2003 Doepker Aluminum Bulker A-Train, 2001–2003 Doepker Steel Grain Bulker Pup Recall: CERTAIN TRAILERS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR…
NHTSA campaign 03V177000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · filed May 15, 2003 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
CERTAIN TRAILERS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE TRAILERS WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT ANTI-LOCKING BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) ON THE FRONT AXLES.
The risk
THE USE OF CONVENTIONAL (NON-ABS) BRAKES ON THE FRONT AXLE COULD ALLOW A WHEEL LOCKUP THAT COULD IN TURN LEAD TO JACKKNIFING THE TRAILER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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
DEALERS WILL INSTALL ABS ON THE FRONT AXLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 25, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DOEPKER AT 1-306-598-2171.
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Doepker | Aluminum Bulker A-Train | 2003 |
| Doepker | Steel Grain Bulker Pup | 2001, 2003 |
Related recalls
Other campaigns involving Doepker vehicles
All Doepker Aluminum Bulker A-Train recalls → · All Doepker recalls →
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 03V177000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.