LUFKIN DFV-IP 1994: TRAILER HITCHES

General Information

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 02V127000

Make Model Year
LUFKIN DFV-IP 1994
Date Owners Notified Date Received by ODI Date Added to Database
2004-11-24 2002-05-03 2002-05-14

Production Dates: 1992-01-01 - 1994-04-30

Manufacturers Involved: Lufkin Industries, Inc.

Component: TRAILER HITCHES

Potential Number Of Units Affected: 5886

Report Initiator: MFR MFR Report

Summary

SOME STEEL KINGPINS SUPPLIED BY CUSTOM FORGE, FOR USE ON CERTAIN VAN TRAILERS, HAVE BEEN DETERMINED TO POSSESS INADEQUATE HEAT TREATMENT.

Consequence

COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE KINGPIN CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN DETACHMENT OF THE KINGPIN FROM A TRAILER AND UNINTENDED SEPARATION OF TRACTOR AND TRAILER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILERS TO VERIFY THE KINGPIN BRAND AND HEAT LOT AND DETERMINE IF THE KINGPIN IS CRACKED. CUSTOMERS WILL BE ADVISED TO REMOVE FROM SERVICE ANY TRAILERS DISCOVERED TO HAVE CRACKED KINGPINS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEGAN NOVEMBER 24, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LUFKIN AT 1-800-324-3812.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT '1-888-327-4236'.