Recall 15V159 covers 169 2002-2015 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 trailers for incorrect wheel bearings. Repair is free at any franchised Charles Machine dealer.
Charles Machine is recalling 169 2002-2015 Ditch Witch T26 trailers because incorrect wheel bearings can fail under the trailer's rated load and let a wheel detach. Bearing failure or wheel detachment increases crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The rear non-powered axle assembly on a 2002-2015 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 trailer includes the axle and wheel bearings that let the trailer wheels rotate while carrying the trailer's rated load. The bearings sit inside the wheel-end area and keep the wheel turning smoothly around the axle instead of grinding, wobbling, or overheating.
On affected trailers, the axle was built with wheel bearings that are not the correct type for the load the trailer is rated to carry. Under normal towing loads, those bearings do not provide the needed support. If the bearing fails, the wheel loses its support at the axle and can detach from the trailer.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not count on noise, vibration, or visible wheel movement to appear before the bearing gives out.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2002-2015 model years, all tied to the same rear suspension component.
| 2011 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2014 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| 2009 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| 2005 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| 2015 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| 2007 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| 2012 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| 2010 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| 2008 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| 2002 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| 2006 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| 2004 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| 2003 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| 2013 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 169 |
Year and model alone do not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Bearing failure or wheel detachment increases the risk of a crash. Until the wheel bearings are inspected, avoid unnecessary trips and arrange service before regular road use. Repair will be free at any franchised Charles Machine dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2002-2015 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a Charles Machine dealer to ask whether the wheel-bearing inspection and replacement is open for your trailer.
- Reference recall number 15V159 when you call, and ask the dealer to inspect the axle bearings that fail under the trailer's rated load.
- Bring the recall notice if Charles Machine mailed one, or give the dealer your VIN and recall number at the appointment.
- Avoid hauling rated loads until the wheel bearings are inspected and any needed replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Charles Machine technician inspects the trailer wheel bearings to confirm whether the axle has the incorrect bearings covered by recall 15V159. If the bearings are wrong, the technician replaces them so the wheel bearings can support the trailer's rated load. The dealer repair will be free once available for your trailer. The recall notice says owner notification began on April 8, 2015, so confirm scheduling with the dealer before hauling the trailer in.
Timeline
| March 20, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 8, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V159?
Recall 15V159 covers 169 2002-2015 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 trailers built with incorrect wheel bearings. Those bearings can fail under the trailer's rated load, and a failed bearing can let a wheel detach. Charles Machine dealers will inspect and replace the wheel bearings for free.
What should I do if my 2002-2015 Charles Machine Ditch Witch T26 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 15V159. If it is, contact a Charles Machine dealer to schedule the wheel-bearing inspection and any needed replacement. Reference recall 15V159 or Charles Machine recall ID #0376152 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Charles Machine dealers will inspect the wheel bearings and replace them, if needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is bearing failure or wheel detachment while the trailer is in use. If a bearing fails or a wheel detaches, crash risk increases. Keep load limits in mind and arrange the free dealer inspection before using an included trailer for regular hauling.
When did the recall repair start?
The recall repair began on April 8, 2015. Charles Machine told owners to contact customer service at 1-800-654-6481, and dealers were instructed to inspect the wheel bearings and replace them when needed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V159000 |
|---|---|
| Charles Machine customer service | 1-800-654-6481 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V159 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V159000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →