Cummins Inc. is recalling 5,430 heavy duty diesel truck engines because of a defect with the electronics system that could cause the engine to stall unexpectedly and increase the risk of an accident.
A safety recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the recall is for three specific parts of Cummins’ ISX12 and ISX15 engine models made between March 7 and April 12. The engines are manufactured at the company’s engine plant in Jamestown, New York, and used in heavy-duty trucks such as tractor-trailers.
Each engine is equipped with an Engine Control Module. The engines are washed after assembly and testing and before being painted. During the washing process, the Engine Control Module connector port is covered with a masking cap to prevent water from entering the port. However, defective masking caps allowed water to enter the Engine Control Modules, according to the safety recall report.
Water and residue could cause an internal short circuit on the circuit board that could cause a blown fuse in the Engine Control Module’s electrical supply circuit, causing the engine to stall and be unable to restart until fixes are made, the safety recall report said.
“We discovered the issue after an (original equipment manufacturer) notified us. We took immediate steps to correct the issue and prevent it from occurring again,” said Jon Mills, Cummins director of external communications.
Cummins is using new masking covers that were vacuum-tested to ensure proper sealing, and an additional cover has been added before the engine washing process, according to a company document sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall is expected to start July 7. Cummins will notify the engine owners and dealers will replace the existing Engine Control Module with a new one, for free, according to Cummins and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Cummins is committed to delivering high-quality products and service to our customers and is making every effort to make the repairs to ensure the engines meet and exceed their expectations,” Mills said.
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WHAT: Recall of 5,430 Cummins Inc. ISX12 and ISX15 engines made between March 7 and April 12. Part number 4358814 for ISX12, and part numbers 5317106 and 4358814 for ISX15.
WHY: Defective masking cover on affected engines allowed water to enter the Engine Control Module connector port. Water and reside could cause an electrical short that could cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, creating a safety risk.
WHEN: Recall to begin July 7.
HOW: Cummins to notify engine owners and dealers to replace Engine Control Module for free. Owners may call Cummins customer service by calling 800-343-7357; call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236; or go online at safercar.go.
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