Recall 14V159 affects 106 2010-2014 Vactor Hxx and Guzzcavator trucks for loose water-heater mounting hardware. Repair is free at any franchised Vactor dealer.
Vactor is recalling 106 2010-2014 Hxx and Guzzcavator vacuum excavation trucks because incorrect fasteners can let the water heater or cabinet loosen from the subframe chassis. If the heater falls off while the truck is being driven, it creates a road hazard and increases crash risk; the Vactor dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The water heater on 2010-2014 Vactor Hxx and Guzzcavator vacuum excavation trucks is mounted to the subframe chassis, the heavy frame section that supports equipment behind the cab. The heater warms water used by the excavation system, and its cabinet is supposed to stay fixed to that frame while the truck works, travels, and vibrates over the road.
On the recalled trucks, incorrect fasteners were used to mount the water heater. Fasteners are the bolts or hardware that clamp the heater and cabinet to the subframe. When the wrong hardware is installed, the connection loses the strength it needs. The heater or cabinet can loosen from the chassis instead of staying secured.
That failure is not tied to a driver-facing alert or gauge. There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on a dashboard light, sound, or change in water heater performance to confirm this defect. The mounting hardware has to be inspected and corrected even if the truck looks normal.
Who's affected?
Spans the Hxx and Guzzcavator across the 2010-2014 model years, with each listed truck tied to the electric water heater.
| 2012 Vactor Hxx | Electric water heater |
|---|---|
| 2014 Guzzler Guzzcavator | Electric water heater |
| 2010 Vactor Hxx | Electric water heater |
| 2013 Vactor Hxx | Electric water heater |
| 2011 Vactor Hxx | Electric water heater |
| 2013 Guzzler Guzzcavator | Electric water heater |
| 2012 Guzzler Guzzcavator | Electric water heater |
| 2014 Vactor Hxx | Electric water heater |
| Units affected | 106 |
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 loose water heater can fall from the chassis while the vehicle is moving. If it separates, the heater can become a road hazard and increase crash risk for nearby traffic. Schedule the mounting hardware correction when the repair is available, and avoid loading or using the heater if it feels loose. Repair will be free at any franchised Vactor dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2014 Vactor Hxx or Guzzcavator vacuum excavation truck is included in this recall.
- Contact Vactor customer service at 1-847-622-7069 to confirm the current repair path before scheduling service.
- Schedule service with a franchised Vactor dealer for the free mounting-hardware correction that secures the water heater and cabinet to the chassis.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 14V159 and Vactor recall SB-268 when you call.
- Avoid operating the truck until the mounting hardware is checked and corrected, because a loose water heater can fall from the chassis and create a road hazard.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vactor technician corrects the mounting hardware for the water heater or cabinet mounted to the subframe chassis. The repair addresses incorrect fasteners that allowed those parts to loosen. Vactor's filing says dealers perform this correction free of charge. Have the service desk reference Vactor recall SB-268 when writing the repair order so the technician can match the repair to the correct campaign.
Timeline
| March 28, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 20, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V159?
Recall 14V159 covers 106 2010-2014 Vactor Hxx and Guzzcavator vacuum excavation trucks. The water heater or cabinet mounted to the subframe chassis can loosen because incorrect fasteners were used. Vactor dealers correct the mounting hardware for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2014 Vactor Hxx or Guzzcavator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 14V159. If it is, contact a Vactor dealer to schedule the mounting-hardware correction. Reference recall number 14V159 when you call, or contact Vactor at 1-847-622-7069.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Vactor's remedy says dealers will correct the water-heater mounting hardware free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included trucks.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a road hazard from loose equipment. If the water heater separates from the chassis while the truck is being driven, it can fall into traffic and raise crash risk. The repair secures the mounting hardware so the equipment stays attached.
When did Vactor start this recall?
Vactor began the recall on May 20, 2014. Owner notices were part of that recall process, but a used or fleet vehicle owner can miss a mailed notice. The VIN check decides whether the specific truck still has an open recall repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V159000 |
|---|---|
| Vactor customer service | 1-847-622-7069 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V159 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V159000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (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 →