Recall 16V425 affects 11 2014-2016 Vermeer TG5000 trailers for incorrectly installed kingpin washers. Repair will be free at any franchised Vermeer dealer once available.
Vermeer is recalling 11 2014-2016 TG5000 tub grinder trailers because incorrectly installed spherical washers in the kingpin assembly can let attaching bolts fail and the kingpin detach. If the kingpin separates, the trailer can detach from the tow vehicle and raise crash risk; the Vermeer dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The kingpin on a 2014-2016 Vermeer TG5000 Tub Grinder trailer is the heavy metal pin that locks the trailer to the towing vehicle's fifth wheel. It carries the pulling load and keeps the trailer connected while the combination turns, brakes, and moves over uneven ground. The attaching bolts and spherical washers hold that kingpin assembly tight against the trailer structure.
On affected TG5000 trailers, the spherical washers used during kingpin assembly were installed in the wrong orientation. Those washers are shaped to seat the bolts evenly, so the bolts clamp the assembly the way the design requires. When the washer orientation is wrong, the bolts do not get the intended thread engagement and clamping force. Over use, the attaching bolts can fail, and the kingpin can detach from the trailer.
There is no warning sign before failure. Treat any looseness, missing hardware, or unusual movement at the fifth wheel connection as a reason to stop and have the kingpin assembly inspected before the trailer is moved again.
Who's affected?
Covers 3 model years tied to the same fifth wheel assembly issue.
| 2014 Vermeer TG5000 | Fifth wheel assembly |
|---|---|
| 2015 Vermeer TG5000 | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2016 Vermeer TG5000 | Fifth wheel assembly |
| Units affected | 11 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A loose kingpin connection can let the trailer separate from the tow vehicle, increasing crash risk. If the trailer connection looks wrong or towing feels unstable, stop in a safe place and contact the dealer before continuing. Schedule the inspection and washer repair promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Vermeer dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Vermeer TG5000 is included in this recall.
- Contact Vermeer customer service at 1-641-628-3141 for the current repair path and reference recall number 16V425.
- Ask Vermeer when a franchised Vermeer dealer or authorized service location can inspect the fifth-wheel hitch assembly.
- Schedule the spherical-washer inspection and repair that keeps the kingpin bolted to the trailer hitch.
- Avoid towing the trailer until Vermeer confirms the kingpin attachment has been inspected and repaired.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vermeer technician inspects the spherical washer installation at the kingpin and corrects the installation if it is wrong. The technician also checks the related attaching hardware tied to that repair. Because this campaign is marked as under development, treat the final dealer repair as not open for scheduling yet. Once Vermeer opens the repair, parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| June 10, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 4, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V425?
Recall 16V425 covers 11 2014-2016 Vermeer TG5000 Tub Grinder trailers with spherical washers in the kingpin assembly installed incorrectly. The attaching bolts can fail, and the kingpin can detach from the towing vehicle. Vermeer dealers inspect and repair the washer installation for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Vermeer TG5000 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V425. If it is, contact a Vermeer dealer and ask for the kingpin spherical-washer inspection and repair. Reference recall number 16V425 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. Vermeer dealers inspect the kingpin spherical-washer installation and repair it as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation while towing. If the kingpin does not stay properly connected to the trailer, the TG5000 trailer can detach from the tow vehicle, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer inspection before further use.
When did Vermeer notify owners about recall 16V425?
Vermeer began owner notifications on August 4, 2016. If you bought the TG5000 used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included, then contact a Vermeer dealer with recall number 16V425.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V425000 |
|---|---|
| Vermeer customer service | 1-641-628-3141 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V425 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V425000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 →