Recall 23V381 covers 38 2022-2023 Knapheide-modified work trucks with WARN winch remotes that corrode and operate unintentionally. Free remote replacement is available through WARN.
Knapheide is recalling 38 2022-2023 Ram 3500, Ford F-350, Ford F-250, Ford F-550, Gm 2500HD, and Gm 3500 vehicles under recall 23V381 because water can enter the Warn winch remote and corrode the circuit board. The winch can operate unintentionally, which increases injury risk, and a Ram dealer will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The recalled part is the Warn Industries VR EVO winch handheld remote installed on certain 2022-2023 Knapheide-upfitted Ram 3500, Ford F-250, Ford F-350, Ford F-550, Gm 2500HD, and Gm 3500 trucks. The remote tells the winch when to spool cable in or out, either wirelessly or through a corded connection. When it works correctly, the winch moves only when the operator presses the control.
On affected trucks, water can get inside the wireless-capable remote. Once moisture reaches the circuit board, corrosion forms on contact points that carry the control signal. That corrosion can make the winch start running when no one asked for it, or keep running after the switch button is released. Removing the battery pack disables wireless operation, and unplugging the remote when the winch is not in use removes the control path.
The warning sign is audible. The driver or winch operator can hear the winch motor running when it was not intended to run. Treat that sound as a sign that the remote is controlling the winch incorrectly.
Who's affected?
Covers six truck models from the 2022 and 2023 model years, all equipped with the same winch remote control.
| 2022 Knapheide Ram 3500 | Winch |
|---|---|
| 2022 Knapheide Ford F-350 | Winch |
| 2022 Knapheide Ford F-250 | Winch |
| 2022 Knapheide Ford F-550 | Winch |
| 2023 Knapheide Gm 2500HD | Winch |
| 2022 Knapheide Gm 2500HD | Winch |
| 2023 Knapheide Gm 3500 | Winch |
| Units affected | 38 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year, chassis model, and Knapheide equipment narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unintended winch operation can injure someone near the vehicle or winch. A warning sign is the winch motor running when no one is operating it. If that happens, stop using the remote and keep people clear of the winch until it is inspected. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2023 Knapheide Ram 3500, Ford F-350, Ford F-250, Ford F-550, Gm 2500HD, or Gm 3500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free winch remote inspection and replacement path for the wireless remote that allows unintended winch operation when water corrodes the circuit board.
- Remove the battery pack from the wireless winch remote and disable the wireless function until the free replacement remote is installed.
- Stop using the remote if you find corrosion or water intrusion when removing the battery pack.
- Call Knapheide customer service at 217-222-7131 with questions and reference recall number 23V381 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician follows the Knapheide and WARN instructions for the winch remote. The remote battery pack is removed so the handheld control is inspected for corrosion or water intrusion, and the wireless function is disabled. If corrosion or water intrusion is found, stop using the remote and contact WARN customer service for a free replacement remote. WARN provides the replacement water resistant remote free of charge, and parts and related handling are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| May 26, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 20, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| June 30, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 30, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 13, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V381?
Recall 23V381 covers 38 2022-2023 Knapheide upfitted Ram, Ford, and Gm work vehicles with certain Warn Industries VR EVO winches. Water can enter the wireless handheld remote, corrode the circuit board, and let the winch operate unintentionally, increasing injury risk.
What should I do if my 2022-2023 Knapheide Ram 3500, Ford F-350, Ford F-250, Ford F-550, Gm 2500HD, or Gm 3500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V381. If it is, follow Knapheide and Warn's instructions to inspect the winch remote, remove the battery pack to disable the wireless function, and stop using the remote if you find corrosion or water intrusion.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost. Knapheide is working with Warn to provide inspection instructions and, when corrosion or water intrusion is found, a replacement remote free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unintentionally operating winch. If water corrodes the remote control circuit board, the winch can run without command and increase the risk of injury. Until the remote is inspected, disable the wireless function by removing the battery pack from the remote.
When were owner letters mailed for recall 23V381?
Knapheide mailed owner notification letters on October 13, 2023. Used-vehicle owners and fleet operators still need to check the VIN, since a mailed notice can miss a current owner or reach the prior registered owner.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V381000 |
|---|---|
| Knapheide customer service | 217-222-7131 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V381 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V381000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →