Recall 17V525 affects 61 2015-2016 Crane LET2 vehicles for loose steer-axle tie-rod hardware. Repair is free at any franchised Crane dealer.
Crane is recalling 61 2015-2016 LET2 vehicles because the castellated nut on certain Dana Spicer steer axles was not properly torqued, which lets the tie rod loosen. If it loosens, the tie rod can disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing complete loss of steering, and Crane dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tie rod on 2015-2016 Crane LET2 vehicles is part of the steering linkage. It connects the steering gear to the steer axle knuckle, so the front wheels turn when the driver turns the wheel. These vehicles use Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles, and the tie rod attachment depends on a properly tightened castellated nut, a slotted nut that holds the joint in place.
On affected vehicles, that nut was not tightened to the correct torque during assembly. If the nut backs off, the tie rod taper joint-to-knuckle attachment loosens. Once that joint has enough movement, steering feel changes and the tie rod attachment is no longer secured the way it was designed to be.
Drivers should get warning before the tie rod disconnects. The reported signs are noise from the steering area and loosened steering, which means the wheel does not feel as tight or direct as normal.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2015 and 2016 LET2 model years, with steering system and tie rod coverage listed for both years.
| 2015 Crane LET2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2015 Crane LET2 | steering system |
| 2016 Crane LET2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2016 Crane LET2 | steering system |
| Units affected | 61 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loosened tie rod can disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing complete loss of steering and increasing crash risk. Noise or loosened steering can come before separation. If you notice either warning sign, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer for inspection. Repair is free at any franchised Crane dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Crane LET2 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Crane dealer to schedule the free steer-axle torque inspection and tie-rod tightening that keeps the tie rod secured to the steering knuckle.
- Bring Crane's owner notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 17V525 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the vehicle if the steering feels loose.
- Call Crane customer service at 1-918-286-2300 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Crane technician inspects the torque on the castellated nut and tie rod for the steer axle, then tightens the hardware as needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor tied to the inspection and tightening work. Crane has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid out of pocket for this steer axle or tie rod repair before the recall notice, ask Crane customer service or the service desk how to submit receipts and repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 28, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| August 28, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 29, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
| September 1, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 27, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V525?
Recall 17V525 covers 61 2015-2016 Crane LET2 vehicles with certain Dana Spicer steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axle can be improperly torqued, letting the tie rod loosen and disconnect from the steering knuckle. Crane dealers inspect and tighten the parts for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Crane LET2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V525. If it is, contact a franchised Crane dealer to schedule the steer-axle nut and tie-rod inspection. Reference recall 17V525 or Crane recall number 17E041 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Crane dealers inspect the castellated nut and tie rod, then tighten them as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering. If the tie rod loosens and disconnects from the steering knuckle, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. The repair path is the free dealer inspection and tightening procedure.
What if I bought my Crane LET2 used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your LET2 is included, then give the dealer recall 17V525 or Crane recall number 17E041 when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V525000 |
|---|---|
| Crane customer service | 1-918-286-2300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V525 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V525000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →