The problem
On certain flat bed trailers equipped with kinedyne winches that attach to the lower flange of a flat bed trailer's side rail, through repeated use of the winch to secure cargo on the back of a flat bed trailer, and because of forklifts striking the winches, the winch clip can become damaged/bent and "open up."
The risk
This "opening up" could allow the winch to come loose from the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the winch system including the winch clips. Owner notification began june 30, 2003. 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 wabash at 1-756-771-5300.
Contacts
Wabash recall no. 2003-1. Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Wabash dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 03V208000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.