Mack Trucks has issued a safety-related recall for some of its CH and CX model tractors, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Feb. 23.

According to NHTSA, “On certain chassis equipped with Dana steering axle assemblies, the steering arm could crack. The ball stud could become loose, causing loss of steering control that could result in a crash.”

The recall involves as many as 1,478 tractors manufactured in August and September of 2003, the agency said.

Manufacturers are required to mail a recall notice to all purchasers, owners and dealers when a safety defect such as this one is found. The agency said that federal law requires manufacturers to remedy defects involved in a recall without any cost to consumers.

Dealers will inspect the integral knuckle and steering arm on trucks built during that time period and replace them, if necessary, NHTSA said.

The CH is a day cab tractor used for lightweight bulk-haul, van, flatbed and lowboy applications, according to information on Mack’s Web site. The CX, or Vision series, includes four- and six-wheel tractors, both day cabs and equipped with sleepers. CX tractors are designed for either fleet owners or owner-operators.

Mack – part of the Volvo Group, a publicly held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden – told NHTSA it began to notify affected owners about the recall Jan. 16. Mack owners who have questions or want to find out if their truck is covered under the recall can call (610) 709-3337.