2018–2019 Charles Machine Ditch Witch recall: brakes
⚠️ What's wrong
Charles Machine Works Inc. (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ditch Witch VT9, VT12, VT14, VT17, VT20 and VT24 trailers. The brake wire terminals may have been improperly crimped, which can result in the trailer brakes failing to apply when commanded.
💥 The risk
If the trailer brakes do not apply as expected, the distance required to stop the trailer may be lengthened, increasing the risk of crash.
🔧 The fix
Charles Machine has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake terminals with a machine terminal, free of charge. The recall began June 25, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481.
Is the fix free? Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)
- NHTSA campaign
- 19V487000
- Manufacturer
- Charles Machine Works Inc
- Vehicles affected
- 796
- Component
- SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
- Owner phone
- 1-800-654-6481
- NHTSA hotline
- 1-888-327-4236
- Owner letters mailed
- Jun 25, 2019
- Recall started by
- MFR
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.