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Campaign 15V575 Posted September 16, 2015 21,401 units

2003-2016 Vermeer BC/SC Recall 15V575: Missing Reflectors

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 31, 2026

Recall 15V575 covers 21,401 2003-2016 Vermeer brush chippers and stump cutters with missing side-marker reflectors. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.

Vermeer is recalling 21,401 2003-2016 brush chippers and stump cutters, including BC1000XL and SC802 models, because the LED side marker lights lack built-in reflectors. The missing reflectors reduce visibility to other drivers and raise crash risk; Vermeer dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The side marker lights on the 2003-2016 Vermeer brush chippers and stump cutters are the small amber or red lamps on the sides of the machine. They help other drivers see the machine's length and position, especially from the side or when it is being towed in low light. The lens is also supposed to include a reflex reflector, which bounces another vehicle's headlights back toward the driver even when the lamp is off.

On affected Vermeer models, the installed LED side marker lights do not have that reflector built into the lens. The lamps can still work as lights, but the lens does not reflect light the way the required part does. Vermeer also confirmed the lenses were missing the SAE A marking that identifies reflex reflector capability.

There is no warning sign before failure. This is not a noise, vibration, or dashboard-light problem. The practical sign is visual: the correct replacement has reflex reflectors with an SAE A marking on the side of the machine.

Who's affected?

Covers Vermeer BC and SC model families across the 2003-2016 model years, all tied to exterior lighting.

2005 Vermeer SC802 Exterior lighting
2015 Vermeer BC900XL Exterior lighting
2014 Vermeer SC802 Exterior lighting
2015 Vermeer BC1000XL Exterior lighting
2014 Vermeer BC1000XL Exterior lighting
Units affected21,401
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

Missing side reflectors reduce how well other drivers see the trailer, especially in dark or low light conditions, and that increases crash risk. Avoid towing at night until the reflective decals are installed. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2003-2016 Vermeer SC802, BC900XL, BC1000XL, BC700XL, SC602, BC1800XL, BC600XL, or BC1200XL is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Vermeer dealer to schedule the free reflective-decal installation that adds side reflectors for visibility.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Vermeer mailed one, or reference recall number 15V575 when you call.
  4. Use extra lighting awareness until the decals are installed; avoid towing or operating the unit where side visibility is poor.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Vermeer technician installs reflective decals on the trailer sides so the equipment has the required side reflectors. The recall repair is available, and parts and labor are free. Under Vermeer's standard reimbursement plan, documented out-of-pocket costs for the same reflector repair can be submitted for review. Keep any repair invoice or payment record with your service paperwork so the service desk has what it needs to route the claim.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

September 16, 2015 NHTSA published the recall
November 13, 2015 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 15V575?

Recall 15V575 covers 21,401 2003-2016 Vermeer brush chippers and stump cutters with LED side marker lights that lack built-in reflectors. The missing reflectors reduce visibility to other drivers and increase crash risk. Vermeer supplies reflective decals for free.

What should I do if my 2003-2016 Vermeer BC1000XL, BC700XL, BC900XL, BC1200XL, BC1800XL, BC600XL, SC802, or SC602 is on this recall?

Check your VIN or equipment identifier to confirm your specific Vermeer unit is included in recall 15V575. If it is, contact Vermeer customer service at 1-800-829-0051 or productsafety@vermeer.com for the free reflective decals and installation instructions.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Vermeer supplies the reflective decals free of charge for equipment included in recall 15V575. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost, and the remedy for this campaign is available now.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is reduced visibility. Without built-in reflectors in the LED side marker lenses, other drivers have less visual reference for the Vermeer equipment, which increases crash risk. The fix is to add reflective decals to the trailer sides.

What if I bought my Vermeer equipment used?

The free recall remedy still applies. A used purchase, auction sale, or missing owner letter does not remove recall coverage. Check your VIN or equipment identifier, then reference recall 15V575 when you contact Vermeer customer service.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V575000
Vermeer customer service1-800-829-0051
NHTSA recall #15V575
NHTSA recall # (full)15V575000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →