Horizon Global, a major manufacturer of towing and trailering equipment, has issued a recall affecting 145,431 hitch receiver locks under the Reese brand due to a potential defect that could increase the risk of a trailer detaching from a vehicle, according to a report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall covers several models of Reese hitch receiver locks produced between September 19, 2019, and June 10, 2024.
The affected part numbers include 7057030, 7057230, 7057033, 7054630, and 7057130. The defect stems from a two-piece design involving a cap that may loosen or detach over time, potentially causing the hitch to separate.
“If the cap separates from the pin, the hitch may disengage, increasing the risk of a crash if safety chains are not used,” the report stated.
Horizon Global cited that the issue was traced to manufacturing deviations by Anji Zhitong Hardware Co., Ltd., the component supplier based in Zhejiang, China.
The supplier reportedly used sub-par thread adhesive, leading to cap retention issues.
The problem was first identified in January 2024 after a customer reported a detached receiver lock resulting in minor property damage.
Horizon halted shipments on June 10, 2024, and conducted extensive testing and reviews.
Despite identifying only one warranty claim related to the defect, Horizon decided to recall all potentially affected parts “out of an abundance of caution.”
Horizon Global emphasized that no injuries or accidents have been reported.
Remedy and Recall Plan
Horizon plans to replace the defective parts with single-piece designs from its existing product line.
Affected part numbers will be substituted as follows:
- P/N 7057030 – Replaced with P/N 7010100
- P/N 7057230 – Replaced with P/N 7033200
- P/N 7057033 – Replaced with P/N 7010100
- P/N 7054630 – Replaced with P/N 7009300
- P/N 7057130 – Replaced with P/N 7092330 or 7096500
Dealer notifications will begin on January 15, 2025, with owner notifications scheduled between February 5 and February 12, 2025.
Horizon Global encourages consumers to inspect their hitch locks for signs of cap separation and to contact their dealer immediately if concerns arise.
Additional details about the recall can be found on the NHTSA website or by contacting Horizon Global directly.
Horizon Global
47912 Halyard Drive
100 Plymouth MI 48170
Company Phone: 8779737871