Recall 17V630 affects 508 2017-2018 Cheetah trailer chassis for air-brake diaphragm failure. Repair is free at a Cheetah service center.
Cheetah is recalling 508 2017-2018 trailer chassis, including Maximizer Chassis and Tank Chassis models, because the air brake diaphragm can degrade and let air leak from the quick release valve. That leak can apply the emergency brakes, overheat a wheel-end, or slow or stop the vehicle, increasing crash risk; Cheetah dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The quick release valve in the air brake system on 2017-2018 Cheetah chassis is supposed to vent air at the right moment so the trailer brakes release cleanly. Inside that valve, a flexible diaphragm separates air pressure paths and helps the valve hold pressure where the brake system needs it.
On affected chassis, that diaphragm was used in a setup that keeps constant supply-air pressure against it. The diaphragm is not built for that condition. Over time, the material degrades and forms pin holes, which let air escape through the valve exhaust port. As air bleeds out, the emergency brakes can gradually apply even though the driver has not called for them.
There is no warning sign before failure. Once the diaphragm starts leaking, the first sign is an air leak at the quick release valve or trailer brakes that begin to drag or engage.
Who's affected?
Covers 6 Cheetah chassis models from the 2017 and 2018 model years, all tied to the same brake system component.
| 2018 Cheetah Maximizer Chassis | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Cheetah Tank Chassis | brake system |
| 2018 Cheetah Tank Chassis | brake system |
| 2018 Cheetah Bridgemaster Chassis | brake system |
| 2017 Cheetah Extendable Chassis | brake system |
| 2018 Cheetah Gooseneck Chassis | brake system |
| 2018 Cheetah Heavy Duty Chassis | brake system |
| 2017 Cheetah Heavy Duty Chassis | brake system |
| 2017 Cheetah Gooseneck Chassis | brake system |
| 2017 Cheetah Maximizer Chassis | brake system |
| 2017 Cheetah Bridgemaster Chassis | brake system |
| Units affected | 508 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected emergency-brake application can overheat a wheel end or create drag that slows or stops the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. If the vehicle feels like it is dragging or slowing without input, pull over safely and arrange service before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Cheetah dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Cheetah Maximizer Chassis, Tank Chassis, Bridgemaster Chassis, Extendable Chassis, Gooseneck Chassis, or Heavy Duty Chassis is included in this recall.
- Contact Cheetah customer service at 1-704-436-2590 or a Cheetah service center to schedule the free quick-release-valve diaphragm repair that stops brake-system air leaks and unintended emergency-brake application.
- Reference recall number 17V630 when you call so the service center can find the correct repair instructions.
- Bring the owner notice if Cheetah mailed one, along with any service records tied to the air brake quick release valve.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the chassis if the emergency brakes drag, slow the vehicle, or overheat a wheel end.
What happens at the repair
At a Cheetah service center, a technician installs heavy duty diaphragms in the quick release valves. These valves release air pressure in the brake system, so the repair targets the diaphragm that can degrade and allow air to leak. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, and Cheetah also supplies repair kits for the installation. The recall repair is available now, so owners can contact Cheetah customer service or a Cheetah service center to arrange the work.
Timeline
| October 5, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 20, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 4, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| December 4, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 4, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V630?
Recall 17V630 covers 508 2017-2018 Cheetah trailer chassis with air-brake diaphragms that can degrade and leak air from the quick release valve. That leak can apply the emergency brakes and increase crash risk. Cheetah service centers install heavy duty diaphragms for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Cheetah Maximizer Chassis, Tank Chassis, Bridgemaster Chassis, Extendable Chassis, Gooseneck Chassis, or Heavy Duty Chassis is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific chassis is included in recall 17V630. If it is, contact Cheetah customer service at 1-704-436-2590 or a Cheetah service center to schedule the quick release valve diaphragm repair. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Cheetah will have service centers install heavy duty diaphragms in the quick release valves free of charge.
What is the safety risk with recall 17V630?
The safety risk is unwanted emergency-brake application. If the air brake diaphragm degrades, air can leak from the quick release valve, causing partial or full emergency-brake application. That can overheat the wheel end, slow or stop the vehicle, and increase crash risk.
When did the recall repair begin?
The recall repair began on November 20, 2017. Cheetah service centers install heavy duty diaphragms in the quick release valves free of charge. Check your VIN first, then reference recall 17V630 when you contact Cheetah or the service center.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V630000 |
|---|---|
| Cheetah customer service | 1-704-436-2590 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V630 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V630000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →