Recall 13V553 covers 30 2006-2013 Elite Cargo Trailer trailers with Fastec door locks that can jam. Repair will be free once available.
Elite is recalling 30 2006-2013 Cargo Trailer units equipped with Fastec-brand door locks because the key can be removed in a way that jams the deadbolt. If the deadbolt jams, someone inside the trailer can be locked in and unable to exit; the dealer repair will be free once Elite makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The door lock on the 2006-2013 Elite Cargo Trailer is the latch assembly that secures the trailer door and holds the deadbolt in place. The Fastec-brand lock is meant to let the key turn the cylinder, move the deadbolt, and release the key only when the lock is in a proper position.
On affected trailers, the key can be removed from the lock in a position that leaves the deadbolt vulnerable to jamming. Once the deadbolt jams, the door lock does not operate as designed. That leaves the owner dealing with a lock that will not open or close normally until the assembly is repaired or replaced.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is tied to how the key comes out of the Fastec lock, so the first clue is a deadbolt that sticks, binds, or refuses to move.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2006-2013 model years for one Cargo Trailer configuration, with the same latches/locks/linkages component listed throughout.
| 2011 Elite Cargo Trailer | Latches/locks/linkages |
|---|---|
| 2012 Elite Cargo Trailer | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2008 Elite Cargo Trailer | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2006 Elite Cargo Trailer | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2010 Elite Cargo Trailer | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2009 Elite Cargo Trailer | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2007 Elite Cargo Trailer | Latches/locks/linkages |
| 2013 Elite Cargo Trailer | Latches/locks/linkages |
| Units affected | 30 |
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. If someone is inside the travel trailer when that happens, the door can trap them inside and prevent exit, increasing the risk of injury. Treat any deadbolt jam as a service issue before using the trailer again. Repair will be free at any franchised Elite dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2013 Elite Cargo Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Elite at 1-918-962-4567 if you did not receive the owner notice, and reference recall number 13V553.
- Ask about the Fastec door-lock cylinder inspection and replacement that fixes the deadbolt-jam risk.
- Avoid locking anyone inside the trailer until the lock inspection or replacement is complete.
- Bring any owner notice, repair receipt, or lock information when Elite or Fastec coordinates the free inspection.
What happens at the repair
The repair path runs through Elite and Fastec. At the service visit, an Elite technician inspects the Fastec door lock cylinders to see whether the deadbolt can jam after the key is removed. Fastec then coordinates replacement of any affected cylinders that need it. Because the remedy status is not listed as available, wait for Elite's owner notice or service instructions before assuming the final repair can be scheduled. Once the remedy process opens for your trailer, the inspection and any cylinder replacement are free of charge.
Timeline
| September 6, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| November 5, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V553?
Recall 13V553 covers 30 2006-2013 Elite Cargo Trailer units with Fastec-brand door locks. The key can be removed in a way that jams the deadbolt, which can also jam the inside release and trap a person inside, increasing injury risk.
What should I do if my 2006-2013 Elite Cargo Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 13V553. If it is, contact Elite or a franchised service location to arrange lock inspection and cylinder replacement. Reference recall number 13V553 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be completed at no cost. For recall 13V553, Fastec coordinates the inspection and cylinder replacement, and the repair is free for affected Elite Cargo Trailer owners.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is entrapment inside the trailer. If the deadbolt jams, the interior side of the lock can jam too, leaving a person inside unable to exit. Keep the door unlocked while someone is inside until the lock is inspected or repaired.
What if I bought the Elite Cargo Trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your used 2006-2013 Elite Cargo Trailer is included, then reference recall number 13V553 when you contact Elite.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V553000 |
|---|---|
| Elite customer service | 1-918-962-4567 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V553 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V553000 |
Source documents
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 →