Recall 12V420 covers 32 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011 Nbc Truck Equipment trucks for overheating battery separators. Repair is free through Nbc Truck Equipment.
Nbc Truck Equipment is recalling 32 trucks from 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, including Chevy C3500, FE180, and Dakota models, because Sure Power battery separator devices can overheat. Overheating can create smoke and a fire risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Nbc Truck Equipment makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The Sure Power battery separator on the 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011 Nbc Truck Equipment Chevy C3500, FE180, and Dakota trucks is an electrical control device. Its job is to manage battery connection in the truck's electrical equipment circuit, so power goes where the equipment system needs it without leaving batteries tied together at the wrong time.
Recall 12V420 identifies the failure as overheating in the Sure Power battery separator device. The recall does not give a separate root cause, so the clearest owner explanation is this: the separator itself is the problem part, and heat buildup inside or around that electrical device creates the defect. Electrical overheating can damage the separator and surrounding equipment wiring.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not rely on a dashboard light, smell, sound, or visible change to confirm that the separator has begun to overheat.
Who's affected?
Covers three truck lines across four listed model years, all tied to the same electrical equipment component.
| 2007 Nbc Truck Equipment Chevy C3500 | Electrical |
|---|---|
| 2008 Mitsubishi FE180 | Electrical |
| 2010 Dodge Dakota | Electrical |
| 2011 Dodge Dakota | Electrical |
| Units affected | 32 |
The listed 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?
Battery separator overheating can produce smoke and create a fire risk. If smoke appears, stop using the equipment and contact the dealer for recall service. Schedule the repair soon so the separator is replaced before overheating occurs. Repair will be free at any franchised Nbc Truck Equipment dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 Nbc Truck Equipment Chevy C3500, FE180, or Dakota is included in this recall.
- Contact Nbc Truck Equipment at 1-586-774-4900 to confirm the free Sure Power battery-separator replacement that addresses overheating, smoke, and fire risk.
- Reference recall number 12V420 when you call or speak with the repair provider.
- Bring any recall notice or prior repair paperwork to the appointment.
- Park the truck away from structures and other vehicles if you smell smoke or see signs of electrical overheating before the repair.
What happens at the repair
The recall remedy calls for owner notification from Nbc Truck Equipment and replacement of the Sure Power battery separators at no charge. The repair began November 26, 2012. At the service visit, the battery separator device is removed and replaced so the overheating condition is addressed. Parts and labor are covered by the recall. Keep the recall number ready when you call for service, and ask the service desk to confirm that the Sure Power separator replacement applies to your VIN before the truck is brought in.
Timeline
| August 28, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 26, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V420?
Recall 12V420 covers 32 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011 Nbc Truck Equipment vehicles equipped with Sure Power battery separator devices that can overheat. Overheating can result in smoke and fire risk. Sure Power will replace the battery separators free of charge.
What should I do if my 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 Nbc Truck Equipment Chevy C3500, FE180, or Dakota is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V420. If it is, contact Nbc Truck Equipment or a franchised service location to arrange the free battery separator replacement. Reference recall 12V420 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. The remedy states that Sure Power will replace the battery separators free of charge. Recall repairs are performed at no cost to the owner, and this recall began on November 26, 2012.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is overheating in the Sure Power battery separator. If the separator overheats, it can create smoke and fire risk. The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but owners should arrange the free replacement once their VIN is confirmed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V420000 |
|---|---|
| Nbc Truck Equipment customer service | 1-586-774-4900 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V420 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V420000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →