Recall 14V814 covers 57 2015 Caterpillar CT681 and CT660 trucks for brake drag and wheel-end fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Caterpillar dealer.
Caterpillar is recalling 57 2015 CT681 and CT660 trucks because an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber can cause brake drag. Brake drag can result in a wheel end fire, and Caterpillar dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The parking brake system on 2015 Caterpillar CT681 and CT660 trucks uses air brake chambers, also called actuators, to apply spring force when the parking brake is set and release it when air pressure is supplied. Inside the chamber, a rubber diaphragm separates air pressure from the mechanical spring and helps move the actuator in a controlled way. That movement keeps the brake applying and releasing as intended.
On affected trucks, the diaphragm in a Haldex Life Seal brake chamber was not seated correctly during assembly. Haldex traced the problem to too little installation lubricant on the diaphragm lip, plus no validation process to confirm the diaphragm was fully seated. If the diaphragm does not sit squarely in the pressure plate, the chamber can develop an internal leak. That leak can leave the brake dragging instead of releasing cleanly.
The warning sign is brake drag, meaning the truck feels held back after the brake should be released. The driver can notice extra resistance, heat, or the sense that the truck is working against a partly applied brake.
Who's affected?
Covers the CT681 and CT660 truck lines, both tied to the same air parking brake component.
| 2015 Caterpillar CT681 | Air |
|---|---|
| 2015 Caterpillar CT660 | Air |
| Units affected | 57 |
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?
Brake drag overheats the wheel end and increases fire risk. Treat dragging brakes as a warning sign. If the brakes feel like they are staying applied, stop in a safe place and call a Caterpillar dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Caterpillar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Caterpillar CT681 or CT660 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Caterpillar dealer to schedule the free brake-actuator replacement that fixes brake drag from the improperly seated brake-chamber diaphragm.
- Bring the recall notice if Caterpillar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V814 when you call.
- Watch for brake drag until the repair is complete; stop driving and call the dealer if the truck shows brake drag.
- Call Caterpillar customer service at 1-309-675-5658 if you need help finding a dealer or confirming the repair path.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Caterpillar technician replaces the brake actuators covered by the recall. The affected trucks can have brake drag from an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber, so the repair focuses on replacing those actuator parts rather than adjusting the brakes alone. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you paid for this condition before receiving the owner notice, contact Caterpillar for reimbursement instructions and keep your repair documentation available.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 23, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 15, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 18, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| June 18, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 25, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V814?
Recall 14V814 covers 57 2015 Caterpillar CT681 and CT660 trucks with brake actuators that can cause brake drag because of an improperly seated brake-chamber diaphragm. Brake drag can lead to a wheel-end fire. Caterpillar dealers will replace the brake actuators for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Caterpillar CT681 or CT660 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 14V814. If it is, contact a Caterpillar dealer to schedule brake-actuator replacement. Reference recall number 14V814 when you call, and ask the service desk about parts and appointment timing.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Caterpillar's remedy states that dealers will replace the brake actuators free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trucks included in recall 14V814.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is brake drag that can result in a wheel-end fire. The issue comes from an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber. If your VIN is included, schedule the free brake-actuator replacement with a Caterpillar dealer before continued service.
Who can I call about recall 14V814?
Call Caterpillar customer service at 1-309-675-5658 or contact a Caterpillar dealer. Have your VIN ready and reference recall number 14V814 so the service desk can confirm whether your 2015 CT681 or CT660 is included and arrange the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V814000 |
|---|---|
| Caterpillar customer service | 1-309-675-5658 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V814 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V814000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →