Recall 10V653 covers 271 2002-2011 Excel Limited, Classic, Winslow, and Wild Cargo trailers for overheating fireplace receivers. Dimplex provides a free replacement kit.
Excel is recalling 271 2002-2011 fifth wheel trailers, including Wild Cargo, Limited, Winslow, and Classic models, because the plug-in remote control receiver for certain Dimplex electric fireplaces can overheat. An overheated receiver raises the risk of fire, and Excel dealers will complete the free repair once it is available.
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What's wrong?
In 2002-2011 Excel Limited, Classic, Winslow, and Wild Cargo fifth wheel trailers, the recalled equipment is the plug-in remote control receiver used with certain Dimplex Electraflame, Symphony, or Optiflame electric fireplaces, stoves, and fireplace inserts. That receiver is the small electrical control point for the remote system. It takes the remote command and passes power to the fireplace unit.
The problem is heat inside that receiver. Instead of staying within its normal operating range while the fireplace is plugged in, the receiver can overheat. The recall summary does not identify a deeper cause, so the explanation stays with the failed part: the remote receiver overheats while serving the fireplace circuit.
There is no warning sign before failure. If you smell hot plastic, see discoloration near the receiver, or notice the fireplace controls acting abnormally, stop using the fireplace system and have the recalled equipment checked.
Who's affected?
Spans Wild Cargo, Limited, Winslow, and Classic trailers across the 2002-2011 model years, all tied to the recreational vehicle/trailer equipment component.
| 2008 Excel Wild Cargo | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
|---|---|
| 2002 Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2005 Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2010 Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2004 Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2003 Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2011 Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2010 Excel Wild Cargo | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2010 Excel Winslow | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2009 Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2008 Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2007 Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2006 Excel Limited | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2008 Excel Classic | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| Units affected | 271 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overheated receiver creates a fire risk. If your VIN is included, avoid using the affected plug-in remote control kit and schedule the recall work as soon as Excel or the servicing dealer has the remedy ready. Repair will be free at any franchised Excel dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2002-2011 Excel Wild Cargo, Limited, Winslow, or Classic trailer is included in this recall.
- Review the owner notice mailed on February 15, 2011, if you have it, before replacing parts.
- Contact Dimplex customer service at 1-888-346-7539 to request the free replacement plug-in remote control kit that addresses the overheating fireplace receiver.
- Reference recall number 10V653 when you call Excel, Dimplex, or a service provider.
- Stop using the affected Dimplex Electraflame, Symphony, or Optiflame fireplace remote receiver until the replacement kit is installed.
What happens at the repair
Excel is working with Dimplex to identify and notify affected owners. The stated remedy is a free replacement plug-in remote control kit from Dimplex for the fireplace receiver that can overheat. Because the remedy status is not listed as available, treat the dealer process as not open until Excel or Dimplex confirms the kit path for your VIN. The final recall remedy is free once available.
Timeline
| December 20, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 15, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V653?
Recall 10V653 covers 271 2002-2011 Excel Limited, Classic, Winslow, and Wild Cargo fifth wheel trailers equipped with certain Dimplex electric fireplaces, stoves, or fireplace inserts. The plug-in remote control receiver can overheat and cause a fire. Dimplex provides a free replacement plug-in remote control kit.
What should I do if my 2002-2011 Excel Wild Cargo, Limited, Winslow, or Classic is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 10V653. If it is, contact Dimplex North America customer service at 1-888-346-7539 or an Excel service contact and reference recall 10V653. The replacement plug-in remote control kit is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect remedy at no cost, and Dimplex provides the replacement plug-in remote control kit free of charge for trailers included in recall 10V653. Keep the recall number handy when you call customer service or a service contact.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. In affected Excel fifth wheel trailers, the plug-in remote control receiver for the Dimplex fireplace equipment can overheat. An overheated receiver can cause a fire, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free replacement kit if your trailer is included.
What if I bought this Excel trailer used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2002-2011 Excel trailer is included, then reference recall 10V653 when contacting Dimplex customer service or an Excel service contact.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V653000 |
|---|---|
| Excel customer service | 1-888-346-7539 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V653 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V653000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →