RecallMyCar

NHTSA Recall 00V408000: Trailer hitches

FEATHERLITE, INC. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 90 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Featherlite 4950.

90
vehicles potentially affected
2
models affected
2000
owners notified (December 20)
NHTSA campaign00V408000
ComponentTRAILER HITCHES
Report receivedDecember 5, 2000
Owner notificationDecember 20, 2000
Initiated byManufacturer

Defect

Vehicle description: trailers equipped with dotsco couplers and safety chain/fastener assemblies. The coupler locking pin that ensures that the coupler remains locked can be misplaced and not installed by the operator. The coupler locking pin also had a safety pin, which could be misplaced or come loose and fall out.

Safety risk

Should either situation happen, the locking mechanism of the coupler can move upward thus allowing the locking jaws of the coupler to open enough to allow the coupler to release from the ball on the tow vehicle. The safety chain assemblies may also have an inadequate fastener, which could allow the safety chain to become detached from the trailer in the event the trailer becomes uncoupled, allowing the safety chain to become detached from the trailer.

Remedy

Dealers will install a coupler and safety chain/fastener kit to these trailers.

Notes

Owner notification is expected to begin during december 2000.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 featherlite at 1-877-903-1444. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Vehicles covered by recall 00V408000

Make and modelModel years
Featherlite 49501997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Featherlite 49511997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.