Recall 85V-173: 1984–1985 Automatic Equipment Automatic Equipment

AUTOMATIC EQUIP. MFG. CO. recall for trailer hitches, reported to NHTSA on Dec 26, 1985, covering about 500 vehicles.

NHTSA number
85V-173
Report date
Dec 26, 1985
Vehicles affected
500
Owners notified
Jan 30, 1986

The risk

These cracks eventually increase and fatigue the tongue mount to the point where the trailer could break away from the car and roll uncontrollably on the highway and possibly cause an accident.

The fix

Reinforcement angle plates will be welded to the under side of the tongue mount and any of the potential crack areas which have cracks will be rewelded.

Notes

System: frame/structure.vehicle description: car trailer. Descriptionof defect: the tongue mount welds at the main point of attachmentto the trailer cracks due to unexpected stresses.

Recall details

ManufacturerAUTOMATIC EQUIP. MFG. CO.
ComponentTrailer Hitches
Recall started bythe manufacturer
NHTSA campaign number85V173000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
Automatic Equipment Automatic Equipment1984, 1985All years

Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 85V-173?

A safety recall filed with NHTSA.

How is recall 85V-173 fixed?

Reinforcement angle plates will be welded to the under side of the tongue mount and any of the potential crack areas which have cracks will be rewelded.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.