Recall 13V501 covers 254 2010-2014 Cheetah 20-40 Ft Maximizer trailers for locating pin weld failure. Cheetah supplies free new pin assemblies and pays for installation.
Cheetah is recalling 254 2010-2014 20-40 Ft Maximizer trailers because the weld joining the locator pin shaft and collar can fail. The defect can let a suspension section separate during repositioning or let parts fall onto the roadway while the trailer is in use; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The locator pin on the 2010-2014 Cheetah 20-40 Ft Maximizer trailer is a structural positioning part. Its shaft fits into the trailer structure, and the collar around that shaft helps keep the pin seated in the right place. The weld between those two pieces is what keeps the pin working as one assembled part.
On affected trailers, that weld can fail. When the weld breaks, the locator pin's shaft and collar separate instead of staying joined. Once those pieces separate, the trailer no longer has that pin assembled as designed, which is the defect covered by recall 13V501.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not expect a noise, light, or visible change before the weld lets go, so the VIN and recall record decide whether the trailer needs the repair.
Who's affected?
Spans five model years of the 20-40 Ft Maximizer, all tied to the same body or structural component.
| 2011 Cheetah 20-40 Ft Maximizer | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2012 Cheetah 20-40 Ft Maximizer | body or structural component |
| 2013 Cheetah 20-40 Ft Maximizer | body or structural component |
| 2014 Cheetah 20-40 Ft Maximizer | body or structural component |
| 2010 Cheetah 20-40 Ft Maximizer | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 254 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
During repositioning, the suspension section can separate and injure people near the vehicle. Parts can also fall from the vehicle onto the roadway during operation, creating a serious injury risk for other motorists and property damage risk for nearby vehicles. Keep people clear during repositioning and contact the dealer for recall handling. Repair will be free at any franchised Cheetah dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2014 Cheetah 20-40 Ft Maximizer is included in this recall.
- Call Cheetah at 1-704-436-2590 for the free locating-pin assembly installation instructions.
- Reference recall number 13V501 when you call Cheetah or speak with the repair facility.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it, along with any trailer records that identify the VIN.
- Avoid repositioning the suspension section until the locating-pin assembly installation addresses the weld failure at the pin shaft and collar.
What happens at the repair
The filing does not confirm current repair availability, but Cheetah's stated remedy for campaign 13V501 is installation of new locating pin assemblies supplied by Cheetah. Once available, a Cheetah technician or approved service location installs the new assemblies at no charge. Cheetah pays for the supplied parts and the installation labor under the recall. Ask the service location to confirm that the replacement locating pin assemblies are ready before bringing in the trailer.
Timeline
| October 17, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 22, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V501?
Recall 13V501 covers 254 2010-2014 Cheetah 20-40 Ft Maximizer trailers with a locating pin weld that can fail at the shaft and collar. Cheetah will supply new locating pin assemblies and pay for installation at no cost.
What should I do if my 2010-2014 Cheetah 20-40 Ft Maximizer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 13V501. If it is, contact Cheetah Chassis at 1-704-436-2590 and ask how to arrange installation of the new locating pin assemblies. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Cheetah's remedy says it will supply the new locating pin assemblies and pay for installation free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The locating pin weld can fail and let the shaft and collar separate. During repositioning, the suspension section can separate and injure people near the trailer. During operation, separated parts can fall onto the roadway and create injury or property-damage risk for other motorists.
What if I bought my Cheetah trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Ownership history does not cancel an open safety recall. Check your VIN to confirm whether your trailer is included, then reference recall 13V501 when you contact Cheetah Chassis about the locating pin assembly repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V501000 |
|---|---|
| Cheetah customer service | 1-704-436-2590 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V501 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V501000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →