Recall 19V346 affects 160 2018 Hercules Enterprises Container Chassis trailers for an improperly installed wheel end nut locking device. All affected axles have been repaired.
Hercules Enterprises is recalling 160 2018 Container Chassis trailers under recall 19V346 because the wheel end nut locking device was not properly installed, which can let the wheel separate from the axle. A wheel detachment raises the risk of a crash, and a Hercules Enterprises dealer will complete the free repair once the remedy is open.
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 wheel end on a Container Chassis trailer is the assembly at the outer tip of each axle that holds the wheel and bearings in place. A spindle nut threads onto the axle to clamp the bearings at the correct preload, and a locking device holds that nut in position so it cannot back off while the trailer is in motion. When the locking device is installed correctly, the wheel end stays seated on the axle for the life of the part.
On affected 2018 Hercules Enterprises trailers, the Stemco Pro Torq spindle nut on axles supplied by AXN Heavy Duty was not always installed correctly. With the locking device out of position, the spindle nut can loosen over time from normal road vibration. Once the nut backs off far enough, the wheel end separates from the axle and the wheel can come off the trailer in transit.
There is no warning sign before failure. The separation can happen without any prior noise, vibration, or handling change to alert the driver.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Hercules Enterprises Container Chassis | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 160 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
A detached wheel can strike other vehicles, leave the chassis stranded in traffic, and cause a crash. Treat any wobble, unusual vibration, or loose-feeling axle as a reason to stop and have the chassis inspected before further use. Repair is free at any franchised Hercules Enterprises dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Hercules Enterprises Container Chassis is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hercules Enterprises dealer to schedule the wheel-end nut locking device service that secures the wheel to the axle.
- Bring the recall notice if Hercules Enterprises has mailed one, and reference recall number 19V346 when you call.
- Call Hercules Enterprises customer service at 1-908-369-0000 with questions about repair status, since the recall began September 6, 2018 and affected axles have been repaired per the manufacturer.
- Inspect the wheel ends before towing and avoid use if you notice loose hardware, unusual play, or signs of separation at the axle.
What happens at the repair
All affected axles have already been repaired, according to Hercules Enterprises. The recall began September 6, 2018, and the wheel end nut locking device fix has been completed across the population of 2018 Hercules Container Chassis trailers covered by campaign 19V346. If you own one of these trailers and want to confirm the repair was performed on your specific unit, or you have questions about the work, contact Hercules Enterprises customer service at 1-908-369-0000.
Timeline
| September 6, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| May 7, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V346?
Recall 19V346 covers 160 2018 Hercules Enterprises Container Chassis trailers with a wheel end nut locking device that was not properly installed. The defect can allow the wheel end to separate from the axle, increasing crash risk. Hercules Enterprises reports that all affected axles have been repaired.
What should I do if my 2018 Hercules Enterprises Container Chassis is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 19V346. If it is, contact Hercules Enterprises customer service at 1-908-369-0000 to confirm the axle repair status on your unit. Reference recall number 19V346 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform the recall repair at no cost to the owner. Hercules Enterprises reports that all affected axles have been repaired under recall 19V346. Contact Hercules Enterprises at 1-908-369-0000 to confirm the repair history on your specific trailer.
What is the safety risk?
A wheel detachment increases the risk of a crash. If the wheel end nut locking device was not properly installed, the wheel end can separate from the axle while the trailer is in motion. Confirm the axle repair on your unit before returning the trailer to service.
What if I bought my Hercules Enterprises trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your trailer is included in recall 19V346, and contact Hercules Enterprises at 1-908-369-0000 to verify that the axle work was completed on your specific unit.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V346000 |
|---|---|
| Hercules Enterprises customer service | 1-908-369-0000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V346 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V346000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 →