Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assemblyRecall 07V-497 · Mack vehicles
MACK TRUCKS, INC recall 07V-497 covers 950 Mack vehicles for a trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly problem, reported to NHTSA on October 23, 2007.
Source: NHTSA recall 07V497000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A SAF HOLLAND SIMPLEX FIFTH WHEEL, THE LEVER ARM PIVOT BOLT MAY HAVE BEEN OVER TIGHTENED. AN OVER TIGHTENED PIVOT BOLT CAN DISTORT THE PIVOT BOLT SPACER SLEEVE, WHICH MAY PREVENT THE FIFTH WHEEL LATCH JAW FROM CLOSING AND LATCHING SECURELY AROUND THE TRAILER KING PIN.
The risk
THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE PIVOT BOLT CAN BECOME LOOSE WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S KNOWLEDGE. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE DRIVER COULD DRIVE AWAY AND THE TRAILER COULD BECOME DISENGAGED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PIVOT BOLT AND SLEEVE WITH A HEX HEAD SHOULDER BOLT AND WASHER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MACK TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
MACK TRUCKS RECALL NO. SC0331.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
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 January 9, 2006 to June 29, 2007. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.