Exterior lightingRecall 21V-177 · Ditch Witch vehicles
Charles Machine Works, Inc. recall 21V-177 covers 456 Ditch Witch vehicles for a exterior lighting problem, reported to NHTSA on March 15, 2021. The manufacturer's latest report (2022 Q4) shows 30% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 21V177000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The 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."
The risk
Without the proper reflective equipment, the vacuum excavator trailer may have reduced visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
30%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA.