2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,182 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

TRAILER HITCHES 19V490000 2019-06-25 290 affected
Defect

Charles Machine Works Inc (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT17, 2018-2019 VT20 and VT24 trailers. The lock nuts that attach the hitch to the trailer may be insufficient to clamp the load after the hitch height has been adjusted.

Consequence

Without a sufficient clamp load, the hitch may unexpectedly detach from the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Charles Machine has notified owners, and will provide new hardware, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles Machine's number for this recall is ID0568989.

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC 19V487000 2019-06-21 796 affected
Defect

Charles Machine Works Inc. (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ditch Witch VT9, VT12, VT14, VT17, VT20 and VT24 trailers. The brake wire terminals may have been improperly crimped, which can result in the trailer brakes failing to apply when commanded.

Consequence

If the trailer brakes do not apply as expected, the distance required to stop the trailer may be lengthened, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Charles Machine has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake terminals with a machine terminal, free of charge. The recall began June 25, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481.

STRUCTURE 18V727000 2018-10-18 96 affected
Defect

Charles Machine Works Inc (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT14, VT20 and VT24 trailers with HX30, HX50 or HX75 vacuum excavators equipped with an optional jib boom. The jib boom on these vehicles can become loose from the latching pin mechanism, allowing the boom to swing outside the trailer…

Consequence

If the jib boom swings outside the trailer while it is being towed, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.

Remedy

Charles Machine will notify owners, and dealers will replace the latching pin with a hook mechanism that goes over the top of the arm, securing it to the trailer structure, free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2018. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles Machine's…

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2018 Charles Machine Ditch Witch as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.