Recall 14V616 covers 344 2009-2012 Altec Novae ST81181TPL2-B-140 equipment trailers with tongues that can crack and separate. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 344 2009-2012 Novae ST81181TPL2-B-140 equipment trailers because the trailer tongue can crack and separate from the frame. If the tongue fails, the trailer can lose control or separate from the tow vehicle, increasing crash risk; the Altec dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The trailer tongue on the 2009-2012 Altec Novae ST81181TPL2-B-140 equipment trailer is the front steel structure that connects the trailer frame to the hitch on the tow vehicle. It carries the pulling force from the tow vehicle and keeps the trailer aligned while it is being moved. On these trailers, that structure was built with 3/16 inch thick steel tubing.
The problem is in the tongue itself. The affected tongue can crack where it is tied into the trailer frame. Once that cracking progresses, the tongue can separate from the frame, leaving the trailer no longer properly connected through its main structure.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on a noise, looseness, or a handling change to tell you the tongue is close to separating.
Who's affected?
Covers one Novae ST81181TPL2-B-140 trailer configuration across the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years.
| 2011 Altec Novae ST81181TPL2-B-140 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2009 Altec Novae ST81181TPL2-B-140 | Equipment |
| 2010 Altec Novae ST81181TPL2-B-140 | Equipment |
| 2012 Altec Novae ST81181TPL2-B-140 | Equipment |
| Units affected | 344 |
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 trailer tongue failure can let the trailer separate from the tow vehicle or make the trailer hard to control, increasing the risk of a crash. Stop towing if the trailer tongue shows cracks or damage, and arrange service before using the trailer again. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2012 Altec Novae ST81181TPL2-B-140 trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to confirm the repair path for this trailer.
- Schedule the free tongue inspection and reinforcing-kit repair that addresses cracks at the trailer tongue and frame connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V616 when you call.
- Avoid towing the trailer until Altec confirms the tongue has been inspected or repaired.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician inspects the trailer tongue and frame for cracks. If cracks are found, the dealer repairs the cracked area and installs a reinforcing kit. The repair status is not confirmed here, so confirm availability with Altec customer service or the servicing dealer before moving the trailer in. The dealer repair will be free once available.
Timeline
| October 3, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 13, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V616?
Recall 14V616 covers 344 2009-2012 Altec Novae ST81181TPL2-B-140 equipment trailers with a tongue that can crack and separate from the trailer frame. If the tongue fails, the trailer can separate from the tow vehicle or lose control, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2009-2012 Altec Novae ST81181TPL2-B-140 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 14V616. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and reference recall CSN 605. Dealers will inspect the trailer tongue, repair cracks, and install the reinforcing kit for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Altec's recall remedy says dealers will inspect and repair any cracks found and add a reinforcing kit free of charge. That free repair applies at an authorized Altec repair location for trailers included in recall 14V616.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation or loss of control. The affected trailer tongue can crack and separate from the frame. If that happens while towing, the trailer can separate from the tow vehicle or become harder to control, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought the Altec trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies to an included trailer. Used ownership does not cancel an open safety recall. Check your VIN, then call an Altec dealer or Altec customer service with recall 14V616 and Altec recall number CSN 605.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V616000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V616 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V616000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →