What NHTSA investigated
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received 1 fleet complaint (involving 8 incidents on 6 vehicles) alleging that the Clean Gas Induction (CGI) coolant lines on affected vehicles had developed leaks resulting in a vehicle stall.Caterpillar conducted system testing and determined that coolant in the subject engines may become increasingly acidic over time, which may result in damage to the inner walls of the coolant hoses.In at least four (4) cases this has resulted in stranded school buses due to coolant loss.Caterpillar (CAT) submitted a recall notice on December 2, 2011.CAT's announcement of a safety recall on this matter addresses ODI's concerns.Coolant will be checked and changed more frequently to prevent in-field pH degradation and coolant hoses damaged from this issue will be replaced under warranty. The subject vehicles have been recalled, therefore this investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) number: 10446420
The recall that followed
Vehicles covered
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| American Caterpillar | AMERICAN CATERPILLAR | Model year not recorded |
| Caterpillar | C7 | Model year not recorded |
Source
From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.