Recall 16V861 affects 164 2015-2016 Cummins Power Generation Generator Set units for door-hinge failure. Franchised Cummins Power Generation dealers replace hinges free.
Cummins Power Generation is recalling 164 2015-2016 Generator Set models mounted on trailers because door hinges can fail while the trailer is being moved, letting generator set doors detach. A detached door becomes a road hazard and raises crash risk, and Cummins Power Generation dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On included 2015-2016 Cummins Power Generation Generator Set units, the door hinges hold each trailer-mounted generator access door in place. These doors cover service areas on the generator set and let technicians reach internal equipment. The hinges are supposed to carry the door's weight during opening and closing, then keep the door attached while the trailer is moving.
The problem is the hinge material does not have enough strength for the forces applied to it. Those forces can crack the hinge first, then lead to a sudden hinge failure. If that happens during transport, the generator set door can detach from the trailer-mounted unit.
The warning sign is visible cracking in the door hinges. If you see cracks around a hinge, that is the sign the hinge has started to fail.
Who's affected?
Both model years involve the same body-structure hinge attachment.
| 2015 Cummins Power Generation Generator Set | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2016 Cummins Power Generation Generator Set | body structure |
| Units affected | 164 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific generator set is included.
What's the safety risk?
If a generator-set door detaches, it becomes a road hazard and increases the risk of a crash. Cracks in the door hinges are the warning sign to take seriously. If you see cracking or looseness, keep the unit out of service and arrange the free dealer repair. Repair is free at any franchised Cummins Power Generation dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Cummins Power Generation Generator Set is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Cummins Power Generation dealer to schedule the free door-hinge replacement that keeps the generator set doors attached while the trailer is moving.
- Bring the recall notice if Cummins Power Generation mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V861 when you call.
- Inspect and secure the generator set doors before moving the trailer until the hinge repair is complete.
- Call Cummins Power Generation customer service at 1-800-343-7357 with questions about scheduling or the free repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Cummins Power Generation technician replaces the generator set door hinges covered by recall 16V861. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Repairs paid before the recall notice are handled through the manufacturer's limited warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Cummins states that any product failure before notification would have been replaced under that limited warranty, so no separate recall reimbursement is offered. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 30, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 9, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| December 9, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 16, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 16, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 16, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V861?
Recall 16V861 covers 164 2015-2016 Cummins Power Generation Generator Set units mounted on trailers. The door hinges can fail, letting generator set doors detach while the trailer is moving. Cummins Power Generation dealers will replace the hinges for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Cummins Power Generation Generator Set is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific generator set is included in recall 16V861. If it is, contact a Cummins Power Generation dealer to schedule the hinge replacement. Reference recall number 16V861 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. Cummins Power Generation dealers will replace the affected door hinges free of charge for included 2015-2016 Generator Set units.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a detached generator set door becoming a road hazard. If a door separates while the trailer is being moved, other drivers have less time to react, increasing crash risk. The free dealer repair replaces the hinges.
When did the repair become available?
The recall repair began on December 16, 2016. Cummins notified owners, and the remedy is available now through Cummins Power Generation dealers. Have recall number 16V861 ready when you contact the dealer or Cummins customer service at 1-800-343-7357.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V861000 |
|---|---|
| Cummins Power Generation customer service | 1-800-343-7357 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V861 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V861000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →