NHTSA recall campaign
97V152000
What was wrong
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FONTAINE SL6FM229-8375 FIXED FIFTH WHEELS. THE FIFTH WHEEL MOUNTING PLATE FLANGES IN THE FRONT AND REAR CAN INTERFERE WITH THE NORMAL ARTICULATION OF THE FIFTH WHEEL. THIS INTERFERENCE CAN LEAD TO DAMAGE OF THE FIFTH WHEEL LOCK HANDLE AND/OR THE TOP PLATE.
Risk
DAMAGE OF THESE COMPONENTS CAN LEAD TO FAILURE OF THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TRACTOR AND THE SEMI-TRAILER ALLOWING THE SEMI-TRAILER TO SEPARATE FROM THE TRACTOR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FIFTH WHEEL MOUNTING PLATES AND REPAIR ANY DAMAGED FIFTH WHEEL COMPONENTS.
To check whether your specific VIN is covered and to find a participating dealer, look this campaign up on NHTSA.gov →
Affected vehicles
1 entryWestern Star
- Heritage1997