2006–2008 K-Tec International Recall: Trailer Hitches
NHTSA campaign 08V083000 · Trailer Hitches · filed Feb 26, 2008 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
KAFFENBARGER TRUCK EQUIPMENT (K-TEC) IS RECALLING 129 MY 2006-2008 INTERNATIONAL CLASS 8 TRUCK TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH SAF-HOLLAND SIMPLEX FIFTH WHEELS. THE LATCH LEVER PIVOT BOLT ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED WHICH COULD DISTORT THE PIVOT BOLT SPACER SLEEVE. CORROSION OR CONTAMINATES IN THE PIVOT MAY CAUSE IT TO BIND AND PREVENT THE FIFTH WHEEL JAW FROM LATCHING SECURELY AROUND THE TRAILER KING PIN.
The risk
THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE FIFTH WHEEL MAY FAIL TO LATCH WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S KNOWLEDGE. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE DRIVER COULD DRIVE AWAY AND THE TRAILER COULD BECOME DISENGAGED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
K-TEC IS WORKING WITH SAF-HOLLAND. SAF-HOLLAND WILL SEND A REPAIR KIT TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAF-HOLLAND AT 1-888-396-6501 EXT. 4343 OR K-TEC AT 937-845-3804.
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| K-Tec | International | 2006, 2007, 2008 |
Related recalls
More K-Tec International recalls
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 08V083000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.