Hopkins/break-away kits
Defect Summary
Certain hopkins tap break-away switches. the plunger pin sold separately as model numbers 20009 & 20012 as well as being included as a part of various break-away kits with the following model numbers: 20001, 20002, 20003, 20004, 20005, 20010, 20014, 20019, 20099, 20100, 20102, 20103, 20300, 20303, 17120009, 1170200001, 1170200005, 1170200099, 1530200003, 1530200004, 1540201000, 1550200003, 1580200004, 1590200004, 1610200003, 1700200003, 1770200003, 1800201000, 7020200001, 7020200002, 7020200003, 7020200004, 7020200005, 7020200009, 7020200010, 7020200012, 7020200013, 7020200099, 7020201000, 7020201001, 7020201002, 7020201003, 7020201004, 7020201007, 20005a, 20009a, s2000l, s20002, s20003, s20005, s20009, and s20099. if the o-ring is not properly seated in the groove provided, the resin plunger pin could be placed under continuous tensile loading conditions. this could result in stress cracking of the plunger pin over time.
Safety Consequence
The plunger pin could fail to activate the trailer brakes during trailer/tow vehicle separation.
Corrective Action
Hopkins will notify its customers and replace all original plunger pin assemblies with new plunger pin assemblies free of charge. the recall began october 31, 2004. 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 hopkins at(we do not yet have a telephone number for this recall.)
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. or involving Exterior Lighting.
FAQ: Recall 04E074000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 04E074000?
NHTSA recall 04E074000 was issued by Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. on October 4, 2004. It addresses: Hopkins/break-away kits. The recall affects approximately 308,000 vehicles, with the defect involving the Exterior Lighting component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 04E074000 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.