281). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.