Recall 12V051 affects 104 2012-2013 Caterpillar CT660 trucks for traction relay valves applying brakes continuously. Free repair at a franchised Caterpillar dealer once available.
Caterpillar is recalling 104 2012-2013 CT660 commercial trucks equipped with Bendix ATR-6 traction relay valves because internal leakage in extreme cold can keep the brakes applied. Continuous brake application can overheat the brakes, lead to a fire, cause loss of vehicle control, and leave following drivers without brake-light warning; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2012-2013 Caterpillar CT660 uses an air-brake system, which relies on compressed air rather than hydraulic fluid to apply the brakes. The Bendix ATR-6 traction relay valve helps route and control that air pressure so the brake system applies only when the driver commands it.
The defect is inside the relay valve. In extremely cold conditions, the valve develops internal leakage, which lets air pressure move where it should not. That pressure reaches the primary or secondary brake circuit and holds the brakes on continuously, even when the driver is not asking for braking.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the problem starts, the driver can notice the truck dragging, slowing unexpectedly, or feeling like the brakes are staying applied after the pedal is released.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2012 and 2013 CT660 model years, both tied to the same brake system check valve.
| 2013 Caterpillar CT660 | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Caterpillar CT660 | brake system |
| Units affected | 104 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected continuous brake application can overheat the brakes and lead to a fire. It can also cause loss of vehicle control, raising crash risk, and the brake lights can fail to warn drivers behind you. Schedule the recall repair soon and avoid driving if the brakes do not release normally. Repair will be free at any franchised Caterpillar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Caterpillar CT660 is included in this recall.
- Watch for the owner notice from Caterpillar before scheduling the repair.
- Call Caterpillar at 309-675-5658 or contact a franchised Caterpillar dealer and reference recall number 12V051.
- Ask about the Bendix ATR-6 traction relay valve repair that stops internal air leakage from applying the brakes continuously.
- Avoid operating the truck in extremely cold conditions until the repair path is confirmed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Caterpillar technician will complete the recall repair for the Bendix ATR-6 traction relay valve issue on affected CT660 trucks. Caterpillar's remedy describes dealer repair at no charge, but it does not identify a specific replacement part or labor step. The repair is not listed here as open for scheduling, so confirm availability with the dealer before arranging service. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| February 13, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 8, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V051?
Recall 12V051 covers 104 2012-2013 Caterpillar CT660 commercial trucks with Bendix ATR-6 traction relay valves. In extreme cold, internal valve leakage can send air pressure to the brakes and cause continuous brake application. Caterpillar dealers will repair the affected trucks for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Caterpillar CT660 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V051. If it is, contact a franchised Caterpillar dealer to schedule the brake system repair. Reference recall number 12V051 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Caterpillar says dealers will repair the affected vehicles free of charge. You can also contact Caterpillar at 309-675-5658 for recall support.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V051?
The safety risk is unexpected continuous brake application. Caterpillar's filing says the brakes can overheat and lead to a fire, or the driver can lose control of the truck. The brake lights also can fail to warn other drivers when the brakes apply.
What if I bought my Caterpillar CT660 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor safety recalls regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific CT660 is included, then give recall number 12V051 to the Caterpillar dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V051000 |
|---|---|
| Caterpillar customer service | 309-675-5658 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V051 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V051000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →