Recall 15V538 covers 365 2014-2015 Mcneilus Cng Refuse Truck and Cng Concrete Truck vehicles for faulty PRDs. Free repair at any franchised Mcneilus dealer.
Mcneilus is recalling 365 2014-2015 Cng Refuse Truck and Cng Concrete Truck vehicles because their compressed natural gas pressure relief devices can fail to vent pressure from a tank exposed to fire. That failure creates a risk of CNG tank explosion, fire, and injury, and Mcneilus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The CNG tank assembly on 2014-2015 Mcneilus Cng Refuse Truck and Cng Concrete Truck models uses pressure relief devices, or PRDs, as safety vents. CNG means compressed natural gas. If heat from a fire raises tank pressure, the PRD is supposed to open and vent gas instead of letting pressure build inside the tank.
On affected trucks, certain Emcara thermal PRDs have a surface finish that does not meet the supplier's specification. That rough surface increases the force needed to pull the trigger inside the PRD block. Under the heat condition the device is built for, the PRD can fail to activate, so pressure remains trapped instead of venting.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or fleet technician will not hear or feel this defect during normal driving because the concern is inside the PRD mechanism.
Who's affected?
Covers both Cng Refuse Truck and Cng Concrete Truck models across the 2014 and 2015 model years, with the same fuel system component listed for each.
| 2015 Mcneilus Cng Refuse Truck | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Mcneilus Cng Concrete Truck | fuel system |
| 2014 Mcneilus Cng Concrete Truck | fuel system |
| 2014 Mcneilus Cng Refuse Truck | fuel system |
| Units affected | 365 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
If pressure builds and the PRD does not activate, the CNG tank can explode, increasing the risk of fire and injury. Schedule the inspection soon. The repair path is inspection and PRD replacement as needed. Repair is free at any franchised Mcneilus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Mcneilus Cng Refuse Truck or Cng Concrete Truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mcneilus dealer to schedule the free pressure relief device (PRD) inspection and replacement for the CNG tank system.
- Bring the recall notice if Mcneilus mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V538 when you call.
- Keep the truck away from fire or high heat until the PRD inspection and repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mcneilus technician inspects the pressure relief devices on the CNG fuel system and replaces any PRDs that do not function as designed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Mcneilus has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair before the recall work was completed. Bring repair documentation and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Mcneilus customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 24, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 14, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 14, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 25, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V538?
Recall 15V538 covers 365 2014-2015 Mcneilus Cng Refuse Truck and Cng Concrete Truck vehicles with compressed natural gas pressure relief devices that fail to vent pressure as designed. Mcneilus dealers will inspect and replace the pressure relief devices as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Mcneilus Cng Refuse Truck or Cng Concrete Truck is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V538. If it is, contact a franchised Mcneilus dealer to schedule inspection of the compressed natural gas pressure relief devices. Reference recall number 15V538 or Mcneilus recall Emcara: 15E-059 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair covered safety defects at no cost, and Mcneilus will inspect and replace the affected pressure relief devices as needed free of charge at a franchised Mcneilus dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V538?
The safety risk is pressure buildup in a compressed natural gas tank that is not vented by the pressure relief device. If the device fails during a pressure event, the tank can explode, increasing the risk of fire and injury. This risk is referenced from NHTSA campaign 15V538.
When did recall 15V538 repairs start?
Mcneilus began the recall on September 25, 2015. The remedy is available now, so an included truck can be inspected and repaired through a franchised Mcneilus dealer. Owners can also contact Mcneilus customer service at 1-888-686-7278.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V538000 |
|---|---|
| Mcneilus customer service | 1-888-686-7278 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V538 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V538000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →