AI Damage2017 Caterpillar CT681: common problems
The maker issued 7 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 7
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- There is a problem with certain truck models that were built with 2013 through 2015 model year CT13 heavy…
There is a problem with certain truck models that were built with 2013 through 2015 model year CT13 heavy duty on board diagnostic (HDOBD) engines. These engines will require recalibration of the engine ECM and ACM…
- There is a problem which relates to engine emissions on certain CT660, CT680, and CT681 On Highway Trucks…
There is a problem which relates to engine emissions on certain CT660, CT680, and CT681 On Highway Trucks that were built with 2016 model year compliant CT13 Engines. This recall will require recalibration of the…
- AFTERTREATMENT OUTLET NOX SENSOR INTERNAL WATER SHIELD INSTALLATION - WATER INTRUSION CAN CAUSE THE…
AFTERTREATMENT OUTLET NOX SENSOR INTERNAL WATER SHIELD INSTALLATION - WATER INTRUSION CAN CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE AFTERTREATMENT OUTLET NOX SENSOR ON VERTICAL EXHAUST CONFIGURATIONS. THE RECOMMENDED…
- CT11 AND CT13 CYLINDER HEAD CRACK INSPECTION GUIDE - CT11 AND CT13 CYLINDER HEADS ARE CRACKING IN THE FIELD
THIS TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN (TIB) PROVIDES A GUIDE FOR DETERMINING THE SEVERITY AND IMPACT OF CYLINDER HEAD CRACKS ON CT11 AND CT13 ENGINES.
- EXTENDED LIFE COOLANT (ELC) EXHIBITING NITRITE DEPLETION IN MACHINES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM…
EXTENDED LIFE COOLANT (ELC) EXHIBITING NITRITE DEPLETION IN MACHINES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM RADIATORS-NITRITES IN EXTENDED LIFE COOLANT (ELC) CAN REACT WITH THE ALUMINUM COOLER TO PRODUCE ELEVATED PH AND LOW NITRITE…
- THE EXISTING EXHAUST FLEX PIPE CAN CRACK ON CERTAIN CT660, CT680, AND CT681 ON-HIGHWAY TRUCKS
IF THE EXISTING EXHAUST FLEX PIPE CRACKS IT CAN/WILL RESULT IN AN EXHAUST LEAK AFTER THE AFTERTREATMENT SYSTEM BUT BEFORE THE VERTICAL STACK. REPLACE THE EXHAUST FLEX PIPE AND BOTH CAB SHOCKS.
- BATTERY CABLE REROUTE - DUE TO BATTERY CABLE ROUTING, THERE IS A CHANCE THAT BATTERY CABLE NEAR STARTER…
BATTERY CABLE REROUTE - DUE TO BATTERY CABLE ROUTING, THERE IS A CHANCE THAT BATTERY CABLE NEAR STARTER MAY RUB ON BRACKET BOLT THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Caterpillar CT681?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 7 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2017 Caterpillar CT681?
NHTSA lists 7 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2017 Caterpillar CT681 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2017 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.