Recall 16V025 affects 96 2014-2015 Vanguard Dry Freight Van Trailer vehicles for improperly seated brake actuator diaphragms. Repair is free at any franchised Vanguard dealer.
Vanguard is recalling 96 2014-2015 Dry Freight Van Trailer trailers because certain Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators can drag from an improperly seated brake-chamber diaphragm. Brake drag can lead to a wheel end fire, and Vanguard dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air brake actuator on these 2014-2015 Vanguard Dry Freight Van Trailer units is the chamber that turns air pressure into brake movement. In normal use, the Type 30/30 Long Stroke actuator applies and releases the service brake, and its parking brake section uses a spring and rubber diaphragm to hold or release brake force when the trailer is parked.
On the recalled trailers, the rubber diaphragm is not seated correctly in the spring piston inside the parking brake section. That misalignment leaves brake force applied when it should release, so the brake drags as the trailer moves. Dragging brakes build heat at the wheel end and service brake, which raises the fire risk described in NHTSA campaign 16V025.
Drivers can notice overheated wheel ends before the problem gets worse. Heat, odor, smoke, or a wheel end that feels unusually hot after a stop are signs to report to the dealer or service shop.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2014 and 2015 model years for the same Dry Freight Van Trailer brake system.
| 2014 Vanguard Dry Freight Van Trailer | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Vanguard Dry Freight Van Trailer | brake system |
| Units affected | 96 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Brake drag can overheat a wheel end and lead to a wheel end fire. If you notice an overheated wheel end, stop in a safe place, keep clear of heat or smoke, and call the dealer before the next trip. Repair is free at any franchised Vanguard dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Vanguard Dry Freight Van Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Vanguard dealer to schedule the free actuator replacement that fixes the brake drag risk in the air brake chamber.
- Bring the recall notice if Vanguard mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V025 when you call.
- Avoid hauling with the trailer if brake drag is present until the actuator replacement is complete.
- Call Vanguard customer service at 1-888-253-3008 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vanguard technician replaces the Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke air brake actuators covered by recall 16V025. These actuators are part of the trailer's air brake system, and replacement addresses the improperly seated diaphragm condition described in the recall. The recall repair is free: parts and labor are covered at the dealer. Ask the service desk to confirm the actuator part coverage for your specific Dry Freight Van Trailer before the work starts.
Timeline
| January 21, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 22, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| January 29, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 29, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 29, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V025?
Recall 16V025 covers 96 2014-2015 Vanguard Dry Freight Van Trailer units with Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators. An improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber can cause brake drag, which can lead to a wheel-end fire.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Vanguard Dry Freight Van Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V025. If it is, contact a Vanguard dealer or Vanguard customer service at 1-888-253-3008 to schedule the air brake actuator replacement. Reference Vanguard recall number 15E-017 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Vanguard dealers will replace the affected air brake actuators free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is brake drag that can lead to a wheel-end fire. The defect involves the air brake actuator diaphragm, so treat any brake drag, heat, smoke, or burning smell near a wheel end as a reason to stop and call for service guidance.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair became available when Vanguard began the recall on January 29, 2016. The remedy is an air brake actuator replacement performed free of charge by dealers.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V025000 |
|---|---|
| Vanguard customer service | 1-888-253-3008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V025 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V025000 |
Source documents
-
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 →