Savannah, GA — Great Dane Trailers is recalling thousands of dry van and refrigerated trailers for an issue that could lead to a “catastrophic failure” of the hub bearings.

Great Dane alerted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the issue earlier this month, according to documents submitted.

According to Great Dane, the recall affects certain 2022 Champion dry van and Everest refrigerated trailers.

Great Dane stated it received a number of pre-assembled axles from SAF-Holland’s manufacturing plant located in Muskegon, MI, that were deficient on lubricant fill in the wheel hubs.

Great Dane stated inadequate fill levels in the wheel hubs could lead to tapered roller bearings not receiving proper lubrication to support function.

In turn, it would lead to a “catastrophic failure of the hub bearings,” which could cause the trailer’s wheel/tire/hub assembly to detach, thus causing a loss of stability and control, creating a road hazard, and increasing the risk of a crash.

The axles were utilized to produce 2022 model Great Dane Champion and Everest semi-trailers at the plants in Kewanee, IL, Jonesboro, AR, Elysburg, PA and Statesboro, GA, the company confirmed.

Great Dane estimates approximately 3,288 units are affected.

The company informed it was first notified of the issue on December 2, when it received a “Lean Alert” from trucking company USF Holland concerning axle lube fill levels on buttoned up axles.

As a remedy, SAF-Holland will be working with Great Dane’s customer to inspect suspect population and repair any wheels ends that are found to have inadequate lubrication, filing documents state.

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According to Great Dane, SAF-Holland representatives began traveling to Great Dane manufacturing facilities on December 6, to inspect and correct in-progress and complete, but not yet shipped, equipment.

Great Dane intends to notify the affected owners on February 1, 2022.

In the meantime, owners may contact Great Dane customer service at (877) 369-3493.

You can read more about the recall on the NHTSA’s website HERE.