Recall 21V270 covers 286 2015-2021 Vermeer AX19 brush chipper trailers for undercarriage frame cracks. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer is recalling 286 2015-2021 AX19 brush chipper trailers because cracks in the undercarriage frame can bend the frame. A bent frame raises the risk of loss of control and a crash, and Vermeer dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The mainframe on 2015-2021 Vermeer AX19 brush chipper trailers is the welded steel structure under the machine. It supports the chipper body, axle area, fenders, and connection loads while the trailer is towed and while the chipper is working. The frame has to keep those loads aligned so the trailer tracks straight behind the tow vehicle.
On affected AX19 trailers, a crack can form in the undercarriage frame. Vermeer field reports found a cracked and distorted frame, including a left frame channel cracked completely through. Once the frame cracks, the undercarriage loses stiffness and the frame can bend instead of holding the trailer structure square.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should look for visible cracking, distortion, or a frame that no longer appears straight during inspection, but the recall record does not identify an alert, noise, or other operator warning that comes before the frame damage.
Who's affected?
Spans seven AX19 model years, all tied to the same mainframe component.
| 2019 Vermeer AX19 | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2017 Vermeer AX19 | body or structural component |
| 2021 Vermeer AX19 | body or structural component |
| 2018 Vermeer AX19 | body or structural component |
| 2016 Vermeer AX19 | body or structural component |
| 2015 Vermeer AX19 | body or structural component |
| 2020 Vermeer AX19 | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 286 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A bent frame can cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, arrange service soon and limit use until the frame repair is complete. Treat any handling change as a reason to stop and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2021 Vermeer AX19 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Vermeer dealer to schedule the free repair for the undercarriage frame crack and bending risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Vermeer mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V270 when you call.
- Stop using the chipper trailer and contact the dealer if the frame looks bent, cracked, or unstable before the repair.
- Call Vermeer customer service at 1-800-829-0051 with recall questions.
What happens at the repair
At an authorized Vermeer dealer, a Vermeer technician handles the undercarriage frame recall procedure for the AX19 brush chipper trailer and repairs the frame condition covered by campaign 21V270. The recall work is free. Vermeer has mailed owner letters, and the dealer is the place to confirm the current repair instructions for your trailer. If you already paid for a related 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
| April 21, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 17, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 23, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| June 23, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 7, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 7, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V270?
Recall 21V270 covers 286 2015-2021 Vermeer AX19 brush chipper trailers with an undercarriage frame that can crack and bend. A bent frame can cause loss of control and increase crash risk. Vermeer handles this recall under number IK4078.
What should I do if my 2015-2021 Vermeer AX19 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific chipper trailer is included in recall 21V270. If it is, contact a franchised Vermeer dealer or Vermeer customer service at 1-800-829-0051 and reference recall IK4078. The recall repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V270, contact a franchised Vermeer dealer or Vermeer customer service and reference Vermeer recall number IK4078 when arranging the repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of control. The undercarriage frame can crack and bend, and a bent frame can make the AX19 brush chipper trailer harder to control, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free recall repair.
What if I bought this Vermeer AX19 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the specific VIN, not the first owner. If you never received a Vermeer letter, check your VIN, then contact a franchised Vermeer dealer or Vermeer customer service with recall number 21V270 or IK4078.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V270000 |
|---|---|
| Vermeer customer service | 1-800-829-0051 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V270 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V270000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →