Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The IMT Smart Steer Axle on affected 2017-2020 Mac Trailers Dump Trailer units is a self steer axle, which lets the trailer axle steer with the turn instead of scrubbing the tires sideways. The steering arm links that movement to the steering knuckle, the pivoting part at the wheel end of the axle. That joint has to stay tight as the loaded trailer turns at low speed.
On these trailers, the steering arm attachment does not have enough strength for certain low-speed, high-side loading maneuvers. The bolted joint at the knuckle can separate when the side load is high. If the arm detaches, steering control at that axle is lost and dragging parts or loose debris can end up on the road.
Owners can notice the steer axle wheels castering on their own, meaning they swing or trail without normal control. Noise from dragging parts is another warning sign before the assembly has fully failed.
Who's affected?
Spans 4 model years, with the same IMT Smart Steer Axle listed under steering linkage and steering system.
| 2018 Mac Trailers Dump Trailer | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mac Trailers Dump Trailer | steering system |
| 2019 Mac Trailers Dump Trailer | steering linkage |
| 2019 Mac Trailers Dump Trailer | steering system |
| 2020 Mac Trailers Dump Trailer | steering linkage |
| 2020 Mac Trailers Dump Trailer | steering system |
| 2017 Mac Trailers Dump Trailer | steering linkage |
| 2017 Mac Trailers Dump Trailer | steering system |
| Units affected | 53 |
| 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 trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A detached steering arm can cause loss of steering control. Loose attachment hardware can also fall onto the road and create a hazard for other drivers, increasing crash risk. If the steer axle wheels caster independently or you hear dragging parts, stop using the trailer and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mac Trailers dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2020 Mac Trailers Dump Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mac Trailers dealer to schedule the free steering-arm inspection and weld repair that keeps the arm attached to the steering knuckle.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V501 when you call.
- Avoid low-speed, high-side loading maneuvers until the repair is complete, because a detached steering arm can cause loss of steering control or dropped hardware.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mac Trailers technician inspects the steering arm on the affected dump trailer and applies welds where required to secure the repair. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the dealer repair is free now. Mac Trailers has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related steering arm repair before the recall notice. Contact Mac Trailer customer service or ask the service desk how to submit repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 1, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 19, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 23, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 7, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V501?
Recall 21V501 covers 53 2017-2020 Mac Trailers Dump Trailer units 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, causing loss of steering control or road-hazard hardware. Dealers will inspect the steering arm and weld it for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2020 Mac Trailers Dump Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V501. If it is, contact a Mac Trailers dealer to schedule the steering-arm inspection and weld repair. Reference recall number 21V501 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mac Trailers dealers will inspect the steering arm and apply welds free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trailers included in recall 21V501.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of steering control. In recall 21V501, the steering arm can detach from the steering knuckle, and loose attachment hardware can fall onto the road. Both conditions increase crash risk, so confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair.
When were owners notified about recall 21V501?
Mac Trailers mailed owner notifications on September 7, 2021. If you bought the trailer used or never received a letter, the notice status does not decide coverage. Check your VIN, then call a Mac Trailers dealer or Mac Trailer customer service at 1-330-823-9900.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V501000 |
|---|---|
| Mac Trailers customer service | 1-330-823-9900 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V501 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V501000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →