NHTSA Recall 08V083000: Fifth wheel assembly (trailer hitches)
KAFFENBARGER TRUCK EQUIPMENT COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 129 vehicles. It affects 2006–2008 K-Tec International.
| NHTSA campaign | 08V083000 |
|---|---|
| Component | TRAILER HITCHES › FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY |
| Report received | February 26, 2008 |
| Owner notification | March 17, 2008 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
Kaffenbarger truck equipment (k-tec) is recalling 129 my 2006-2008 international class 8 truck tractors equipped with saf-holland simplex fifth wheels. The latch lever pivot bolt assembly may have been over-tightened which could distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve. Corrosion or contaminates in the pivot may cause it to bind and prevent the fifth wheel jaw from latching securely around the trailer king pin.
Safety risk
There is a possibility that the fifth wheel may fail to latch without the driver's knowledge. When this occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
K-tec is working with saf-holland. Saf-holland will send a repair kit to owners free of charge. The recall began on march 17, 2008. Owners may contact saf-holland at 1-888-396-6501 ext. 4343 or k-tec at 937-845-3804.
Notes
Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 08V083000
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.