Recall 18V218 affects 25 2015-2016 Doepker Hg Flatdeck Semi trailers for cracking lower rail flanges. Frame replacement is free at any franchised Doepker dealer.
Doepker is recalling 25 2015-2016 Hg Flatdeck Semi trailers because the lower rail main beam flanges can crack. That failure can let the load shift and spill onto the road, which increases crash risk, and Doepker dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The lower rail main beam flanges on the 2015-2016 Doepker Hg Flatdeck Semi trailers are part of the trailer's main frame. These flanges help the 53-foot flatdeck carry and spread the weight of the load, keeping the trailer level while it moves.
On the recalled trailers, the lower flanges were heated so they were easier to form against the web of the beam. The heated flanges were then welded to the colder web, and the metal contracted as it cooled. That process created thermal stress cracks, and galvanizing pushed hydrogen into those cracks, causing stress corrosion cracking in the main beam flanges.
An owner or driver can notice a sudden cant to either side if the rail snaps. The load can also suddenly deflect on one side, or the driver can hear a loud report like a rifle shot.
Who's affected?
The scope spans 2 model years for the same Hg Flatdeck Semi structural-frame issue.
| 2016 Doepker Hg Flatdeck Semi | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2015 Doepker Hg Flatdeck Semi | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 25 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific trailer.
What's the safety risk?
A load that shifts and spills onto the roadway increases crash risk. Watch for a sudden tilt to either side, a load deflecting on one side, or a loud report like a rifle shot. If that happens, stop hauling and contact a Doepker dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Doepker dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Doepker Hg Flatdeck Semi is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Doepker dealer to schedule the free frame replacement that addresses lower rail main beam flange cracking and load-shift risk.
- Ask Doepker or the dealer about a rental trailer while your trailer is being repaired.
- Bring the recall notice if Doepker mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V218 when you call.
- Avoid hauling if you see frame cracking or a shifting load, and call the dealer before using the trailer again.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Doepker technician replaces the trailer frame covered by recall 18V218. Doepker also provides rental trailers during the recall work, and the frame replacement is free. Because Doepker has a general reimbursement plan on file, owners who already paid for frame related recall repairs should ask Doepker customer service how to submit repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 5, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 11, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| April 13, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 20, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 1, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V218?
Recall 18V218 covers 25 2015-2016 Doepker Hg Flatdeck Semi trailers with lower rail main beam flanges that can crack. If the load shifts and spills onto the roadway, crash risk increases. Doepker dealers will provide rental trailers and replace the frames for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Doepker Hg Flatdeck Semi is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V218. If it is, contact a Doepker dealer or call Doepker customer service at 1-306-598-2171 to arrange the frame replacement. Reference recall number 18V218 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Doepker will replace the affected trailer frames free of charge. The remedy also includes rental trailers while the frame replacement is handled.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a crash from a shifted load. In affected trailers, cracked lower rail main beam flanges can let the load shift and spill onto the roadway. Keep using the VIN result and dealer guidance to decide when the trailer should return to service.
When did the Doepker frame recall repair start?
The recall repair began on May 1, 2018. Doepker notified owners and dealers were instructed to provide rental trailers and replace the frames free of charge. If you own one now, the VIN check is still the right first step.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V218000 |
|---|---|
| Doepker customer service | 1-306-598-2171 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V218 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V218000 |
Source documents
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 →