While the direct reason for the stop-sale isn’t outlined, the vehicles are claimed to experience a “hydro-lock / no start issue”. Hydrolocking is the term used when the cylinder of an engine fills with water, gas, or diesel and prevents a piston from moving. Current assumptions are that there might be some defect allowing fluid to enter the cylinders and therefore preventing starting.

Some dealers with trucks on the lot that fall under this stop sale have outright told customers they will not take delivery. There is no estimate for a fix or a time frame for when the vehicles may be released for sale. Even the bulletin states that the issue is – “incomplete remedy not available”.

This comes at a frustrating time for consumers. Some HD pickup customers have waited upwards of 19-weeks since ordering their new trucks and have yet to take delivery. Some of those waiting will undoubtedly fall into this stop sale. A short-term remedy (for example ordering a new truck) seems unlikely.