Safety Recall NHTSA · 03V253000 Reported July 17, 2003

Mack/fmvss 121/check valve

Q: What is recall 03V253000?

NHTSA recall 03V253000 was issued by Mack Trucks, Inc. on July 17, 2003. It addresses: Mack/fmvss 121/check valve. The recall affects approximately 1,232 vehicles , with the defect involving the Service Brakes, Air component.

Q: Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls . NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

Q: How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Mack Trucks, Inc. · Service Brakes, Air · 1,232 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID

03V253000

Manufacturer Campaign

SC0281

Manufacturer

Mack Trucks, Inc.

Component

Service Brakes, Air

Vehicles Affected

1,232

Recall Type

Vehicle

Report Received

July 17, 2003

Defect Summary

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.

Safety Consequence

In this condition, the vehicle would not meet the emergency requirements of the standard.

Corrective Action

Dealers will replace the check valve. owner notification began november 26, 2003. owners should contact mack at 1-610-709-3337.

What you should do

Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mack Trucks, Inc. dealer and reference recall ID 03V253000 or campaign SC0281.
Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.

View Official NHTSA Notice →

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Mack Trucks, Inc. or involving Service Brakes, Air.

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FAQ: Recall 03V253000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 03V253000?

NHTSA recall 03V253000 was issued by Mack Trucks, Inc. on July 17, 2003. It addresses: Mack/fmvss 121/check valve. The recall affects approximately 1,232 vehicles, with the defect involving the Service Brakes, Air component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Mack Trucks, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 03V253000 or the manufacturer campaign number SC0281. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.