Recall 16V491 covers 1,250 2015-2016 Moritz trailers with loose axle mounting brackets. Repair is free at any franchised Moritz dealer.
Moritz is recalling 1,250 2015-2016 Cr, Sr, Udc, Dlh, Fh, Ulh, FH+10, Ulc, and ULH+6 trailers because the recall addresses axle mounting brackets that were not tightened properly. An axle can loosen or detach and increase the risk of a crash, so Moritz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear non-powered axle assembly on affected 2015-2016 Moritz trailers carries the trailer load and keeps the wheels aligned under the frame. Its mounting brackets and bolts clamp the axle to the trailer structure, so the axle stays fixed while the suspension moves over the road. On livestock, dump, flatbed, and equipment trailers, that attachment has to hold under vibration and load.
On these trailers, the axle mounting bracket bolts were not tightened correctly. When those bolts loosen, the bracket loses its grip on the axle. If the hardware backs out far enough, the axle can separate from the trailer, leaving the trailer unable to track correctly behind the tow vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is in the axle mounting hardware, so the trailer can look normal until the bracket bolts have loosened enough to let the axle move.
Who's affected?
Covers nine Moritz trailer models across the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the rear suspension.
| 2016 Moritz Cr | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2016 Moritz Sr | rear suspension |
| 2015 Moritz Udc | rear suspension |
| 2015 Moritz Dlh | rear suspension |
| 2016 Moritz Fh | rear suspension |
| 2015 Moritz Fh | rear suspension |
| 2016 Moritz Ulh | rear suspension |
| 2015 Moritz Ulh | rear suspension |
| 2016 Moritz Dlh | rear suspension |
| 2015 Moritz FH+10 | rear suspension |
| 2015 Moritz Sr | rear suspension |
| 2015 Moritz Cr | rear suspension |
| 2016 Moritz FH+10 | rear suspension |
| 2016 Moritz Udc | rear suspension |
| 2016 Moritz Ulc | rear suspension |
| 2015 Moritz Ulc | rear suspension |
| 2016 Moritz ULH+6 | rear suspension |
| 2015 Moritz ULH+6 | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 1,250 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 5 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?
If an axle loosens or detaches, crash risk increases because the vehicle no longer has the axle secured as intended. Schedule the recall repair soon, and avoid using it if an axle appears loose. Repair is free at any franchised Moritz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Moritz Cr, Sr, Udc, Dlh, Fh, Ulh, FH+10, Ulc, or ULH+6 trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Moritz dealer to schedule the free axle-mounting-bracket tightening that keeps the axles secured to the trailer.
- Bring the recall notice if Moritz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V491 when you call.
- Tow cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the trailer if the axle area feels loose or unstable.
- Call Moritz customer service at 1-419-526-5222 with questions about the free repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Moritz technician properly tightens the trailer axles and checks the axle mounting brackets tied to the recall. The repair is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid for an axle tightening or related mounting bracket repair before the recall notice, Moritz uses the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan for documented expenses. Bring the repair invoice and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Moritz customer service for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 28, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
|---|---|
| June 30, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| July 1, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| July 1, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 15, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 22, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V491?
Recall 16V491 covers 1,250 2015-2016 Moritz Cr, Sr, Udc, Dlh, Fh, Ulh, FH+10, Ulc, and ULH+6 trailers with axle mounting brackets that were not properly tightened. An axle can loosen or detach, increasing crash risk. Moritz dealers will tighten the axles for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Moritz Cr, Sr, Udc, Dlh, Fh, Ulh, FH+10, Ulc, or ULH+6 trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V491. If it is, contact a Moritz dealer to schedule the axle bracket tightening. Reference recall number 16V491 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 Moritz dealers will properly tighten the axles free of charge. Moritz listed customer service at 1-419-526-5222 for owners with recall questions.
Is it safe to tow my Moritz trailer before the axle repair?
The recall risk is that an axle can loosen or detach, increasing crash risk. Confirm whether your VIN is included before towing heavy loads or planning a trip. If the trailer is included, schedule the free axle tightening with a Moritz dealer.
What if I bought my Moritz trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. If you did not receive the original Moritz owner notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your trailer is included, then call a Moritz dealer with recall number 16V491.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V491000 |
|---|---|
| Moritz customer service | 1-419-526-5222 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V491 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V491000 |
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 →