NHTSA safety recall

Recall 19V490000 · manufacturer campaign ID0568989

Trailer Hitches — Charles Machine · reported 25 Jun 2019 · 290 vehicles potentially affected

What's wrong

Charles Machine Works Inc (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT17, 2018-2019 VT20 and VT24 trailers. The lock nuts that attach the hitch to the trailer may be insufficient to clamp the load after the hitch height has been adjusted.

The risk

Without a sufficient clamp load, the hitch may unexpectedly detach from the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Charles Machine has notified owners, and will provide new hardware, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles Machine's number for this recall is ID0568989.

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.

NHTSA campaign
19V490000
Manufacturer campaign
ID0568989
Filed by
Charles Machine Works Inc
Report received
25 Jun 2019
Owners notified
28 Jun 2019
Potentially affected
290

Vehicles covered by this recall

Whether a particular car is affected and still unrepaired depends on its VIN — a model year being listed does not mean every car of that year is included. Check any VIN free on CarLogs, or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch 2019 Charles Machine Ditch Witch

Is this car's recall fixed?

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer, for the life of the vehicle. A CarLogs report shows the recall status for a specific VIN as reported by the manufacturer — whether it's open or repaired, and whether the fix is available yet.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall database. Look up another campaign →