Swing-away boat trailer tongue failures

What NHTSA is examining

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) alleging a failure of the swing-away hitch pivot bolt resulting in a loss of control.This condition could potentially increase the risk of a crash.During the investigation, ODI collected and reviewed subject and peer vehicle information related to the alleged defect.ODI selected model year 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Tracker Marine trailers with swing-away hitches as peer vehicles.ODI sent an Information Request letter to Tracker Marine in order to collect complaint, warranty, parts sales, and design information.Tracker Marine provided all requested information and provided additional clarification upon request.A thorough review of available data revealed no crashes, injuries, or property damage claims.ODI did identify 11 warranty claims on the subject vehicles and 9 warranty claims on peer vehicles that indicated the hitch failed in some way.Tracker Marine provided additional details about each claim. ODI determined of nine claims which indicated the hitch pin or bolt was replaced, no replacements were due to a structural failure of the pin or bolt.Most of the pins were replaced due to damage to the pull ring, which has no effect on the integrity of the hitch.Another nine claims indicated that the pin or pivot tube was cracked.This would result in excessive play and warn the driver that they needed to have the hitch repaired. The remaining 2 cases had insufficient…

Vehicles under investigation