Trailer hitchesRecall 80V-005 · Zieman vehicles

ZIEMAN MFG. CO. recall 80V-005 covers 30 Zieman vehicles for a trailer hitches problem, reported to NHTSA on January 22, 1980.

Vehicles repairedNo manufacturer report yet

Vehicles affected302 models

ReportedJan 22, 1980Owners notified Sep 3, 1980

Complaints since0Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 80V005000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.

What's wrong

The problem

THE DEFECT IS DUE TO A DESIGN ERROR IN THE COUPLING SYSTEM OF THE TRAILER AND TOWING VEHICLE. IN NORMAL OPERATION, THE SURGE BRAKE HITCH COUPLER ACTIVATES THE TRAILER BRAKES AS THE TOWING VEHICLE DECELERATES. A TRANSVERSE PIN, LOCATED IN THE REAR PART OF THE BRAKE ACTUATOR, MAY PULL OUT OF THE FIXED EARS AT ITS EXTREME ENDS. THIS WOULD ALLOW TRAILER SEPARATION, EXCEPT FOR THE SAFETY CHAINS.

What to do

The fix

DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLE AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS WITHOUT CHARGE.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRAILERS.SYSTEM: EQUIPMENT; SURGE BRAKE HITCH COUPLER.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE SAFETY CHAINS BREAK, THE TRAILER WOULD ROLL FREEAND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. PARTIAL SEPARATION COULD ALSO CAUSE LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

2 models

Vehicles in this recall

Zieman D21979, 1980

Zieman D2w1979, 1980

Built from February 1, 1979 to January 1, 1980. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.