Recall 19V492 affects 33 2018-2019 Jerr-Dan Heavy Duty Wrecker vehicles because remote-control software can stop the engine. Repair is free at a franchised Jerr-Dan dealer.
Jerr-Dan is recalling 33 2018-2019 Heavy Duty Wrecker vehicles equipped with the optional recovery remote control because the engine can shut down after 3 minutes of remote inactivity if the operator leaves the remote and control system switch on. An unexpected shutdown can increase crash risk, and Jerr-Dan dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The recovery remote control on 2018-2019 Jerr-Dan Heavy Duty Wrecker trucks is an extra operating station for the recovery equipment. It lets the operator run the boom and winches from the remote instead of from the main truck controls. That remote is supposed to control recovery functions, not stop the engine during truck operation.
On affected wreckers, the remote software uses a 3 minute inactivity timer. The timer is meant to shut the remote down after it sits idle, reducing unintended boom or winch movement. If the operator leaves the remote control system powered on, that same timer shuts down the truck's engine after the idle period.
Owners get no advance symptom before the shutdown. There is no warning sign before failure. The problem appears after the recovery remote has been used, left powered on, and then left idle for 3 minutes.
Who's affected?
The scope spans the 2018 and 2019 Heavy Duty Wrecker, with Engine listed as the component for both years.
| 2018 Jerr-Dan Heavy Duty Wrecker | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2019 Jerr-Dan Heavy Duty Wrecker | Engine |
| Units affected | 33 |
| 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 truck.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected engine shut down increases crash risk because the wrecker can lose engine power while it is moving. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the repair soon and tell the dealer the remote needs reprogramming. Repair is free at any franchised Jerr-Dan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Jerr-Dan Heavy Duty Wrecker is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jerr-Dan dealer to schedule the free remote reprogramming that prevents the recovery remote from shutting the engine down after 3 minutes of inactivity.
- Bring the recall notice if Jerr-Dan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V492 when you call.
- Call Jerr-Dan customer service at 1-800-926-9666 with questions about scheduling or the remote update.
- Switch off the remote and control system when the recovery remote is not in active use until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jerr-Dan technician reprograms the optional recovery remote so the remote inactivity logic no longer causes the truck engine to shut down after 3 minutes when the remote and control system switch are left on. The software update is free under recall 19V492, with parts and labor covered. Jerr-Dan has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related remote reprogramming repair. Bring repair documentation to the service desk or contact Jerr-Dan customer service to ask how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 26, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 15, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 23, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| August 23, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 23, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V492?
Recall 19V492 covers 33 2018-2019 Jerr-Dan Heavy Duty Wrecker vehicles equipped with the optional recovery remote control. If the remote and control system switch is left on, the engine can shut down after 3 minutes of remote inactivity. Jerr-Dan dealers will reprogram the remote for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Jerr-Dan Heavy Duty Wrecker is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific wrecker is included in recall 19V492. If it is, contact a Jerr-Dan dealer to schedule the remote reprogramming. Reference recall number 19V492 when you call. Jerr-Dan customer service is available at 1-800-926-9666.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Jerr-Dan will reprogram the affected recovery remote free of charge through its dealer network.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected engine shutdown. If the recovery remote system switch is left on and the remote is inactive for 3 minutes, the truck's engine can shut down, increasing crash risk. The free repair reprograms the remote to correct that condition.
When did the Jerr-Dan recall repair start?
The recall repair began August 15, 2019. That means the remote reprogramming is already available through Jerr-Dan dealers for included 2018-2019 Heavy Duty Wrecker vehicles.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V492000 |
|---|---|
| Jerr-Dan customer service | 1-800-926-9666 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V492 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V492000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →