Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assemblyRecall 08V-083 · 2006–2008 K-Tec International
KAFFENBARGER TRUCK EQUIPMENT COMPANY recall 08V-083 covers 129 2006–2008 K-Tec International for a trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly problem, reported to NHTSA on February 26, 2008.
Source: NHTSA recall 08V083000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
KAFFENBARGER TRUCK EQUIPMENT (K-TEC) IS RECALLING 129 MY 2006-2008 INTERNATIONAL CLASS 8 TRUCK TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH SAF-HOLLAND SIMPLEX FIFTH WHEELS. THE LATCH LEVER PIVOT BOLT ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED WHICH COULD DISTORT THE PIVOT BOLT SPACER SLEEVE. CORROSION OR CONTAMINATES IN THE PIVOT MAY CAUSE IT TO BIND AND PREVENT THE FIFTH WHEEL JAW FROM LATCHING SECURELY AROUND THE TRAILER KING PIN.
The risk
THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE FIFTH WHEEL MAY FAIL TO LATCH 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
K-TEC IS WORKING WITH SAF-HOLLAND. SAF-HOLLAND WILL SEND A REPAIR KIT TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAF-HOLLAND AT 1-888-396-6501 EXT. 4343 OR K-TEC AT 937-845-3804.
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 June 3, 2006 to May 16, 2007. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.