TRAILER HITCHES
May 3, 2002
5,886 units potentially affected
The defect: SOME STEEL KINGPINS SUPPLIED BY CUSTOM FORGE, FOR USE ON CERTAIN VAN TRAILERS, HAVE BEEN DETERMINED TO POSSESS INADEQUATE HEAT TREATMENT.
The risk: COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE KINGPIN CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN DETACHMENT OF THE KINGPIN FROM A TRAILER AND UNINTENDED SEPARATION OF TRACTOR AND TRAILER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILERS TO VERIFY THE KINGPIN BRAND AND HEAT LOT AND DETERMINE IF THE KINGPIN IS CRACKED. CUSTOMERS WILL BE ADVISED TO REMOVE FROM SERVICE ANY TRAILERS DISCOVERED TO HAVE CRACKED KINGPINS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEGAN NOVEMBER 24, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LUFKIN AT 1-800-324-3812.
LUFKIN INDUSTRIES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov