Recall 11V171 covers 3 2005, 2008 Sierra United, Cimarron, and Featherlite trailers with Norcold refrigerator shutoff delays. Norcold dealers provide the free remedy.
Sierra recall 11V171 covers 3 2005, 2008 United, Cimarron, and Featherlite trailers equipped with 1200-series Norcold refrigerators. The refrigerator shutdown sensor or thermal switch does not cut power fast enough after high temperatures from a hydrogen gas leak, raising the risk of a fire; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2005, 2008 Sierra United, Cimarron, and Featherlite trailers in this recall are equipped with 1200-series Norcold refrigerators. That refrigerator includes a high-temperature protection system: either a sensing algorithm in the controls or a thermal switch. Its job is to shut off power to the refrigerator when heat rises enough to create a fire risk.
The defect is timing. The refrigerator has a shutoff device, but the sensing algorithm or thermal switch does not stop power fast enough after high temperatures are detected. If the refrigerator keeps receiving power during that heat buildup, the protection system does not do its job in time to prevent a potential fire.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not expect a light, sound, smell, or cooling change to confirm the problem before the refrigerator protection system reacts too late.
Who's affected?
Spans the United, Cimarron, and Featherlite across the 2005 and 2008 model years, with the same recreational vehicle/trailer equipment component.
| 2008 Sierra United | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
|---|---|
| 2005 Sierra Cimarron | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2008 Sierra Featherlite | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| Units affected | 3 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
The refrigerator shutoff system can fail to cut power quickly when high temperatures come from a hydrogen gas leak. That raises the risk of a fire. If the refrigerator runs hot, stop using it and arrange recall service before using it again. Repair will be free at any franchised Sierra dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2005 Sierra Cimarron or 2008 Sierra United or Featherlite trailer is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Sierra recall notice before arranging the refrigerator repair.
- Call Norcold at 1-800-767-9101 with questions and reference recall number 11V171 when you call.
- Contact a Norcold dealer for the free 1200-series refrigerator sensor or thermal-switch remedy that helps shut off power before a fire starts.
- Keep the refrigerator off until the remedy is complete if you smell gas, see heat damage, or suspect a refrigerator problem.
What happens at the repair
The source remedy does not describe the exact parts replaced in this Sierra filing. It says Sierra worked with Norcold to identify and notify affected owners, and owners were instructed to contact Norcold dealers for the free refrigerator remedy. The safety recall began on February 18, 2011. If your VIN is included and the dealer confirms the remedy path is open for your trailer, the repair is free. Ask the service desk what Norcold refrigerator work is required before leaving the trailer.
Timeline
| February 18, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| March 8, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V171?
Recall 11V171 covers 3 Sierra trailers, including 2005 Cimarron and 2008 United and Featherlite trailers equipped with 1200-series Norcold refrigerators. In NHTSA campaign 11V171, the refrigerator shutoff device can fail to cut power fast enough during high temperatures, raising fire risk. Norcold dealers provide the remedy for free.
What should I do if my 2005, 2008 Sierra United, Cimarron, or Featherlite trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 11V171. If it is, contact a Norcold dealer for the free refrigerator remedy and reference recall 11V171 when you call. Sierra and Norcold began the safety recall on February 18, 2011.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost. For recall 11V171, affected owners were instructed to contact Norcold dealers to receive the refrigerator remedy free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 11V171?
The safety risk is fire. NHTSA campaign 11V171 says the sensing algorithm or thermal switch used to shut off refrigerator power during high temperatures can respond too slowly after a possible hydrogen gas leak. The fix is the free Norcold dealer remedy.
What if I bought the Sierra trailer used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Recall eligibility follows the trailer and refrigerator equipment, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2005 Cimarron or 2008 United or Featherlite trailer is included, then call a Norcold dealer with recall 11V171.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V171000 |
|---|---|
| Sierra customer service | 1-800-767-9101 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V171 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V171000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (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 →