Recall 15V208 affects 1,951 2015-2016 Hino 238, 268, 258, and 338 trucks for overtightened front axle U-bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Hino dealer.
Hino is recalling 1,951 2015-2016 238, 258, 268, and 338 trucks over an overtightened U-bolt that connects the front suspension springs to the front axle. A stretched or failed U-bolt can loosen that connection and cause loss of steering ability, increasing crash risk; the Hino dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front axle U-bolts on 2015-2016 Hino 238, 258, 268, and 338 trucks clamp the front leaf springs to the front axle. Those springs carry the truck's weight and help keep the axle located under the frame. The U-bolts need the right clamping force so the axle and spring assembly stay aligned while the truck steers and rides over bumps.
On affected trucks, the U-bolt was tightened too much during assembly. That extra torque pushed the metal past its yield strength, which means the bolt started to deform instead of springing back to its intended shape. Once that happens, the clamp load can drop and the front axle connection can loosen.
If the U-bolt loosens, the driver can hear a rattling noise from the front of the truck. Steering can also feel heavier, and the truck can wander or drift instead of tracking straight.
Who's affected?
Spans four Hino truck models across the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the front suspension.
| 2015 Hino 238 | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2015 Hino 268 | front suspension |
| 2015 Hino 258 | front suspension |
| 2015 Hino 338 | front suspension |
| 2016 Hino 258 | front suspension |
| 2016 Hino 338 | front suspension |
| 2016 Hino 268 | front suspension |
| 2016 Hino 238 | front suspension |
| Units affected | 1,951 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overtightened front axle U-bolt can stretch, loosen, or fail. That can reduce steering ability and increase the risk of a crash. If you hear front-end rattling, feel heavier steering, or notice steering wander or drift, stop driving and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Hino dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Hino 238, 268, 258, or 338 truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hino dealer and ask whether the free front-axle U-bolt replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 15V208 when you call, and ask the dealer to check the front suspension spring U-bolts that connect to the front axle.
- Bring the recall notice if Hino mailed one, plus any service records related to front suspension or steering concerns.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop driving and call the dealer if the truck develops loose steering or a front suspension concern.
What happens at the repair
Hino's recall remedy is a dealer replacement of the front axle U-bolts that hold the suspension springs to the front axle. A Hino technician removes the affected U-bolts and installs replacement parts under the recall. The remedy details provided here do not list a current remedy status, so confirm parts and appointment timing with a Hino dealer using your VIN. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered by the recall.
Timeline
| April 7, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 5, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V208?
Recall 15V208 covers 1,951 2015-2016 Hino 238, 268, 258, and 338 trucks with front axle U-bolts that were overtightened. A stretched, loose, or failed U-bolt can cause loss of steering ability and increase crash risk. Hino dealers replace the front axle U-bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Hino 238, 268, 258, or 338 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V208. If it is, contact a franchised Hino dealer to schedule the front axle U-bolt replacement. Reference recall number 15V208 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Hino dealers replace the front axle U-bolts free of charge. Hino listed customer service at 1-248-699-9300 for owner questions about recall 15V208.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering ability. If an overtightened front axle U-bolt stretches, loosens, or fails, steering control can be affected and crash risk increases. If your VIN is included, arrange the free U-bolt replacement with a franchised Hino dealer.
What if I bought my Hino truck used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor safety recalls regardless of ownership history. If you never received Hino's notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included, then reference recall number 15V208 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V208000 |
|---|---|
| Hino customer service | 1-248-699-9300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V208 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V208000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →