NHTSA Recall 21V177000: Exterior lighting
Charles Machine Works, Inc. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 456 vehicles. It affects 5 models including the Ditch Witch 025-1020.
| NHTSA campaign | 21V177000 |
|---|---|
| Component | EXTERIOR LIGHTING |
| Report received | March 15, 2021 |
| Owner notification | March 31, 2021 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
Charles Machine Works, Inc. (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2008-2020 Ditch Witch S4S, 2015-2021 Ditch Witch 025-1020, 2015 Ditch Witch 745-7900, 2009-2019 Ditch Witch ZS6S, and 2010 Ditch Witch ZS6S-1 trailers designed for carrying the FX20 vacuum excavator. The trailers may be missing side reflex reflectors near the front of the trailer. As such, these trailers fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Safety risk
Without the proper reflective equipment, the vacuum excavator trailer may have reduced visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Charles Machine will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for side reflex reflectors, and add them as necessary, free of charge. The began on March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 21V177000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Ditch Witch 025-1020 | 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Ditch Witch 745-7900 | 2015 |
| Ditch Witch S4S | 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Ditch Witch ZS6S | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Ditch Witch ZS6S-1 | 2010 |
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.