NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 45911: Detroit Detroit

Official manufacturer communication context for model years not specified Detroit Detroit, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 45911 summary graphic for model years not specified Detroit Detroit
45911NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
1affected product rows
75/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION (DDC) HAS DETERMINED THAT CERTAIN DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 50 ENGINES WILL REQUIRE AN ECM PROGRAM UPGRADE AND POSSIBLY A VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR INSTALLED, ON SOME APPLICATIONS, TO PREVENT EXCESS SOOT IN THE LUBRICATING OIL. OUR RECORDS INDICATE THAT SOME OF THE AFFECTED ENGINES WERE SHIPPED TO YOU. A LIST OF THOSE ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERS IS ENCLOSED. TO HELP ASSURE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH THE EQUIPMENT YOU HAVE ASSEMBLED WITH THESE ENGINES, DEALERS OF THESE AFFECTED ENGINES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT EACH CUSTOMER AND ARRRANGE A SERVICE DATE TO HAVE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS COMPLETED. *SD

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
DetroitDetroitmodel years not specifiedAsk for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 45911?

DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION (DDC) HAS DETERMINED THAT CERTAIN DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 50 ENGINES WILL REQUIRE AN ECM PROGRAM UPGRADE AND POSSIBLY A VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR INSTALLED, ON SOME APPLICATIONS, TO PREVENT EXCESS SOOT IN THE LUBRICATING OIL. OUR RECORDS INDICATE THAT SOME OF THE AFFECTED ENGINES WERE SHIPPED TO YOU. A LIST OF THOSE ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERS IS ENCLOSED. TO HELP ASSURE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH THE.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

Get Full Report