Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system (Caterpillar)
Vehicle equipment recall 04E-054. NHTSA received CATERPILLAR INC.’s report on Aug 9, 2004.
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The short answer
NHTSA received CATERPILLAR INC.’s report on Aug 9, 2004. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 20, 2026.
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
WHEN THE STRAPS FAIL, THE MUFFLER CAN DROP TO THE GROUND.
CATERPILLAR 2003 MY 3126E ENGINES WITH CONVERTER MUFFLERS WITH WELDS ADDED TO THE STRAPS THAT SUPPORT THE CONVERTER MUFFLERS TO THE CHASSIS.
THESE WELDS ARE CAUSING THE STRAPS TO FAIL.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system.
What should you do?
CATERPILLAR WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A CATERPILLER ENGINE REPAIR FACILITY TO HAVE THE CONVERTER MUFFLER STRAPS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 29, 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 CATERPILLER AT 309-675-6496.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 2,309 items potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- Caterpillar 3126ENHTSA gives no dates made
Who is recalling it?
- Made by CATERPILLAR INC..
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
- Which ones, by part or lot: the recall’s report on NHTSA’s site gives them where the maker did; this file gives part numbers only where its maker listed them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file before 2010 (FLAT_RCL_PRE_2010).
Released Oct 20, 2026 and checked Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 20, 2026.