FMCSR 393.207D: Cracked/Broken Coil Spring — Driver Q&A

Yes—there's a strong chance. Across our inspection records, 393.207D resulted in an out-of-service placement 69.2% of the time (9 out of 13 all-time citations). That's more than double the 31.4% average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes. If you've been cited, assume your truck will be pulled from service until the cracked or broken coil spring is repaired and re-inspected.

This is a serious structural defect. Our database ranks 393.207D at #2110 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, but its 69.2% OOS rate far exceeds the 31.4% national average. For comparison, inoperable lamps (393.9) have a 6.9% OOS rate despite being cited far more often. A broken coil spring directly affects vehicle stability and braking—inspectors treat it as a safety-critical failure.

1. Stop operating immediately. Do not move the truck except to a repair facility.
2. Contact your carrier's maintenance team and provide the inspection report.
3. Have a certified mechanic inspect and repair the cracked or broken coil spring.
4. Request a post-repair inspection from FMCSA or your state DOT.
5. Keep documentation of the repair work and parts replaced.

Our records show citations for 393.207D often occur alongside brake and coupling issues—have your entire suspension and brake system checked during the repair.

In the last 180 days, Texas accounted for 5 citations of 393.207D—the only state in our top-cited list for this code. Of those 5 Texas citations, 2 resulted in out-of-service placement (40.0% rate). While the sample size is small, this reflects regional variation in inspection practices and fleet composition, particularly among carriers operating in high-traffic corridors.

Yes. If you believe the inspection finding is inaccurate or the defect was not actually present, you can file a DataQs (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System) challenge through FMCSA's online portal. You'll need to submit evidence—photos, repair records, or a follow-up inspection showing the spring was not cracked. Equipment defects are contestable if documentation proves the inspector's determination was wrong. Consult your carrier's compliance team for the formal process.

Victoria Truck Rental LLC (USDOT 3050832) has the highest citation count at 2 citations for this code across all-time records. The remaining citations are distributed among small carriers and owner-operators. Freightliner units (FRHT) account for 6 of the 13 all-time citations—the most-cited vehicle make. This likely reflects fleet size and vehicle age distribution rather than inherent reliability issues.

Our 90-day trend shows 2 citations for 393.207D, with enforcement volume stable but low overall. In the last 12 months, we recorded 9 citations. December 2025 had the highest monthly count at 3 citations, followed by August 2025 (2 citations) and January 2026 (2 citations). This is a relatively rare citation compared to lamp and brake violations, but when it appears, the OOS rate is consistently high—suggesting inspectors prioritize this defect as a critical safety issue.

Over the last 90 days, 393.207D appeared alongside various structural and safety defects in the same inspection: brake tubing inadequacy, wheel fastener issues, coupling device defects, inoperable lamps, and missing emergency equipment. This pattern suggests that a cracked coil spring often flags a vehicle with broader maintenance neglect. When cited for 393.207D, expect the inspector to scrutinize your entire suspension, brake, and lighting systems—address all cited items before resubmission.