Recall 18V133 affects 1,130 2011-2017 Vactor Hxx and 2100 Plus vacuum trucks for corroded dump body cylinders. Free repair at any franchised Vactor dealer.
Vactor is recalling 1,130 2011-2017 Hxx and 2100 Plus vacuum excavator trucks because the hydraulic dump body cylinder can corrode at the threaded joint and fail during a dump cycle. If that happens, the dump body can move unexpectedly and increase the risk of injury; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic dump body cylinder on 2011-2017 Vactor Hxx and 2100 Plus vacuum excavator trucks is the powered lift cylinder that raises and lowers the dump body. It uses hydraulic pressure to move the loaded body through a dump cycle, so the cylinder and its threaded joint have to hold under load while the body is elevated.
On affected trucks, corrosion develops at the threaded joint of the hydraulic dump cylinder. That joint is the connection point where the cylinder parts thread together. As corrosion builds, it weakens the joint until the cylinder fails during a dump cycle. A failed cylinder can leave the raised body unsupported or unable to move as intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. The operator is not given a dependable sound, warning light, or handling change tied to this defect before the cylinder lets go, so treat any dump-body cylinder concern as a service issue.
Who's affected?
Spans both Hxx and 2100 Plus trucks across the 2011-2017 model years, with Equipment listed for each affected configuration.
| 2011 Vactor Hxx | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2015 Vactor 2100 Plus | Equipment |
| 2013 Vactor 2100 Plus | Equipment |
| 2012 Vactor 2100 Plus | Equipment |
| 2017 Vactor Hxx | Equipment |
| 2016 Vactor Hxx | Equipment |
| 2014 Vactor Hxx | Equipment |
| 2014 Vactor 2100 Plus | Equipment |
| 2013 Vactor Hxx | Equipment |
| 2017 Vactor 2100 Plus | Equipment |
| 2012 Vactor Hxx | Equipment |
| 2015 Vactor Hxx | Equipment |
| 2016 Vactor 2100 Plus | Equipment |
| 2011 Vactor 2100 Plus | Equipment |
| Units affected | 1,130 |
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 failed hydraulic dump body cylinder during a dump cycle can let the dump body move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury. Keep people clear of the dump body during operation and stop the dump cycle if movement looks abnormal. Repair will be free at any franchised Vactor dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2017 Vactor Hxx or 2100 Plus is included in this recall.
- Contact Vactor customer service at 1-877-342-5374 for repair instructions if you have not received the owner notice.
- Schedule the free hydraulic dump body cylinder inspection and repair, which addresses cylinder corrosion that can let the dump body move during a dump cycle.
- Bring the recall notice if Vactor mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V133 when you call.
- Keep clear of the dump body during operation until the cylinder has been inspected and repaired or replaced.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vactor technician inspects the hydraulic dump body cylinder for corrosion at the threaded joint. If the cylinder is damaged or at risk of failure during the dump cycle, the technician repairs it or replaces the cylinder. Vactor's recall notice says the recall began on June 7, 2018, and the inspection and any needed cylinder repair or replacement are free of charge. If your vehicle is waiting for service, ask the service desk how to keep the dump body secured until the work is complete.
Timeline
| February 22, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 7, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V133?
Recall 18V133 covers 1,130 2011-2017 Vactor Hxx and 2100 Plus vacuum excavator trucks. The hydraulic dump body cylinder can corrode at the threaded joint and fail during a dump cycle, letting the dump body move unexpectedly and increasing injury risk.
What should I do if my 2011-2017 Vactor Hxx or 2100 Plus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V133. If it is, contact a Vactor dealer or Vactor customer service at 1-877-342-5374 to arrange inspection of the hydraulic cylinder. The dealer will repair or replace the cylinder for free as needed.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Vactor's remedy says dealers will inspect the hydraulic cylinder and repair or replace it free of charge as needed.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected dump body movement during a dump cycle. If the hydraulic dump body cylinder fails while the body is raised or moving, the dump body can move without warning and increase the risk of injury to anyone working near the truck.
When did Vactor start this recall repair?
Vactor began the recall on June 7, 2018. If your truck was never inspected or repaired, the recall still matters. Check your VIN, then call a Vactor dealer or Vactor customer service with recall 18V133.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V133000 |
|---|---|
| Vactor customer service | 1-877-342-5374 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V133 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V133000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →