Recall 21V916 affects 1,054 2018-2022 Vermeer Vacuum Excavator vehicles for incorrect lug nut tightness instructions. Replacement manuals are free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer is recalling 1,054 2018-2022 Vacuum Excavator machines because the operator and maintenance manuals list the wrong lug nut tightness value. Lug nuts tightened to that value can come loose, letting a wheel fall off and increasing crash risk; a Vermeer dealer will complete the free recall repair.
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What's wrong?
The operator and maintenance manual for the 2018-2022 Vermeer Vacuum Excavator tells an owner or service technician how tightly to fasten the trailer wheel lug nuts. Lug nuts clamp each wheel to the hub, and the torque value is the exact tightness setting used with a torque wrench. On the 800-gallon tank configuration, that number matters because the wheel hardware depends on the specified clamp load.
In the affected manual, the lug nut tightness value is incorrect for the VX30, VX30G, and VX50 vacuum excavator trailer 800-gallon configuration. A technician following that manual can tighten the lug nuts to the listed value and still leave them improperly tightened. The defect is in the service information, not in a broken wheel part from the factory.
There is no warning sign before failure. Treat a recent wheel service or manual-based lug nut adjustment as the point to stop and confirm the correct Vermeer torque value before the excavator trailer is used again.
Who's affected?
Both Vermeer and Mclaughlin listings point to the same English operator's manual across the 2018-2022 model years.
| 2018 Vermeer Vacuum Excavator | vehicle equipment |
|---|---|
| 2022 Vermeer Vacuum Excavator | vehicle equipment |
| 2019 Vermeer Vacuum Excavator | vehicle equipment |
| 2021 Vermeer Vacuum Excavator | vehicle equipment |
| 2018 Mclaughlin Vacuum Excavator | vehicle equipment |
| 2022 Mclaughlin Vacuum Excavator | vehicle equipment |
| 2021 Mclaughlin Vacuum Excavator | vehicle equipment |
| 2020 Mclaughlin Vacuum Excavator | vehicle equipment |
| 2019 Mclaughlin Vacuum Excavator | vehicle equipment |
| 2020 Vermeer Vacuum Excavator | vehicle equipment |
| Units affected | 1,054 |
| 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 vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Improperly tightened lug nuts can loosen during travel, letting a wheel separate and increasing crash risk. Before using the Vacuum Excavator, confirm the recall repair is complete and ask the dealer how the updated manual changes wheel service procedures. Schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2022 Vermeer or McLaughlin Vacuum Excavator is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Vermeer dealer to schedule the free replacement manuals that give the correct lug-nut tightness value.
- Bring the recall notice if Vermeer mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V916 when you call.
- Avoid using the excavator until the correct manual is in place and the lug nuts are tightened to the corrected value.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vermeer technician or service desk provides replacement operator and maintenance manuals with the corrected lug nut tightness value. The updated manuals are supplied through a Vermeer field remedy kit ordered by the dealer. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor for the manual replacement are covered. If the kit is not in stock, ask the dealer when the updated manuals will be ready for pickup or installation with the machine records.
Timeline
| November 22, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 6, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| January 6, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 20, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 20, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V916?
Recall 21V916 covers 1,054 2018-2022 Vermeer Vacuum Excavators with 800-gallon tank configurations. The operator and maintenance manuals list the wrong lug nut tightness value, which can leave lug nuts improperly tightened. Vermeer dealers will provide replacement manuals for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2022 Vermeer Vacuum Excavator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific equipment is included in recall 21V916. If it is, contact a franchised Vermeer dealer and ask for the replacement operator and maintenance manuals. Reference recall number 21V916 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to correct safety defects at no cost, and Vermeer will provide the replacement operator and maintenance manuals free of charge through its dealer network.
What is the safety risk?
Improperly tightened lug nuts can come loose and cause a wheel to fall off, which increases crash risk. The recall fix addresses the incorrect manual instructions by giving owners the correct operator and maintenance manuals.
When were owners notified about recall 21V916?
Vermeer mailed owner notification letters on January 20, 2022. If you bought the equipment used or never received the letter, check your VIN and reference recall number 21V916 when you contact a Vermeer dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V916000 |
|---|---|
| Vermeer customer service | 1-800-829-0051 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V916 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V916000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →