If your 2015-2016 Vanguard trailer VIN is in recall 15V847, Vanguard will inspect loose caliper bolts for free at any franchised Vanguard dealer.
Vanguard is recalling 85 2015-2016 Cimc Dry Freight Trailer and Cimc Reefer Trailer vehicles because caliper mounting bolts on certain Meritor axles can back out and let the brake caliper detach from the axle flange. Reduced braking performance increases crash risk, and Vanguard dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air disc brake caliper on 2015-2016 Vanguard Cimc Dry Freight Trailer and Cimc Reefer Trailer models is the part that squeezes the brake pads against the disc wheel when air pressure applies the brakes. It is bolted to the axle flange so it stays lined up with the rotating brake disc. That fixed position lets the brake clamp evenly and release cleanly.
On affected trailers with certain Meritor EX225L2 or EX225L+ axles, the caliper mounting bolts were not tightened to the specified torque. If those bolts back out, the caliper loses its secure mount on the axle flange. The caliper can detach, which leaves that brake position unable to work as designed and lets the loose caliper become wedged in the disc wheel.
The warning sign is braking that does not feel or respond normally. The caliper can also come loose and become wedged in the disc wheel, which is itself part of the failure.
Who's affected?
Spans dry freight and reefer trailer models across the 2015-2016 model years, all tied to the same brake system.
| 2016 Vanguard Cimc Dry Freight Trailer | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Vanguard Cimc Reefer Trailer | brake system |
| 2015 Vanguard Cimc Reefer Trailer | brake system |
| 2015 Vanguard Cimc Dry Freight Trailer | brake system |
| Units affected | 85 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and trailer model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific trailer.
What's the safety risk?
If a brake caliper detaches from the axle flange, braking performance is reduced and crash risk increases. Treat brakes that feel wrong, fail to respond normally, or a loose caliper near the wheel as a reason to stop using the trailer and call a dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Vanguard dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Vanguard Cimc Dry Freight Trailer or Cimc Reefer Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Vanguard dealer to schedule the free caliper-bolt inspection and tightening that keeps the brake caliper secured to the axle flange.
- Bring the recall notice if Vanguard sent one, and reference recall number 15V847 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete; avoid hard braking and leave extra following distance.
- Call Vanguard customer service at 1-219-253-2000 with questions about the free inspection.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vanguard technician inspects the caliper mounting bolts on the affected Meritor axle assemblies and tightens any bolts that need it. The recall repair is free, with parts furnished by Meritor and labor covered under the recall. Out-of-pocket inspection or repair costs already paid are handled through the normal Meritor warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 16, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 18, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 23, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| December 23, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 30, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V847?
Recall 15V847 covers 85 2015-2016 Vanguard Cimc Dry Freight Trailer and Cimc Reefer Trailer units with certain Meritor axles. The brake caliper mounting bolts can back out, letting the caliper detach from the axle flange and reducing braking performance. Vanguard dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Vanguard Cimc Dry Freight Trailer or Cimc Reefer Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 15V847. If it is, contact a franchised Vanguard dealer to schedule the brake caliper bolt inspection. Reference recall number 15V847 and Vanguard recall number 15E083 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Vanguard's remedy says dealers will inspect the caliper bolts and tighten them as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking performance. If a brake caliper detaches from the axle flange, the trailer has less braking force, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then have a Vanguard dealer inspect and tighten the affected caliper bolts for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V847000 |
|---|---|
| Vanguard customer service | 1-219-253-2000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V847 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V847000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →