Recall 15V161 affects 50 2010 Jerr-Dan Standard Duty Wrecker vehicles for underlift boom tilt cylinder drift. Repair is free at any franchised Jerr-Dan dealer.
Jerr-Dan is recalling 50 2010 Standard Duty Wrecker vehicles under recall 15V161 because the underlift boom tilt cylinder can drift down while a vehicle is being towed. If that happens, the towed vehicle can contact the road surface and raise crash risk; Jerr-Dan dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The underlift on a 2010 Jerr-Dan Standard Duty Wrecker is the wheel-lift arm that raises and supports the disabled vehicle during a tow. Its tilt cylinder sets the angle of that underlift, and the counterbalance valve helps hold hydraulic pressure so the boom stays where the operator positioned it.
On affected wreckers, the internal parts of the counterbalance valve can become damaged over time. When that valve no longer holds pressure correctly, the underlift boom tilt cylinder can drift down from its set position while the wrecker is towing another vehicle. As the boom drops, the towed vehicle can contact the road surface.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is the valve's ability to hold the cylinder in place, so an operator does not get a clear light, sound, or dashboard message before the underlift begins to drift.
Who's affected?
| 2010 Jerr-Dan Standard Duty Wrecker | Wrecker and wheel lift devices |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 50 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A drifting underlift boom tilt cylinder can let the towed vehicle contact the road surface, increasing crash risk. Stop towing if the underlift does not hold position, then call the dealer before using the wrecker again. Repair is free at any franchised Jerr-Dan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010 Jerr-Dan Standard Duty Wrecker is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jerr-Dan dealer to schedule the free underlift tilt circuit counterbalance-valve replacement that stops the underlift boom tilt cylinder from drifting down while towing.
- Bring the recall notice if Jerr-Dan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V161 when you call.
- Call Jerr-Dan customer service at 1-800-926-9666 with questions about scheduling or dealer routing.
- Watch the underlift boom while towing until the repair is complete, and stop towing if the boom drifts down.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jerr-Dan technician replaces the underlift tilt circuit counterbalance valve. That valve controls hydraulic pressure in the tilt circuit, so replacing it addresses the boom drift condition described in recall 15V161. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The service desk can confirm the repair order, inspect the affected underlift system, and complete the valve replacement at no charge.
Timeline
| March 20, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 24, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V161?
Recall 15V161 covers 50 2010 Jerr-Dan Standard Duty Wreckers with an underlift boom tilt cylinder that can drift down while towing. If that happens, the towed vehicle can contact the road surface and increase crash risk. Dealers will replace the underlift tilt circuit counterbalance valve for free.
What should I do if my 2010 Jerr-Dan Standard Duty Wrecker is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific wrecker is included in recall 15V161. If it is, contact a Jerr-Dan dealer to schedule replacement of the underlift tilt circuit counterbalance valve. Reference recall number 15V161 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Jerr-Dan dealers will replace the underlift tilt circuit counterbalance valve free of charge. Use recall number 15V161 when you speak with the dealer or Jerr-Dan customer service.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is tied to towing. If the underlift boom tilt cylinder drifts down while a vehicle is being towed, the towed vehicle can contact the road surface and increase crash risk. The free repair replaces the valve that controls the underlift tilt circuit.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V161000 |
|---|---|
| Jerr-Dan customer service | 1-800-926-9666 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V161 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V161000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →