Recall 21V489 affects 295 2018-2021 East Manufacturing Mmx trailers for a steering arm that can detach. Repair is free at any franchised East Manufacturing dealer.
East Manufacturing is recalling 295 2018-2021 Mmx trailers equipped with Ingersoll Smart-Steer self-steer axles because the steering arm can detach from the steering knuckle during low-speed, high-side loading maneuvers. The defect can cause loss of steering control, and loose attachment hardware can fall into the road, which increases crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Smart-Steer 2.0 Self Steer Axle on 2018-2021 East Manufacturing Mmx trailers is built to help the trailer axle follow the turn instead of dragging through it. Its steer arm assembly connects steering movement at the axle to the steering knuckle, the joint that lets the wheel end pivot. When that connection stays intact, the axle tracks through low-speed turns and loading movements as designed.
On affected trailers, the steering arm can detach from the steering knuckle during low-speed, high-side loading maneuvers. That separation breaks the mechanical link that guides the wheel end. Once the arm is loose, the self-steer axle no longer controls wheel direction the way it was designed to control it.
There is no warning sign before failure. The trailer can appear normal during a walkaround until the steer arm assembly separates, so owners should treat VIN confirmation as the deciding step.
Who's affected?
The 2018-2021 Mmx trailers are grouped under steering linkage and steering system components, both tied to the Smart-Steer 2.0 self-steer axle.
| 2021 East Manufacturing Mmx | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2021 East Manufacturing Mmx | steering system |
| 2020 East Manufacturing Mmx | steering linkage |
| 2020 East Manufacturing Mmx | steering system |
| 2019 East Manufacturing Mmx | steering linkage |
| 2019 East Manufacturing Mmx | steering system |
| 2018 East Manufacturing Mmx | steering linkage |
| 2018 East Manufacturing Mmx | steering system |
| Units affected | 295 |
| 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 detached steering arm can cause loss of steering control. Attachment hardware can also fall from the trailer and create a road hazard, increasing crash risk for the driver and others nearby. Schedule the inspection promptly, and avoid moving the trailer if steering parts look loose. Repair will be free at any franchised East Manufacturing dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2021 East Manufacturing Mmx trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised East Manufacturing dealer to schedule the free steering-arm inspection and weld repair that keeps the arm attached to the steering knuckle.
- Bring the owner letter if East Manufacturing mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V489 when you call.
- Avoid low-speed, high-side loading maneuvers until the repair is complete.
- Call East Manufacturing customer service at 1-352-861-3612 with questions about the trailer or dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
Once the repair is available, an East Manufacturing technician will inspect the steering arm on the trailer and apply welds where needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. East Manufacturing has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for related repairs before the recall notice. Contact East Manufacturing customer service at 1-352-861-3612 or ask the service desk what documentation it requires for a reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 19, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| June 29, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V489?
Recall 21V489 covers 295 2018-2021 East Manufacturing Mmx trailers equipped with Ingersoll Smart-Steer self steer axles. The steering arm can detach from the steering knuckle during certain low-speed, high-side loading maneuvers. Dealers will inspect the steering arm and apply welds for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2021 East Manufacturing Mmx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V489. If it is, contact an East Manufacturing dealer or East Manufacturing customer service at 1-352-861-3612 to arrange the steering-arm inspection and weld repair. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V489, dealers will inspect the steering arm and apply the required welds free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control if the steering arm detaches from the steering knuckle. Loose attachment hardware also creates a road hazard. East Manufacturing reported that both conditions increase crash risk, and the free dealer repair addresses the steering-arm attachment.
When were owners notified about recall 21V489?
East Manufacturing mailed owner notification letters on May 19, 2021. If you bought the trailer used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 21V489 when you contact an East Manufacturing dealer or customer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V489000 |
|---|---|
| East Manufacturing customer service | 1-352-861-3612 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V489 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V489000 |
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →