CarRecallWatch- Component
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Problem
- Charles Machine Works, Inc. (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2008-2020 Ditch Witch S4S, 2015-2021 Ditch Witch 025-1020, 2015 Ditch Witch 745-7900, 2009-2019 Ditch Witch ZS6S, and 2010 Ditch Witch ZS6S-1 trailers designed for carrying the FX20 vacuum excavator. The trailers may be missing side reflex reflectors near the front of the trailer. As such, these trailers fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Without the proper reflective equipment, the vacuum excavator trailer may have reduced visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Charles Machine will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for side reflex reflectors, and add them as necessary, free of charge. The began on March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481.
- 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
Some trailers built to carry the FX20 vacuum excavator may be missing side reflex reflectors near the front of the trailer. Without them, the trailer can be harder for other drivers to see, and the trailer does not meet federal lighting and reflective device requirements (FMVSS 108).
Reduced visibility to other drivers increases the risk of a crash. If your trailer is affected, the manufacturer, Charles Machine Works, will notify owners. Authorized dealers will inspect the trailer for side reflex reflectors and add them where needed, at no cost to you.
You can contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481 for more information. You should also check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for any open recalls.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle