Recall 24V098 affects 38 2016-2021 Vermeer BC1800XL brush chipper trailers for tongue weldment cracks. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer is recalling 38 2016-2021 BC1800XL brush chipper trailers because the tongue weldment can crack and separate from the tow hitch. A hitch separation can cause loss of control and increase the risk of a crash, and Vermeer dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tongue weldment on a 2016-2021 Vermeer BC1800XL brush chipper trailer is the welded drawbar structure at the front of the machine. It connects the chipper trailer to the tow hitch, so towing loads pass through that structure whenever the trailer starts, stops, turns, or travels over uneven ground.
On affected BC1800XL machines equipped with certain surge brake assemblies, the brake and hitch setup puts an unfavorable load pattern into the tongue weldment. That creates high-stress areas in the welded structure. Over time, those stress points can crack, and a cracked tongue weldment can separate from the tow hitch.
Owners or operators can look for visible cracks during routine machine maintenance and driver inspection. If cracking is found, Vermeer manuals direct repair or replacement before the machine is used again.
Who's affected?
Spans 6 model years, with the same tongue weldment listed for each year.
| 2021 Vermeer BC1800XL | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| 2020 Vermeer BC1800XL | Trailer hitches |
| 2016 Vermeer BC1800XL | Trailer hitches |
| 2017 Vermeer BC1800XL | Trailer hitches |
| 2019 Vermeer BC1800XL | Trailer hitches |
| 2018 Vermeer BC1800XL | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 38 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A hitch separation can cause loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Inspect the hitch area during routine maintenance and driver inspection, and treat any cracks as a reason to stop using the machine until it is repaired. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2021 Vermeer BC1800XL is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Vermeer dealer to schedule the free surge-brake tongue kit repair that reinforces the tongue weldment before it separates from the tow hitch.
- Bring the recall notice if Vermeer mailed one. If not, reference recall number 24V098 and Vermeer recall IK4524 when you call.
- Tow the chipper only as needed until the repair is complete, and stop using it if you see cracking or movement at the tongue weldment.
- Call Vermeer customer service at 1-800-829-0051, ext. 7060 with repair questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vermeer dealer technician installs the remedy kit by integrating a new surge brake tongue into the tongue weldment. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you paid for a related repair before the product safety alert field campaign, Vermeer reimburses documented repairs. Bring proof of repair and ask an authorized independent Vermeer dealer to start the reimbursement request.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 9, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 21, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| March 21, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 5, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 5, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 5, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V098?
Recall 24V098 covers 38 2016-2021 Vermeer BC1800XL brush chipper trailers with a tongue weldment that can crack and separate from the tow hitch. A hitch separation can cause loss of control and raise crash risk. Vermeer provides the remedy kit free of charge.
What should I do if my 2016-2021 Vermeer BC1800XL is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BC1800XL is included in recall 24V098. If it is, contact a Vermeer dealer or Vermeer customer service at 1-800-829-0051 to schedule the remedy kit installation. Reference Vermeer recall IK4524 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Vermeer will provide the remedy kit free of charge. The kit integrates a new surge brake tongue into the tongue weldment.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is hitch separation while the trailer is being towed. If the tongue weldment cracks and separates from the tow hitch, the driver can lose control, which raises the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN before towing the chipper again.
When were owners notified about recall 24V098?
Vermeer mailed owner notification letters on September 5, 2024. If you bought the chipper used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BC1800XL is included before scheduling the free remedy.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V098000 |
|---|---|
| Vermeer customer service | 1-800-829-0051 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V098 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V098000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →