Recall 12V096 affects 318 2010-2012 Mack Leu and Mru trucks with unprotected alternator ground cables. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
Mack is recalling 318 2010-2012 Leu and Mru compressed natural gas trucks under recall 12V096 because the alternator ground cable runs directly to the starter and bypasses circuit protection. An electrical short can result in a vehicle fire, and the Mack dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The alternator on affected 2010-2012 Mack Leu and Mru compressed natural gas trucks makes electrical power while the engine is running. Its ground cable gives that current a return path through the truck's electrical system. Circuit protection is supposed to sit in that path so an overload or short is stopped before the wiring carries more current than it was designed to handle.
On these trucks, the alternator ground cable runs directly to the starter. That routing bypasses the intended circuit protection. If the alternator ground circuit is overloaded or damaged, the protected part of the system is no longer the path that limits current. The cable and nearby electrical parts can be exposed to heat and damage before protection opens the circuit.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not expect a light, message, sound, or drivability change before the electrical fault becomes serious.
Who's affected?
Covers Leu and Mru trucks across the 2010-2012 model years, with the same alternator, generator, and regulator component listed for each scope.
| 2011 Mack Leu | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Mack Leu | electrical system |
| 2010 Mack Leu | electrical system |
| 2011 Mack Mru | electrical system |
| 2012 Mack Mru | electrical system |
| Units affected | 318 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short in this recall can lead to a vehicle fire. The filing does not list a warning sign before that short, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the repair promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Mack dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2012 Mack Leu or Mru is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mack dealer and ask whether the free alternator ground cable relocation is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 12V096 when you call, and bring the recall notice if Mack sent one.
- Schedule the alternator ground cable relocation that restores circuit protection between the alternator, starter, and engine ground stud.
- Park the truck away from structures until the repair is complete if you notice electrical short symptoms, smoke, or burning smell.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mack technician relocates the alternator ground cable from the starter connection to the engine ground stud, restoring the intended circuit protection. The source remedy says the recall began on April 19, 2012, and the service is performed free of charge. Because the current remedy status is not listed here, confirm with the Mack dealer that the repair is open for your VIN before arranging service.
Timeline
| March 8, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 19, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V096?
Recall 12V096 covers 318 2010-2012 Mack Leu and Mru compressed natural gas vehicles with an alternator ground cable routed directly to the starter. That routing defeats circuit protection. Mack dealers relocate the alternator ground cable to the engine ground stud for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2012 Mack Leu or Mru is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V096. If it is, contact a franchised Mack dealer to schedule the alternator ground cable relocation. Reference recall number 12V096 when you call, or contact Mack at 1-800-866-1177.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mack states that dealers will perform this service free of charge. The dealer repair relocates the alternator ground cable to the engine ground stud.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire after an electrical short. On affected compressed natural gas Mack Leu and Mru trucks, the alternator ground cable routing defeats circuit protection. Mack's repair moves the cable to the engine ground stud so the circuit protection works as intended.
When did the repair start?
Mack began the recall repair on April 19, 2012. If your truck is included and the repair has not been completed, a franchised Mack dealer can perform the alternator ground cable relocation free of charge.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V096000 |
|---|---|
| Mack customer service | 1-800-866-1177 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V096 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V096000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →