Recall 20V085 covers 8,040 2010-2020 Vermeer BC1500, BC1000XL, BC1200XL, and AX19 brush chipper trailers with incorrect lug nuts. Repair is free at franchised Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer is recalling 8,040 2010-2020 BC1000XL, BC1200XL, BC1500, and AX19 brush chipper trailers because incorrect lug nuts can loosen while the trailer is moving. A detached wheel can become a road hazard or cause loss of trailer control, which increases crash risk; Vermeer dealers will install the correct lug nuts free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The wheel lugs and lug nuts on 2010-2020 Vermeer BC1500, BC1000XL, BC1200XL, and AX19 brush chipper trailers clamp each wheel to the axle hub. Each lug nut has a tapered seat that is supposed to match the wheel, so tightening the nut creates even clamping force around the wheel.
On affected trailers, the wheel and lug nut seating angle do not match the Vermeer specification. That mismatch leaves the nut sitting against the wheel incorrectly, so normal towing vibration and wheel load can work the nut loose after installation. Once enough clamping force is lost, the wheel is no longer held firmly to the hub.
The warning sign is loose or missing lug nuts. If you see a missing nut, a nut that will not stay tight, or wheel movement at the hub, the wheel attachment has already started to fail.
Who's affected?
Spans BC1500, BC1000XL, BC1200XL, and AX19 vehicles across the 2010-2020 model years, all tied to wheel fasteners.
| 2017 Vermeer BC1500 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
|---|---|
| 2017 Vermeer BC1000XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2019 Vermeer BC1200XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2018 Vermeer BC1200XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2019 Vermeer BC1500 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2018 Vermeer BC1500 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2016 Vermeer BC1200XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2018 Vermeer BC1000XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2019 Vermeer BC1000XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2020 Vermeer BC1000XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2016 Vermeer AX19 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2011 Vermeer BC1000XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2018 Vermeer AX19 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2020 Vermeer AX19 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2015 Vermeer BC1000XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2016 Vermeer BC1000XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2010 Vermeer BC1000XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2013 Vermeer BC1000XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2014 Vermeer BC1000XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2019 Vermeer AX19 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2017 Vermeer AX19 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2020 Vermeer BC1200XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2017 Vermeer BC1200XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2020 Vermeer BC1500 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2016 Vermeer BC1500 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2012 Vermeer BC1000XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| Units affected | 8,040 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose lug nuts can let a wheel detach while the vehicle is moving. The loose wheel can become a road hazard, and trailer control can be lost, increasing crash risk. Check for loose or missing lug nuts and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2020 Vermeer BC1500, BC1000XL, BC1200XL, or AX19 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Vermeer dealer to schedule the free repair.
- Schedule the wheel and tire assembly replacement, safety sign, placard, and manual update that address incorrect lug nuts and wheel maintenance.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. Reference recall number 20V085 when you call.
- Inspect the trailer wheels before use and stop towing if a wheel feels loose, vibrates, or shows lug-nut movement.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vermeer technician installs the replacement wheel and tire assembly, adds the new wheel maintenance safety sign, applies the tire specification placard, and provides the supplemental operator's and maintenance manual with wheel maintenance instructions. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. The dealer also confirms that the correct field remedy kit has been installed for the included BC1500, BC1000XL, BC1200XL, and AX19 brush chipper trailers.
Timeline
| February 13, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 18, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| July 6, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 6, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 14, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 28, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V085?
Recall 20V085 covers 8,040 2010-2020 Vermeer BC1500, BC1000XL, BC1200XL, and AX19 brush chipper trailers with incorrect lug nuts that can loosen. If a wheel detaches or trailer control is lost, crash risk increases. Vermeer dealers provide the replacement wheel and tire assembly, safety sign, tire placard, and manual supplement for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2020 Vermeer BC1500, BC1000XL, BC1200XL, or AX19 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific brush chipper trailer is included in recall 20V085. If it is, contact a franchised Vermeer dealer to schedule the lug-nut related wheel and tire repair. Reference recall 20V085 or Vermeer recall number IK3922 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Vermeer dealers provide the replacement wheel and tire assembly, new wheel maintenance safety sign, tire specification placard, and supplemental wheel maintenance instructions free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
Loose lug nuts can let a wheel detach while the trailer is moving or cause loss of trailer control. Either condition increases crash risk. Schedule the free Vermeer dealer repair and ask the dealer how to handle transport if you are concerned about moving the trailer.
When were owners notified about this Vermeer recall?
Vermeer began the recall on July 6, 2020, and owner renotification letters were mailed February 24, 2022. A missed letter does not decide coverage. Check your VIN, then contact a franchised Vermeer dealer or Vermeer customer service at 1-800-829-0051.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V085000 |
|---|---|
| Vermeer customer service | 1-800-829-0051 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V085 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V085000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →