NHTSA vehicle safety data
2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 0 owner complaints on file as of October 16, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Charles Machine dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
TRAILER HITCHES
NHTSA #19V490000Reported June 25, 2019 · Charles Machine Works Inc
Potentially affected: 290 vehicles
Defect description
Charles Machine Works Inc (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT17, 2018-2019 VT20 and VT24 trailers. The lock nuts that attach the hitch to the trailer may be insufficient to clamp the load after the hitch height has been adjusted.
Safety consequence
Without a sufficient clamp load, the hitch may unexpectedly detach from the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Charles Machine has notified owners, and will provide new hardware, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles Machine's number for this recall is ID0568989.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
NHTSA #19V487000Reported June 21, 2019 · Charles Machine Works Inc
Potentially affected: 796 vehicles
Defect description
Charles Machine Works Inc. (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ditch Witch VT9, VT12, VT14, VT17, VT20 and VT24 trailers. The brake wire terminals may have been improperly crimped, which can result in the trailer brakes failing to apply when commanded.
Safety consequence
If the trailer brakes do not apply as expected, the distance required to stop the trailer may be lengthened, increasing the risk of crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Charles Machine has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake terminals with a machine terminal, free of charge. The recall began June 25, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
STRUCTURE
NHTSA #18V727000Reported October 18, 2018 · Charles Machine Works Inc
Potentially affected: 96 vehicles
Defect description
Charles Machine Works Inc (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT14, VT20 and VT24 trailers with HX30, HX50 or HX75 vacuum excavators equipped with an optional jib boom. The jib boom on these vehicles can become loose from the latching pin mechanism, allowing the boom to swing outside the trailer while being towed.
Safety consequence
If the jib boom swings outside the trailer while it is being towed, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Charles Machine will notify owners, and dealers will replace the latching pin with a hook mechanism that goes over the top of the arm, securing it to the trailer structure, free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2018. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles Machine's number for this recall is ID0502488.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Charles Machine Ditch Witch model years
Check your 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Charles Machine Ditch Witch at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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