Recall 17V261 affects 3,282 2011-2018 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) and Lr trucks for an overheating alternator cable. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
Mack is recalling 3,282 2011-2018 Terrapro (Leu/Mru) and Lr trucks because the alternator cable is too thin for the electrical current and can overheat. An overheated cable increases the risk of a fire, and Mack dealers will repair the trucks free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The alternator cable on 2011-2018 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) and Lr trucks is a heavy electrical cable that carries charging current from the alternator. The alternator recharges the batteries and supplies electrical power while the engine is running. That cable has to be thick enough to carry the electrical load without building excess heat.
On affected trucks, the alternator cable was built with the wrong gauge, meaning the cable is not thick enough for the current it carries. When too much current moves through an undersized cable, electrical resistance creates heat. That heat can damage the cable insulation and leave the electrical system without the protection the cable is supposed to provide.
Owners or technicians can notice signs of overheating on the cable before failure. The main warning sign is insulation degradation, meaning the outer covering on the cable shows heat damage instead of staying intact.
Who's affected?
Spans the Terrapro (Leu/Mru) and Lr model lines, with the same electrical-system component listed for each model-year combination.
| 2013 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Mack Lr | electrical system |
| 2018 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) | electrical system |
| 2015 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) | electrical system |
| 2016 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) | electrical system |
| 2016 Mack Lr | electrical system |
| 2011 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) | electrical system |
| 2014 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) | electrical system |
| 2018 Mack Lr | electrical system |
| 2017 Mack Lr | electrical system |
| 2017 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) | electrical system |
| 2012 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) | electrical system |
| Units affected | 3,282 |
| 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?
An overheating alternator cable increases the risk of a fire. If you see damaged or degraded insulation on the cable, stop using the truck and call a Mack dealer for guidance before moving it again. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2018 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) or Lr truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mack dealer to schedule the free alternator-cable replacement that fixes the overheating cable.
- Bring the recall notice if Mack mailed one, or reference recall number 17V261 when you call.
- Limit use until the repair is complete, and stop driving if the truck shows signs of electrical overheating.
- Call Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with questions about recall number 17V261.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mack technician replaces the alternator cable with a cable sized to carry the required electrical current. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for an alternator cable repair before the recall notice, Mack's standard reimbursement plan addresses documented repairs from that period. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the service desk, or ask Mack customer service how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 18, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 21, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| April 21, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 16, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 16, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V261?
Recall 17V261 covers 3,282 2011-2018 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) and Lr trucks with an alternator cable that is not thick enough for the current load. The cable can overheat and increase fire risk. Mack dealers replace the alternator cable for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2018 Mack Terrapro (Leu/Mru) or Lr is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V261. If it is, contact a franchised Mack dealer to schedule the alternator cable replacement. Reference recall 17V261 or Mack recall number SC0407 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 dealers replace the alternator cable free of charge at a franchised Mack dealer, and Mack customer service is available at 1-800-866-1177.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The alternator cable is not thick enough to handle the current, so it can overheat during operation. If your VIN is included, schedule the free cable replacement with a Mack dealer and ask the service desk about safe handling before driving.
What if I bought my Mack truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received Mack's June 16, 2017 owner notice, check your VIN to confirm inclusion and give the dealer recall 17V261 or Mack number SC0407.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V261000 |
|---|---|
| Mack customer service | 1-800-866-1177 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V261 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V261000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation 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 May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →