Cummins initiated a recall of the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) unit catalysts in their 2010 to 2015 model year medium and heavy-duty engines on August 1, 2018.
This recall affects over 500,000 heavy-duty vehicles nationwide. Customer letters for the first phase of the recall were sent to vehicle owners by Cummins starting August 1, 2018, stating that vehicles are to be brought to a Cummins certified service location for replacement catalysts and/or software upgrades.
The trucks being recalled are equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems designed to control NOx emissions. NOx is a potent air pollutant that contributes to smog and fine particle formation in the atmosphere. The SCR catalysts that will be replaced through the recall were found to be less durable than is required, degrading within a few years instead of controlling NOx pollution for the regulatory full useful life of the vehicle. The recall will replace these SCR system components. The full useful life of medium-duty vehicles is 185,000 miles or ten years (whichever is first), and the full useful life of heavy-duty vehicles is 435,000 miles or ten years.
The problem was discovered by both the EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) while running emission testing programs to check emissions from typical, privately-owned vehicles in customer service. Initial testing identified high NOx emissions from certain trucks equipped with Cummins engines. EPA and CARB shared results with Cummins, which agreed to conduct the voluntary recall after the company’s own follow-up testing confirmed that deteriorating components within the SCR system were causing emissions to exceed Federal and California pollution standards.
Here’s what we know:
- Cummins will reimburse the cost of the previously replaced catalyst.
- California Department of Motor Vehicles may require the completion of emission campaign repairs prior to vehicle registration renewal.
- Cummins will phase-in recalls over time due to the large number of engine families involved.
For a detailed list of engine families affected click here.
For assistance, including locating your nearest Cummins certified service location or determining whether your engine is covered by the recall, please contact Cummins Care on the web at https://care.cummins.com or call Cummins at 1-800-CUMMINS (1-800-286-6467).
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