The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·19V487000·Announced 2019-06-21

Charles Machine Recalls Ditch Witch Trailers Due to Brake Terminal Defect

Charles Machine is recalling 2018-2019 Ditch Witch trailers because improperly crimped brake wire terminals may cause the brakes to fail, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (brake failure) that increases crash risk, but the source text does not report any injuries or fatalities, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Charles Machine Works Inc. is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ditch Witch VT9, VT12, VT14, VT17, VT20, and VT24 trailers. The recall involves 796 units where the brake wire terminals may have been improperly crimped. This defect can result in the trailer brakes failing to apply when commanded.

If the trailer brakes do not apply as expected, the distance required to stop the trailer may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash. No specific injuries or fatalities are reported in the source text.

Charles Machine has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake terminals with a machine terminal free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
CHARLES MACHINE DITCH WITCH
Brand
CHARLES MACHINE
Manufacturer
Charles Machine Works Inc
Category
Vehicle — Trailer
Hazard
Affected units
796

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)

  • DITCH WITCH

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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