FMCSR 393.71(g) Fifth Wheel Defective: Citations & What It Means

Not automatically. Across our 13 million inspection records, only 12.5% of 393.71(g) citations resulted in an out-of-service order—2 trucks out of 16 total citations on record. That's significantly lower than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%. Most inspectors cite this defect but allow you to proceed to a repair facility. However, the inspector has discretion if the fifth wheel is unsafe to tow, so compliance depends on the severity of the wear or improper securing they document.

This violation carries a severity weight of 8 points in the FMCSA's Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) system. How those points affect your record depends on when they were issued: citations from the last 30 days count as 8 points; 31–90 days count as 6 points; 91–180 days count as 4 points; and beyond 180 days count as 1 point. Over time, accumulated points fade, but a fresh citation will immediately impact your safety profile.

First, do not ignore it. Document the exact deficiency listed on the citation—whether it's cracked welds, excessive play, or improper locking. Second, have a qualified technician inspect the fifth wheel assembly before your next load. Third, photograph the repair work and keep receipts. Fourth, if you believe the citation was issued in error, you have the right to contest it through DataQs (FMCSA's online dispute system) within 30 days. Submit documentation of the inspection and repair as evidence.

In relative terms, it's less frequently cited and less likely to sideline your truck than similar codes. Our database shows 393.71(g) ranked #2026 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, with only 16 all-time citations. Compare that to 393.9 (inoperable lamps) at 180,097 citations with a 6.9% OOS rate, or 396.3(a)(1) (general inspection/repair/maintenance) at 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate. Fifth wheel defects are uncommon in enforcement but taken seriously when found.

Yes, you can contest it. The FMCSA's DataQs system allows you to challenge roadside inspection records if you believe the citation was issued in error or is inaccurate. For equipment-based violations like fifth wheel defects, submit photos of your fifth wheel assembly, maintenance records, or a technician's report showing the defect was not present or was corrected. FMCSA reviews your submission and can remove or modify the citation. File within 30 days of the inspection for the strongest case.

The citation is recorded under your company's USDOT number and your vehicle's VIN. It appears in your carrier's safety profile and contributes to fleet-level CSA scores. If you drive for a large carrier, the impact is distributed across thousands of vehicles. If you're an owner-operator, it directly affects your record. Either way, FMCSA and brokers can see it during audits, inspections, and shipper safety checks. Repairs and timely compliance are your best path to reducing its visibility.

Very rarely. Our inspection database shows zero citations for 393.71(g) in the last 90 days and zero in the last 12 months. The 16 all-time citations are spread across different carriers and time periods, meaning fifth wheel defects are not a widespread enforcement focus. This can work in your favor: inspectors encountering a defective fifth wheel are more likely to prioritize it if they see it, because it's uncommon and suggests a maintenance program gap.

Across our records, Volvo appears in 3 of the 16 citations for fifth wheel defects, followed by Chevrolet and Ford with 2 citations each. The remaining citations are scattered across International, Big Tex trailers, utility trailers, and other makes. The small sample size means no clear pattern, but it suggests fifth wheel defects occur across all major truck and trailer manufacturers. Maintenance discipline and proper inspection routines matter more than make or model.