Recall 13V447 covers 1,103 2006-2010 American Hauler Cargo Trailers with Fastec door locks that can trap occupants. Repair is free through American Hauler.
American Hauler is recalling 1,103 2006-2010 Cargo Trailers equipped with the flushlock option because the Fastec-brand door lock can jam the deadbolt after the key is removed. If the lock jams while someone is inside, that person can be trapped unless they use the emergency exit, increasing the risk of injury; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The door latch on affected 2006-2010 American Hauler Cargo Trailers is the lock assembly that secures the trailer door when it is closed. These trailers were built with a flushlock option that uses a Fastec-brand door lock. The deadbolt is the part that slides into place so the door stays locked until the key turns it back.
In the recalled locks, the key can be removed in a position that jams the deadbolt. Once the deadbolt jams, the lock no longer moves as intended. That leaves the owner with a trailer door that does not release normally, even though the key has been used.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign is a lock that binds, sticks, or refuses to unlock after the key has been removed and reinserted.
Who's affected?
Spans five model years (2006-2010), with the latch component listed for each year.
| 2006 American Hauler Cargo Trailers | Latch |
|---|---|
| 2010 American Hauler Cargo Trailers | Latch |
| 2009 American Hauler Cargo Trailers | Latch |
| 2008 American Hauler Cargo Trailers | Latch |
| 2007 American Hauler Cargo Trailers | Latch |
| Units affected | 1,103 |
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?
A jammed deadbolt can also jam the interior side of the door lock. Someone inside the cargo trailer can be locked in and forced to use the emergency exit, increasing the risk of injury. Keep the emergency exit clear and schedule the inspection soon. Repair will be free at any franchised American Hauler dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2010 American Hauler Cargo Trailers is included in this recall.
- Look for the owner letter American Hauler mailed on December 16, 2013, or call American Hauler customer service at 1-574-264-0227 for recall status.
- Contact American Hauler to arrange the free Fastec lock-cylinder inspection and replacement that fixes the flushlock deadbolt jam.
- Reference recall number 13V447 when you call.
- Keep the emergency exit clear until the door lock is inspected and repaired.
What happens at the repair
The source remedy says the recall began on December 16, 2013, but this record does not list the final remedy as available. Once available for your trailer, American Hauler and Fastec coordinate an inspection of the Fastec flushlock cylinders. An American Hauler technician checks the door lock cylinders tied to the flushlock option and replaces the affected cylinders when replacement is needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| September 26, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 16, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V447?
Recall 13V447 covers 1,103 2006-2010 American Hauler Cargo Trailers equipped with the flushlock option using a Fastec-brand door lock. The key can jam the deadbolt, which can also jam the inside door lock and trap someone inside the trailer.
What should I do if my 2006-2010 American Hauler Cargo Trailers is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 13V447. If it is, contact American Hauler at 1-574-264-0227 or Fastec at 1-800-837-2505 and ask about inspection and cylinder replacement for the Fastec lock.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and the remedy for recall 13V447 says Fastec will coordinate inspection and cylinder replacement as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 13V447?
The safety risk is entrapment inside the cargo trailer. If the deadbolt jams, the inside of the door lock can jam too. A person inside the trailer then has to use the emergency exit, which increases the risk of injury.
What if I bought my American Hauler trailer used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Recall eligibility follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2006-2010 American Hauler Cargo Trailers unit is included, then reference recall 13V447 when you contact American Hauler or Fastec.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V447000 |
|---|---|
| American Hauler customer service | 1-574-264-0227 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V447 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V447000 |
Source documents
-
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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →