Model year record

2019 CHARLES MACHINE Ditch Witch

3 recall campaigns on file for this model year. No owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V490000

Trailer hitches

Component
Trailer hitches
Manufacturer
Charles Machine Works Inc
Vehicles affected
290
Reported to NHTSA
2019-06-25
Owners notified
2019-06-28

Defect description

Charles Machine Works Inc (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT17, 2018-2019 VT20 and VT24 trailers. The lock nuts that attach the hitch to the trailer may be insufficient to clamp the load after the hitch height has been adjusted.

Safety risk

Without a sufficient clamp load, the hitch may unexpectedly detach from the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Charles Machine has notified owners, and will provide new hardware, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles Machine's number for this recall is ID0568989.

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V487000

Service brakes, electric

Component
Service brakes, electric
Manufacturer
Charles Machine Works Inc
Vehicles affected
796
Reported to NHTSA
2019-06-21
Owners notified
2019-06-25

Defect description

Charles Machine Works Inc. (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ditch Witch VT9, VT12, VT14, VT17, VT20 and VT24 trailers. The brake wire terminals may have been improperly crimped, which can result in the trailer brakes failing to apply when commanded.

Safety risk

If the trailer brakes do not apply as expected, the distance required to stop the trailer may be lengthened, increasing the risk of crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Charles Machine has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake terminals with a machine terminal, free of charge. The recall began June 25, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481.

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V154000

Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly

Component
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly
Manufacturer
Charles Machine Works Inc
Vehicles affected
59
Reported to NHTSA
2019-03-01
Owners notified
2019-03-25

Defect description

Charles Machine Works, Inc (Charles) is recalling certain 2019 Ditch Witch VT24 trailers. The axle bearings may not have been greased.

Safety risk

The ungreased axle bearings could result in a wheel locking up, affecting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Charles will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the axles for the affected batch number and rework the hubs with new seals and bearings, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Charles customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles' number for this recall is ID0555609.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

No complaints recorded for this model year.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.