CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347

Aug 10, 2010 — Recall Campaign #10E034000

CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE BEND LOCATION WHERE THE MAIN BODY OF THE HITCH MEETS THE HITCH MUFFLER STRAP.

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 6,686 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

10E034000

Manufacturer:	Curt Manufacturing LLC
Recall date:	August 10, 2010
NHTSA Campaign #:	10E034000
Units affected:	6,686

Description:: CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE BEND LOCATION WHERE THE MAIN BODY OF THE HITCH MEETS THE HITCH MUFFLER STRAP.
Consequeces:: IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Corrective action:: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.
Notes:: OWNERS 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 .

Affects the following:

CURT CLASS 3 Complaints
Curt MFG. knowingly sold this product after they under engineered the connection points to adequately distribute the forces while in use (trailering) whereby the vehicle(S) (2020 Subaru Outback new model design chassis) in this case develop stress cracks in the frame and associated components due to the lack of even load distribution. This Trailer hitch fits many other Subaru models and years as they mostly share a common Chassis. I am guessing they have many of these in the field at this time. Curt re-engineered the product a period of time later after receiving customer complaints to include additional attachments points to the vehicle frame but continues to leave there defective product in the field w/o any attempt in which to RECALL the defective engineering associated with the aforementioned Hitch number 13437 No notices were ever given to customers about the potential damage to their vehicles the can cause. Currently this hitch is listed as DISCONTINUED The new re-engineered replacement hitch is number 13494 I contacted several representatives from Curt Manufacturing and was told they would not provide a replacement either under their Lifetime Warranty or as a offer of good faith on their part so I can utilize the product I bought in accordance with the proper limitation(s) and not have to worry about my vehicle being damaged. One Curt supervisor Mr. Mark, told me that I would have to document and present my case on what is a known problem and they may or may not decide to do anything about it. I don't have the resources to hire an Attorney and otherwise document my case on what is known to them to be a defective product. I am sure as time goes on and the damage increases they will continue to kick the can down the road in order to save money and compromise any integrity they may have once. I feel Curt Mfg. has shown poor customer service by putting property at risk and potentially their customers by allowing this product to stay out in the field.;