CarRecallWatch- Component
- PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:AIR; SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Problem
- Mertz Manufacturing, LLC is recalling certain 2008-2018 custom trailers. Plastic junction connections may have been installed in the air brake circuits. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
- Risk
- If a plastic connector fails, a loss of service brakes will occur or the emergency brakes will activate unexpectedly. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mertz has notified owners and will provide metal brake line connections to replace the plastic connections. The recall began March, 29, 2019. Owners may contact Mertz customer service at 1-580-767-8404. Mertz's number for this recall is M18-098.
- 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.
What this recall means for you
Certain custom trailers were built with plastic junction connections in their air brake circuits. These connections do not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121 for air brake systems. The part is the problem, not a driver error, and it can affect the trailer's braking.
If a plastic connector fails, the service brakes can lose function, or the emergency (parking) brakes can apply unexpectedly. Either condition raises the risk of a crash. If you tow one of these trailers, watch for any unexpected brake behavior and treat it as a safety concern.
The repair is free. Mertz will provide metal brake line connections to replace the plastic ones at no cost. Contact Mertz customer service at 1-580-767-8404 and reference recall M18-098. You can also check your trailer's VIN for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Mertz Custom Trailer | 20082009201020112012201320142015201620172018 |
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