Recall 17V641 affects 4 2016 Caterpillar CT660 trucks for loose tie rod hardware and steering loss. Repair is free at any franchised Caterpillar dealer.
Caterpillar is recalling 4 2016 CT660 trucks with certain Spicer D or E series steer axles because an improperly torqued castellated nut can let the tie rod loosen. If the tie rod disconnects from the steering knuckle, the truck can lose steering; Caterpillar dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tie rod assembly on the 2016 Caterpillar CT660 is part of the steering linkage that turns the front wheels when the driver turns the steering wheel. On trucks with certain Spicer D or E series steer axles, a castellated nut holds the tie rod connection tight. That nut is shaped to accept a locking pin, but it still has to be tightened to the correct torque so the joint stays clamped.
On affected trucks, the castellated nuts were not tightened correctly during axle assembly. With too little torque, normal road vibration and steering loads let the tie rod connection loosen in the steer axle. Once that joint is loose, steering movement no longer transfers cleanly from the linkage to the wheel end, and damaged parts need replacement if inspection finds wear.
Before failure, the driver can hear a noticeable noise from the steering area or feel looseness in the steering. Treat either sign as a warning that the tie rod connection needs inspection.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Caterpillar CT660 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Caterpillar CT660 truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose tie rod can disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing complete loss of steering and increasing crash risk. Warning signs include unusual noise from the steering axle or looseness in steering. If your CT660 has either sign, schedule the repair promptly and ask the dealer for guidance before more use. Repair is free at any franchised Caterpillar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Caterpillar CT660 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Caterpillar dealer to schedule the free steering-linkage inspection and repair that tightens the castellated nut and tie rod so the tie rod stays secured.
- Bring the recall notice if Caterpillar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V641 when you call.
- Keep driving limited until the repair is complete; a loose tie rod can disconnect and cause loss of steering.
- Call Caterpillar customer service at 1-800-447-4986 with questions about scheduling or dealer handling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Caterpillar technician tightens the castellated nut and tie rod on the steer axle, and replaces either part if inspection shows it is needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid to repair this same condition before receiving the recall notice, Caterpillar says you are eligible for reimbursement by contacting Caterpillar. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the service desk so they can route the claim through Caterpillar's reimbursement instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 11, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 1, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| December 8, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 8, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 28, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V641?
Recall 17V641 covers 4 2016 Caterpillar CT660 trucks equipped with certain Spicer D or E series steer axles. The issue is an improperly torqued castellated nut on the steer axle tie rod, which lets the tie rod loosen. Caterpillar dealers will tighten the nut and tie rod, replacing parts as needed, for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Caterpillar CT660 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V641. If it is, contact a franchised Caterpillar dealer to schedule the steering tie rod inspection and repair. Reference recall number 17V641 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. Caterpillar dealers will tighten the castellated nut and tie rod, and replace those parts as necessary, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is complete loss of steering if the tie rod separates from the steering knuckle, increasing crash risk. This recall does not carry a do-not-drive order, but loss of steering is serious. Check your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair before putting the truck back into regular service.
When did the Caterpillar CT660 recall repair begin?
The recall repair began on December 08, 2017. Caterpillar dealers can tighten the castellated nut and tie rod now, and replace those parts as necessary, free of charge. Owners can also contact Caterpillar customer service at 1-800-447-4986.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V641000 |
|---|---|
| Caterpillar customer service | 1-800-447-4986 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V641 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V641000 |
Source documents
-
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 →