DT Swiss Recalls Carbon Wheelsets Over Safety Issue

DT Swiss has issued a major product safety recall affecting thousands of carbon wheelsets following reports of spontaneous rim delamination that could lead to catastrophic failure while riding. The recall, announced in mid-2025, represents one of the most significant carbon wheel safety actions in recent cycling history.

Details of the Recall

The recall covers DT Swiss carbon fiber road wheels across multiple product lines, including the ERC 35mm/45mm, CRC 35mm/45mm, HEC 35mm/45mm, and ARC 50mm/55mm/65mm models. These wheels were sold through independent bicycle dealers worldwide and came as original equipment on bikes from several major manufacturers between September 2024 and July 2025.

The affected wheelsets ranged in retail price from approximately 1,000 to 1,880 dollars, placing them firmly in the premium segment that serious road cyclists often choose for racing and long-distance riding.

The Safety Issue Identified

DT Swiss identified a manufacturing defect that can compromise the wheel’s structural integrity through spontaneous delamination, which is the separation of carbon fiber layers within the rim structure. In the reported cases, this delamination occurred at the rim flange, the area where the spoke nipples interface with the rim.

According to DT Swiss, the damage significantly compromises the wheel’s structural integrity and creates an increased risk of accidents that could lead to property damage, serious injury, or death. The company moved quickly from an initial stop-ride notice to a full recall once the scope of the issue became clear.

Which Wheels Are Affected

To determine if your wheels fall under the recall, locate the DT Swiss ID code on the rim. All wheels with DT Swiss ID code 2740000 or higher are affected. The specific models included in the recall are:

ARC Series: ARC 1100, 1400, 1600 DICUT 50/55/65 and ARC 1600 SPLINE 50/55/65

ERC Series: ERC 1100, 1400, 1600 DICUT 35/45, ERC 1600 SPLINE 35/45, and ERC LOG CLASSIC 45

CRC Series: CRC 1100 DICUT 45 and CRC 1400, 1600 SPLINE 35/45

HEC Series: HEC 1400 SPLINE 45

Critically, this recall only affects wheels with carbon fiber composite rims manufactured at DT Swiss facilities in Vietnam. Wheels manufactured at DT Swiss’s own facility in Poland are not affected by this recall.

OEM Bikes and Swiss Side HADRON Wheels

The scope of the recall extends beyond aftermarket wheel purchases. These carbon wheelsets were supplied as original equipment on road and triathlon bicycles from multiple brands, including Argon18, BMC, and Canyon, among others. If you purchased a new bike from any brand after August 2024 with DT Swiss carbon wheels, check whether your wheels fall within the affected serial number range.

Swiss Side HADRON wheels, which use DT Swiss rims, are also included in the recall. Any HADRON models sold after August 1, 2024, with DT Swiss ID Numbers higher than 2740000 should be treated as potentially affected.

The Recall Process and Remedies

Riders with affected wheels should immediately stop using them. DT Swiss has established multiple channels for recall processing:

Contact DT Swiss toll-free at 800-446-8149, available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mountain Time. You can also reach them by email at Recall@dtswiss.com or visit dtswiss.com/recall for detailed information and to initiate the replacement process.

The company is offering replacement wheels to affected customers. Given the manufacturing source of the issue, replacement wheels will come from unaffected production runs at their Polish facility.

DT Swiss Response and Communication

DT Swiss has been relatively proactive in their communication, moving from an initial stop-use notice to a formal recall within a reasonable timeframe. The company acknowledged the severity of the issue and its potential safety implications without attempting to minimize the risk.

The root cause analysis pointed to manufacturing processes at the Vietnam facility, allowing DT Swiss to clearly delineate which products are safe and which require attention. This clarity has helped dealers and consumers quickly assess their exposure to the issue.

General Carbon Wheel Inspection Guidelines

Whether or not your wheels are part of this specific recall, carbon wheel safety requires ongoing attention. Here are guidelines for inspecting carbon wheelsets:

Visual Inspection: Regularly examine the rim surface for any visible cracks, chips, or areas where the carbon layers appear to be separating. Pay particular attention to the brake track area on rim-brake wheels and the spoke holes on all wheels.

Sound Testing: Tap the rim gently with a coin or your knuckle. A healthy carbon rim produces a clear, consistent ring. Dull thuds or inconsistent sounds may indicate internal damage.

Spoke Tension: Uneven spoke tension can indicate rim damage or deformation. If you notice spokes that have loosened significantly without obvious cause, have the wheel professionally inspected.

Impact Assessment: After any significant impact, whether from hitting a pothole, running over debris, or crash involvement, have your carbon wheels inspected by a professional before continuing to ride them. Internal damage may not be visible externally.

Age and Mileage: While carbon wheels can last many years with proper care, high mileage and age do take their toll. Consider professional inspection after approximately 20,000 to 30,000 miles or if the wheels are more than five to seven years old.

Broader Industry Implications

This recall highlights the complexity of modern carbon wheel manufacturing and the importance of quality control across global supply chains. As major brands have expanded production to meet demand, maintaining consistent quality across multiple facilities has proven challenging.

For consumers, the recall serves as a reminder to register products with manufacturers, keep purchase records, and stay informed about safety notices. The cycling industry’s recall infrastructure has improved significantly, but individual vigilance remains the first line of defense.

If you own DT Swiss carbon wheels or any OEM bike that may have come equipped with them, take the time to verify your wheel specifications against the recall criteria. A few minutes of checking could prevent a catastrophic failure on the road.