Investigation EQ10008: Vehicles

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Oct 15, 2010

Closed

Nov 22, 2010

Model years

—

Subject

Caterpillar Engine Fuel Line Leak

Component: Fuel system, diesel

Summary

On June 22, 2010, Caterpillar, Inc. reported that certain C7 diesel engines, manufactured between March 3, 2005 and January 6, 2009, contain two fuel lines that may develop a crack at the fastening point to the common fuel rail and cause a fuel leak.A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.This issue was assigned recall number 10E-025.On October 30, 2010 the Recall Management Division (RMD) mailed two Information Request (IR) letters to both General Motors (GM) and Kenworth Truck Company (Kenworth) as they were the only two manufacturers that had not yet filed subsequent safety recalls for their vehicles.PACCAR, Kenworth's parent company, submitted a response on November 2, 2010 stating their recalled C7 engines were only used in prototype chassis that were not retailed to the public.GM submitted their response to RMD on November 5, 2010 claiming they did not agree that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety was present in their vehicles as a result of these recalled Caterpillar engines.These C7 engines were installed into 356 Chevrolet and GMC C-Series Medium Duty Trucks.GM stated that their underhood thermal safety team reviewed the situation on July 1, 2010 and concluded that a leak from the suspect pipe does not constitute a safety risk since no hot surfaces or ignition source is located near the potential leak.GM stated that it only had one warranty claim for repair of a C7 engine fuel line with no comments as to the root cause and no reference to any safety concern.GM also included a Powerpoint presentation from the company's safety analysis, which is included in the EQ repository.However, GM did provide its VIN list of affected vehicles to Caterpillar so Caterpillar could proceed with their recall remedy.GM's response will be forwarded to the Medium & Heavy Duty Vehicles Division for any further analysisThis EQ is closed.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.