Recall 12V519 affects 260 2008-2009 Mack Mru, Gu, and Leu trucks for retarder control box overheating. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
Mack is recalling 260 2008-2009 Mru, Gu, and Leu trucks equipped with a focal mounted retarder control box that can lose electrical ground. A lost ground can overheat the control box and lead to a vehicle fire; the Mack dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The focal-mounted retarder control box on affected 2008-2009 Mack Mru, Gu, and Leu trucks is part of the electrical control system for the retarder. A retarder helps slow a heavy truck without relying only on the service brakes. The control box needs a steady electrical ground, which gives the circuit a clean return path for current.
On these trucks, that control box can lose its electrical ground. When the ground connection is lost, the control circuit no longer has the stable path it needs to work as designed. The recall information does not identify a separate part difference or root cause beyond the ground loss in the control box circuit.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver should not count on a light, sound, or change in pedal feel to appear before the control box loses ground.
Who's affected?
Covers three Mack truck models from the 2008 and 2009 model years, all tied to the electrical system.
| 2009 Mack Mru | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2009 Mack Gu | electrical system |
| 2009 Mack Leu | electrical system |
| 2008 Mack Leu | electrical system |
| 2008 Mack Mru | electrical system |
| Units affected | 260 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A lost ground at the control box can overheat that area and lead to a vehicle fire. If your VIN is included, contact a Mack dealer and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Mack dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2009 Mack Mru, Gu, or Leu truck is included in this recall.
- Call Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177 to confirm the repair path and reference recall number 12V519.
- Contact a franchised Mack dealer about the free retarder-control-box replacement that fixes the electrical ground loss and overheating risk.
- Bring any recall notice or service paperwork when you visit the dealer.
- Park the truck away from structures if you smell heat, see smoke, or notice electrical problems before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mack technician replaces the suspect focal mounted retarder control box, the part tied to the lost electrical ground described in recall 12V519. Mack says all affected trucks were sold to one customer, and that customer was already notified before the owner letter. The dealer repair will be free once available. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| October 18, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V519?
Recall 12V519 covers 260 2008-2009 Mack Mru, Gu, and Leu trucks with a focal mounted retarder control box that can lose its electrical ground. If that happens, localized overheating can lead to a vehicle fire. Mack will replace the suspect control box for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Mack Mru, Gu, or Leu is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V519. If it is, contact a franchised Mack dealer to schedule the control box replacement. Reference recall number 12V519 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mack will replace the suspect retarder control box free of charge at a franchised Mack dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk in recall 12V519 is localized overheating at the retarder control box if the box loses its electrical ground. That overheating can lead to a vehicle fire, so confirm the VIN and arrange the free Mack dealer repair if the truck is included.
What if I bought this Mack truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. A used truck keeps its recall coverage regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether this specific Mack Mru, Gu, or Leu truck is included, then call a franchised Mack dealer or Mack at 1-800-866-1177.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V519000 |
|---|---|
| Mack customer service | 1-800-866-1177 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V519 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V519000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →