Recall 21V125 affects 19 2020-2021 Oshkosh S-Series vehicles for improperly heat-treated rear output shafts. Repair is free at any franchised Oshkosh dealer.
Oshkosh is recalling 19 2020-2021 S-Series vehicles because an improperly heat-treated rear axle output shaft can fracture. If the shaft or interaxle driveline detaches from the vehicle, crash or injury risk increases, and Oshkosh dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The output shaft in the 2020-2021 Oshkosh S-Series is a rotating powertrain shaft that sends drive force from the transmission and axle assembly toward the driveline. It has to stay straight, hard, and intact while carrying heavy torque as the vehicle moves.
On included S-Series vehicles, the shaft went through an induction hardening process with incorrect machine settings. That process over heat-treated certain output shafts, which left the metal weaker than intended for the load it carries. Under use, the shaft can fracture, and the connected driveline yoke retaining hardware or shaft section can separate from the vehicle.
The warning sign is vibration while driving. If you feel new or unusual vibration in an included Oshkosh S-Series, treat it as a sign that the shaft needs inspection before the failure reaches detachment.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2020 and 2021 S-Series, with both automatic and manual transmission listings tied to the output shaft.
| 2020 Oshkosh S-Series | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2020 Oshkosh S-Series | manual transmission |
| 2021 Oshkosh S-Series | automatic transmission |
| 2021 Oshkosh S-Series | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 19 |
| 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?
A fractured rear output shaft can let the shaft or interaxle driveline detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Vibration before detachment is the warning sign to take seriously. Pull over safely and arrange service if new vibration appears. Repair is free at any franchised Oshkosh dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Oshkosh S-Series is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Oshkosh dealer to schedule the free rear axle output shaft inspection and replacement that addresses the fracture risk.
- Bring the owner notice if Oshkosh sent one. If not, reference recall number 21V125 when you call.
- Ask Oshkosh customer service at 1-888-686-7278 whether the shaft must be ordered before your repair appointment.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection or replacement is complete, since a fractured shaft or interaxle driveline can detach from the vehicle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Oshkosh technician inspects the rear axle output shaft to confirm whether the shaft was heat treated properly. If the shaft is affected, the replacement output shaft is ordered and installed free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under recall 21V125. Oshkosh has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you already paid for an output shaft repair tied to this defect, contact Oshkosh customer service and ask what documentation is needed for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 26, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 31, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 31, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V125?
Recall 21V125 covers 19 2020-2021 Oshkosh S-Series vehicles with a rear axle output shaft that was not heat-treated properly. The shaft can fracture, and the shaft or interaxle driveline can detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Oshkosh will inspect and replace the shaft for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Oshkosh S-Series is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V125. If it is, contact an Oshkosh service location and ask for the rear axle output shaft inspection. If the shaft is affected, Oshkosh will order a replacement and install it free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Oshkosh says the output shaft inspection and needed replacement are free. The recall repair applies through Oshkosh service support, regardless of where the vehicle is used or serviced.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the rear output shaft can fracture. If that happens, the shaft or interaxle driveline can detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Until your VIN and shaft status are confirmed, ask Oshkosh service what operating guidance applies to your vehicle.
When did Oshkosh notify owners about recall 21V125?
Oshkosh began the recall on March 31, 2021. Owner instructions directed affected owners to inspect the rear axle output shaft and order a replacement when needed. If you bought the S-Series used or never received a notice, check your VIN and reference recall 21V125 when contacting service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V125000 |
|---|---|
| Oshkosh customer service | 1-888-686-7278 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V125 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V125000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →