Safety Recall NHTSA · 04E044000 Reported June 18, 2004

Hafendorfer/tailgate assist lifting device

Hafendorfer Machine, Inc. · N/A · 1,362 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
04E044000
Manufacturer Campaign
NR (Not Reported)
Manufacturer
Hafendorfer Machine, Inc.
Component
N/A
Vehicles Affected
1,362
Recall Type
Equipment
Report Received
June 18, 2004

Defect Summary

Certain tailgate assist lifting devices manufactured january 1 and march/april 2004. the crimping machine may have malfunctioned on random units during production and not properly crimped some of the compression sleeves which holds the cables together. while in use, the cable loop can become uncrimped, releasing the cable's tension, causing the cable to come loose and trailer tailgate to fall.

Safety Consequence

It is possible that while the cable becomes loose, it can snap back and possibly hit the person standing near it and/or the trailer tailgate can drop on someone, possibly causing serious injuries.

Corrective Action

Hafendorfer will provide new spring/cable assemblies and instructions to customers free of charge. owner notification began june 28, 2004. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact hafendorfer machine, inc. At 1-888-244-3669 ext. 15.

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 Hafendorfer Machine, Inc. dealer and reference recall ID 04E044000 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 →
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FAQ: Recall 04E044000

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

What is recall 04E044000?

NHTSA recall 04E044000 was issued by Hafendorfer Machine, Inc. on June 18, 2004. It addresses: Hafendorfer/tailgate assist lifting device. The recall affects approximately 1,362 vehicles, with the defect involving the N/A component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Hafendorfer Machine, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 04E044000 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.