Recall 20V344 affects 55 2020 Vermeer BC1200XL and BC1500 wood chippers for loose wheel lug nuts. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer is recalling 55 2020 BC1200XL and BC1500 wood chippers because the wheel lug nuts can loosen and fall off, allowing a wheel to detach. A wheel that separates while the chipper is moving increases crash risk, and a Vermeer dealer will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The wheel and lug nuts on a 2020 Vermeer BC1200XL or BC1500 wood chipper hold the tire and wheel assembly tight to the axle hub while the chipper is towed. The lug nuts clamp the wheel against the hub so the wheel stays centered and secure under road vibration and load.
On affected chippers, the 16-inch wheel assembly supplied as a replacement part has a manufacturing variance in the lug nut seat area. That variance allows the lug nut to bottom out before it fully clamps the wheel. Once the clamp load is weak, road vibration works the lug nuts loose. If enough lug nuts fall off, the wheel can separate from the machine.
The warning sign is loose or missing lug nuts. Owners inspecting the chipper before towing should look for nuts that are backed off, absent, or associated with visible wheel damage.
Who's affected?
Covers the BC1200XL and BC1500, with the same wheel fastener component listed for each model.
| 2020 Vermeer BC1200XL | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
|---|---|
| 2020 Vermeer BC1500 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| Units affected | 55 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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?
A wheel detachment while the vehicle is moving increases the risk of a crash. Loose or missing lug nuts are the warning sign. If you find either condition, stop using the vehicle and contact a Vermeer dealer before moving it again. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Vermeer BC1200XL or BC1500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Vermeer dealer to schedule the free wheel repair, replacing the 16-inch wheels with 17.5-inch wheel and tire assemblies so the loose-lug-nut issue is corrected.
- Bring the recall notice if Vermeer has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V344 when you call.
- Limit road travel until the repair is complete, since loose lug nuts can let a wheel detach while the chipper is moving.
- Call Vermeer customer service at 1-800-829-0051 with questions before your dealer appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vermeer technician replaces the 16 inch wheels with 17.5 inch wheel and tire assemblies. The technician also replaces the matching maintenance sign, specification placard, and supplemental operator information so the machine matches the new wheel setup. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you paid for this repair before the product safety alert field campaign, Vermeer offers reimbursement. Provide proof of repair and ask an authorized, independent Vermeer dealer to start the reimbursement request.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 11, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 16, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| July 16, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 30, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 30, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 30, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V344?
Recall 20V344 covers 55 2020 Vermeer BC1200XL and BC1500 wood chippers with wheel lug nuts that can loosen and fall off. If the wheel detaches while the chipper is moving, crash risk increases. Vermeer dealers replace the wheels, tires, labels, placard, and operator information for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Vermeer BC1200XL or BC1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific wood chipper is included in recall 20V344. If it is, contact a franchised Vermeer dealer to schedule the wheel and tire assembly replacement. Reference recall number 20V344 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the Vermeer recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 20V344, Vermeer dealers replace the 16-inch wheels with 17.5-inch wheel and tire assemblies, plus the related maintenance sign, specification placard, and operator information, free of charge.
Is it safe to use my Vermeer wood chipper before the repair?
Use the VIN result and dealer guidance to decide. Recall 20V344 involves wheel lug nuts that can loosen and let a wheel detach while the chipper is moving, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before towing or operating it again.
When did the Vermeer recall repair start?
The recall repair began July 30, 2020. Since recall 20V344 is available, a franchised Vermeer dealer can perform the remedy now. Vermeer customer service is also listed at 1-800-829-0051 for owners who need help connecting the recall number to a service appointment.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V344000 |
|---|---|
| Vermeer customer service | 1-800-829-0051 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V344 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V344000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →