Safety Recall NHTSA · 03E017000 Reported March 11, 2003

Master lock/zero tilt ball mount trailer hitch

Master Lock · N/A · 6,883 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
03E017000
Manufacturer Campaign
NR (Not Reported)
Manufacturer
Component
N/A
Vehicles Affected
6,883
Recall Type
Equipment
Report Received
March 11, 2003

Defect Summary

Master lock zero tilt adjustable ball mount trailer hitch model no. 2841at, manufactured between february 12 and march 7, 2003. the corner welding on the vertical tube and tube wall thickness does not comply with master lock's design specification. this irregularity may decrease the life expectancy of the product.

Safety Consequence

Prior to product failure, the affected product would likely show signs of cracking in the corner of the vertical tube. if the product is not replaced , the ball mount could prematurely break or crack, which could allow the trailer to separate from the towing vehicle.

Corrective Action

Master lock will replace the affected ball mounts at no charge. owner notification began february 28, 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 master lock at 1-800-308-9244.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Master Lock dealer and reference recall ID 03E017000 or campaign NR (Not Reported).
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Master Lock or involving N/A.

FAQ: Recall 03E017000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 03E017000?

NHTSA recall 03E017000 was issued by Master Lock on March 11, 2003. It addresses: Master lock/zero tilt ball mount trailer hitch. The recall affects approximately 6,883 vehicles, with the defect involving the N/A component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Master Lock dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 03E017000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.