The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·19V195000·Announced 2019-03-11

Mertz Custom Trailer Recall for Air Brake Plastic Connector Defect

Mertz is recalling 2008-2018 custom trailers because plastic air brake connectors may fail, potentially causing brake loss or unexpected emergency brake activation.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect in the air brake system that can lead to loss of service brakes or unexpected emergency brake activation, increasing the risk of a crash.

Plain-English summary

Mertz Manufacturing, LLC is recalling certain 2008-2018 Mertz Custom Trailers. The recall involves 475 vehicles where plastic junction connections may have been installed in the air brake circuits. This configuration fails to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

If a plastic connector fails, the vehicle may experience a loss of service brakes or the emergency brakes may activate unexpectedly. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Mertz has notified owners and will provide metal brake line connections to replace the plastic connections. The recall began on March 29, 2019. Owners may contact Mertz customer service at 1-580-767-8404 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
MERTZ CUSTOM TRAILER
Brand
MERTZ
Manufacturer
Mertz Manufacturing, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Trailer
Hazard
Affected units
475

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • CUSTOM TRAILER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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