Deere recalls 165k small tractors amid brake hazard concerns

John Deere has recalled approximately 164,700 compact utility tractors across the U.S. and Canada due to a potential safety issue. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that the recall involves the front bell crank in the brake linkage, which could fail and cause a crash hazard.

So far, there have been three reported incidents linked to this defect, including two injuries and minor property damage. The recall covers John Deere’s 1023E, 1025R, and 2025R compact utility tractors sold between November 2017 and July 2024 for prices ranging from $12,700 to $21,000.

In the midst of this recall, John Deere is also facing heightened scrutiny from former President Donald Trump, who recently escalated his economic protectionism rhetoric by targeting the company. During a speech in Smithton, Pennsylvania, Trump proposed a 200 percent tariff on John Deere’s imports if the company moves forward with its plan to relocate some production to Mexico.

The Illinois-based agricultural equipment manufacturer has decided to shift lower-skill operations, such as cab assembly, to Mexico, while laying off workers in U.S. facilities, including those in Iowa. Trump’s proposed tariff is intended to protect American jobs, but critics argue that such a move could disrupt the agricultural supply chain and drive up costs for American farmers.

John Deere defends its decision to move part of its production to Mexico, citing global competitiveness and challenging market conditions as the primary reasons.

While some lower-skill production is being relocated, the company asserts its continued investment in U.S. manufacturing. Meanwhile, Trump’s proposed tariffs have already caused a 1.5 percent drop in John Deere’s stock, signaling investor concerns over the potential impact of such economic policies on the company’s profitability and American agriculture.