Recall 20V564 affects 70 2018-2019 Fruehauf trailers with no bumper reinforcement gusset. Repair is free at any franchised Fruehauf dealer.
Fruehauf is recalling 70 2018-2019 Fruehauf trailers because a bumper reinforcement gusset was left out of the rear impact guard structure. Without that reinforcement, a passenger car can underride the trailer in a rear impact crash, increasing injury risk; Fruehauf dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear impact guard on the 2018-2019 Fruehauf trailer is the bumper structure at the back of the trailer. Its job is to help block a passenger vehicle from sliding under the trailer in a rear impact. A stainless steel gusset, a formed channel that braces the bumper assembly, is part of the structure needed for the guard to meet FMVSS 223 and 224.
On affected trailers, that reinforcement gusset was left out during production. The rear impact guard was designed and tested with the gusset installed, and the bumper assembly passed testing in that complete form. Without the gusset, the assembly does not meet the required strength standard for rear impact protection.
An owner or driver will not feel this defect during normal operation. There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is visible only by inspecting the rear bumper assembly and confirming whether the stainless steel gusset is installed.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2018 and 2019 model years under the same body structure component.
| 2018 Fruehauf Fruehauf | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2019 Fruehauf Fruehauf | body structure |
| Units affected | 70 |
| 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 trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A missing bumper gusset can let a passenger car travel under the trailer in a rear impact crash, increasing injury risk for people in the car. There is no warning sign before that crash condition. Schedule the recall repair soon and tell the dealer you need the bumper gusset installed. Repair is free at any franchised Fruehauf dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Fruehauf trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Fruehauf dealer to schedule the free bumper-gusset installation that restores the rear impact guard reinforcement.
- Bring the owner notice if Fruehauf mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V564 when you call.
- Use extra caution when towing before the repair, because the missing gusset affects rear impact guard protection.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Fruehauf technician installs the missing bumper reinforcement gusset so the rear impact guard has the reinforcement required for the recall. The service focuses on adding the omitted gusset, then checking that the bumper and related mounting points are secured before the trailer is returned. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the owner does not pay for this repair at a Fruehauf dealer.
Timeline
| September 18, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 1, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 1, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 1, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 10, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V564?
Recall 20V564 covers 70 2018-2019 Fruehauf FB 53 trailers with a missing bumper reinforcement gusset. Without the gusset, the rear impact guard does not meet the required rear-impact-protection standard. Fruehauf dealers install the bumper gusset for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Fruehauf Fruehauf is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 20V564. If it is, contact a franchised Fruehauf dealer to schedule the bumper gusset installation. Reference recall 20V564 or Fruehauf recall 3AW (WMI) when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects and compliance recalls at no cost to the owner. Fruehauf dealers install the missing bumper gusset free of charge, including covered parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is rear-impact underride. If the bumper gusset is missing, a passenger car can go under the trailer during a rear impact crash, increasing injury risk for passengers. The free dealer repair adds the missing gusset.
What if I bought this Fruehauf trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included, then call a franchised Fruehauf dealer with recall 20V564 or Fruehauf recall 3AW (WMI).
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V564000 |
|---|---|
| Fruehauf customer service | 55 5898 7800 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V564 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V564000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →