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Campaign 14V028 Posted January 30, 2014 779 units

2005-2012 Cottrell Auto Transporters Recall 14V028: Battery

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 14V028 affects 779 2005-2012 Cottrell auto transporters with battery equalizers that overheat and burn. Repair is free through Cottrell.

Cottrell is recalling 779 2005-2012 auto transporters, including CX-09LS3, CX-09HCS, and C-11LT models, because Sure Power battery equalizers contain epoxy potting compound that can conduct electricity after heat exposure. Once conductive, the compound can melt and burn, increasing fire risk; Cottrell dealers will complete the free repair once the remedy is available.

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What's wrong?

The battery equalizer on these 2005-2012 Cottrell auto transporters is part of the electrical system that balances voltage between battery circuits. It helps equipment that uses different battery voltages share power without one side of the battery bank being overworked. Inside the Sure Power equalizer, epoxy potting compound surrounds electrical parts to insulate and protect them.

On affected transporters, that potting compound does not keep acting like an insulator after heat exposure. Heat can make the compound conduct electricity, creating a path for current inside the equalizer where the electrical system is supposed to stay separated. That turns a protective material into part of the circuit and can interfere with the battery system.

There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver should not count on a light, sound, or change in operation before the equalizer problem is present.

Who's affected?

Covers Cottrell trailer models from 2005-2012, all tied to the battery component.

2008 Cottrell CX-09LS3 battery
2009 Cottrell CX-09HCS battery
2012 Cottrell CX-09LS2 battery
2007 Cottrell C-11LT battery
2008 Cottrell CX-09LS battery
Units affected779

A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.

What's the safety risk?

In affected Cottrell models, the material can become electrically conductive, melt, and burn, increasing the risk of a fire. Schedule the recall repair soon, and ask Cottrell whether the unit needs inspection before continued use. Repair will be free at any franchised Cottrell dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2005-2012 Cottrell auto transporter is included in this recall.
  2. Watch for Cottrell's owner notice if you have not received one; Cottrell began notices on February 27, 2014.
  3. Call Cottrell at 1-866-299-2690 and reference recall number 14V028 when you ask about the free Sure Power battery equalizer replacement.
  4. Schedule the Sure Power battery equalizer replacement that removes the heat-exposed potting compound linked to melting, burning, and fire risk.
  5. Bring the recall notice and any service paperwork when the vehicle goes in for the repair.
  6. Keep the transporter out of service if you smell burning, see melting, or find heat damage around the battery equalizer.

What happens at the repair

At the service visit, Cottrell coordinates replacement of the Sure Power battery equalizers covered by recall 14V028. The equalizer is the electrical component named in the remedy, and the fix is to replace it rather than repair the epoxy sealed unit. The dealer repair will be free once available, with replacement handled at no charge. The reimbursement plan is not specified, so this section does not add a reimbursement claim.

Timeline

January 30, 2014 NHTSA published the recall
February 27, 2014 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 14V028?

Recall 14V028 covers 779 2005-2012 Cottrell auto transporter vehicles with Sure Power battery equalizers. The epoxy sealing compound inside the equalizer can conduct electricity after heat exposure, then melt or burn, increasing fire risk. Sure Power will replace the equalizer for free.

What should I do if my 2005-2012 Cottrell auto transporter is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific transporter is included in recall 14V028. If it is, contact Cottrell at 1-866-299-2690 and reference recall 14V028. Ask where Sure Power will replace the battery equalizer. The replacement is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall remedy at no cost, and Cottrell's remedy states that Sure Power will replace the battery equalizers free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 14V028.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is fire. The battery equalizer's sealing compound can become electrically conductive after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Sure Power replacement through Cottrell.

What if I bought my Cottrell transporter used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Cottrell transporter is included, then reference recall 14V028 when you contact Cottrell about the Sure Power battery equalizer replacement.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V028000
Cottrell customer service1-866-299-2690
NHTSA recall #14V028
NHTSA recall # (full)14V028000

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 →