Recall 17V648 affects 4 2017-2018 Pitbull Roll-Off Trailer trailers for loose brake caliper bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Pitbull dealer.
Pitbull is recalling 4 2017-2018 Roll-Off Trailer units because brake caliper bolts on Meritor EX225 brake axles were recalled for improper torque. If a caliper detaches from its mounting flange, braking ability is lost and crash risk increases; Pitbull dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The air disc brake caliper on a 2017-2018 Pitbull Roll-Off Trailer is the part that clamps the brake pads against the rotor when the air brake system applies force. On the affected trailers, Meritor EX225 brakes were installed on MPA/MTA suspensions and trailer axles. The caliper has to stay bolted to its mounting flange so it can hold its position under braking load.
The problem is the caliper bolts on those affected axles were not tightened to the required torque specification. A loose bolt lets the caliper move instead of staying fixed against the mounting flange. If that movement continues, the caliper can detach from the flange, leaving that brake assembly unable to work as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the issue is the bolt torque at the caliper mount, an owner or driver is not given a reliable change in pedal feel, sound, or trailer behavior before the caliper comes loose.
Who's affected?
Brake coverage is split between the air-brake system and the disc-caliper component for both model years.
| 2017 Pitbull Roll-Off Trailer | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Pitbull Roll-Off Trailer | brake system |
| 2018 Pitbull Roll-Off Trailer | brake system |
| 2018 Pitbull Roll-Off Trailer | brake system |
| Units affected | 4 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the brake caliper detaches from the mounting flange, braking ability is lost and crash risk increases. Schedule the inspection soon, and treat any braking change as a reason to stop using the trailer and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Pitbull dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Pitbull Roll-Off Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Pitbull dealer to schedule the free brake-caliper bolt inspection.
- Ask the dealer to replace any loose or missing brake-caliper bolts, the repair that keeps the caliper attached to the mounting flange.
- Bring the recall notice if LCB mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V648 and Pitbull recall 001PB when you call.
- Use extra stopping distance and avoid towing the trailer until the dealer completes the inspection and any bolt replacement.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Pitbull technician inspects the brake caliper bolts on the affected Meritor EX225 brake axles and replaces any bolt that is loose or missing. The recall covers the inspection, replacement bolts, and labor at no charge. If you already paid out of pocket for this brake caliper bolt repair before the recall notice, Pitbull's general reimbursement plan covers eligible documented repair costs. Ask Pitbull customer service or the service desk what paperwork to submit.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 13, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 13, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| October 13, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 20, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 31, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V648?
Recall 17V648 covers 4 2017-2018 Pitbull Roll-Off Trailer units with Meritor EX225 brake caliper bolts that were not properly torqued. If a caliper detaches from the mounting flange, braking ability is reduced and crash risk increases. Dealers inspect and replace loose or missing bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Pitbull Roll-Off Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 17V648. If it is, contact a Pitbull dealer or call customer service at 1-734-442-6202 to arrange the brake bolt inspection. Reference recall 17V648 or Pitbull recall number 001PB when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 17V648, dealers inspect the brake caliper bolts and replace any loose or missing bolts free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking ability. If the brake caliper bolts are improperly torqued, the caliper can detach from the mounting flange. That loss of braking ability increases crash risk, so confirm your VIN and schedule the free inspection if your trailer is included.
What if I bought this Pitbull Roll-Off Trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2017-2018 Pitbull Roll-Off Trailer is included, then reference recall 17V648 or Pitbull recall number 001PB when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V648000 |
|---|---|
| Pitbull customer service | 1-734-442-6202 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V648 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V648000 |
Source documents
-
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 →