Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assemblyRecall 03V-227 · Freightliner and Sterling vehicles
FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION recall 03V-227 covers 2,000 Freightliner and Sterling vehicles for a trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly problem, reported to NHTSA on June 17, 2003.
Source: NHTSA recall 03V227000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
ON CERTAIN TRUCK TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH JOST INTERNATIONAL JSK 37U SERIES FIFTH WHEELS, A FATIGUE CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE BRACKET PIN WELD UNDER CERTAIN LOADING CONDITIONS.
The risk
IF LEFT UNDETECTED OR CORRECTED IT COULD LEAD TO THE SEPARATION OF THE FIFTH WHEEL TOP PLATE FROM ITS MOUNTING STRUCTURE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRACKET PINS AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 12, 2003. 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 JOST INTERNATIONAL AT 616-846-7700 OR BY EMAIL TO OR FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-411.ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from September 3, 1999 to April 14, 2003. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.