Recall 16V541 affects 79 2016 Ditch Witch T14MV trailers for incorrect breakaway-brake wiring. Repair is free at any franchised Ditch Witch dealer.
Ditch Witch is recalling 79 2016 T14MV trailers because an incorrect wiring harness can stop the trailer brakes from applying if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle. That breakaway failure increases crash risk, and Ditch Witch dealers will correct the wiring harness free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2016 Ditch Witch T14MV trailer uses a breakaway brake switch connection as a backup for a trailer separation. If the trailer comes loose from the tow vehicle, that switch is supposed to send power through the wiring harness so the trailer brakes apply. The system depends on the harness connector matching the switch wiring.
On affected T14MV trailers, the wiring harness connector has the wrong pin location. Two wires in the switch connector are reversed, so the breakaway switch does not send the brake signal where it needs to go. The supplier print was drawn incorrectly, and incorrectly wired switches reached production again after inventory was corrected.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem shows up when the trailer separates from the tow vehicle and the breakaway brake does not activate, so an owner is unlikely to spot it during ordinary towing.
Who's affected?
Both brake system and wiring components are listed for the same trailers.
| 2016 Ditch Witch T14MV | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ditch Witch T14MV | wiring |
| Units affected | 79 |
| 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?
If the trailer separates and the breakaway switch wiring is wrong, the trailer brakes will not activate, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before a breakaway event, so have the wiring corrected before towing again. Repair is free at any franchised Ditch Witch dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Ditch Witch T14MV trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ditch Witch dealer to schedule the free switch-wiring correction that lets the trailer brakes apply after a breakaway.
- Bring the recall notice if Ditch Witch mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V541 when you call.
- Call Ditch Witch customer service at 1-800-654-6481 with questions about the free repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ditch Witch technician corrects the trailer brake switch wiring so the brakes apply when the trailer separates from the tow vehicle. The recall repair is available now, and the wiring correction is free. Ask the service desk to confirm that the T14MV trailer is included by VIN before the work order is opened and to note completion after the repair.
Timeline
| July 19, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 22, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| July 22, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 5, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 5, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V541?
Recall 16V541 covers 79 2016 Ditch Witch T14MV trailers with incorrect switch wiring in the trailer breakaway brake system. If the trailer separates from the tow vehicle, the trailer brakes can fail to apply, increasing crash risk. Dealers correct the switch wiring for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Ditch Witch T14MV is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V541. If it is, contact a franchised Ditch Witch dealer to schedule the switch wiring correction. Reference recall number 16V541 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. For recall 16V541, Ditch Witch dealers correct the switch wiring free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of trailer braking during a breakaway. If the T14MV separates from the tow vehicle and the trailer brakes do not activate, the loose trailer has an increased risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free wiring correction.
What if I bought this trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original buyer. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016 Ditch Witch T14MV is included, then give recall number 16V541 to the dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V541000 |
|---|---|
| Ditch Witch customer service | 1-800-654-6481 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V541 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V541000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →