Recall 18V649 affects 47 2018 Multiquip Water Trailers with incorrect axle ratings. Repair is free at any franchised Multiquip dealer.
Multiquip is recalling 47 2018 Water Trailers because their axles carry the wrong Gross Axle Weight Rating, 2,470 lbs instead of the intended 3,500 lbs. The incorrect rating can lead to axle overload and failure, increasing crash risk, and Multiquip dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle assembly on a 2018 Multiquip Water Trailers unit carries the trailer load and supports the wheels while the trailer moves. Its Gross Axle Weight Rating, or GAWR, is the maximum load the axle is built to carry safely. These trailers were supposed to have axle assemblies rated at 3,500 lbs.
On recalled trailers, the axle assemblies were supplied with the correct Multiquip part number 29396, but the axle itself was rated at 2,470 lbs. The error came from a supplier labeling problem. The incorrect axle has a 2.375 inch tube and markings for 2,470 lbs, while the correct axle has a 3 inch tube and markings for 3,500 lbs.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner will not necessarily feel, hear, or see a driving symptom before the axle is overloaded against its actual rating. The practical check is the axle rating label and tube marking.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Multiquip Water Trailers | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 47 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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 wrong axle assemblies are on the trailer, overload can make the axles fail and increase the risk of a crash. Avoid carrying loads that strain the trailer, and schedule the axle replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised Multiquip dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Multiquip Water Trailers is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Multiquip dealer to schedule the free axle assembly replacement that corrects the overloaded-axle failure risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V649 when you call.
- Avoid overloading the trailer until the axle assemblies are replaced.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Multiquip technician replaces the axle assemblies covered by recall 18V649. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Multiquip will reimburse included customers through its Warranty Claim process. If you already paid for an axle related repair before the recall work, ask the service desk to open a warranty claim and bring paperwork that shows the repair and payment.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 8, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V649?
Recall 18V649 covers 47 2018 Multiquip Water Trailers, models WTE5C and WTE5HP, with axle assemblies marked for a 2,470 lb gross axle weight rating instead of the intended 3,500 lb rating. The wrong axles can fail when overloaded, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2018 Multiquip Water Trailers is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V649. If it is, contact a franchised Multiquip dealer to schedule axle assembly replacement. Reference recall number 18V649 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Multiquip dealers will replace the axle assemblies free of charge. You can also contact Multiquip customer service at 1-800-421-1244 for recall scheduling help.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is axle failure from overload. These trailers have axles rated at 2,470 lb instead of the intended 3,500 lb rating, so loading the trailer as expected for the higher rating can overload the axle assembly and increase crash risk.
When did Multiquip start notifying owners?
Multiquip began the recall on October 1, 2018. If you bought the trailer used or never received a notice, the VIN check still decides whether your specific trailer is included. A franchised Multiquip dealer can perform the axle replacement for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V649000 |
|---|---|
| Multiquip customer service | 1-800-421-1244 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V649 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V649000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →