Recall 15V863 affects 55 2016 Kaufman Flatbed and Wedge Car Hauler trailers for mismatched axle hub assemblies. Repair is free at any franchised Kaufman dealer.
Kaufman is recalling 55 2016 Flatbed and Wedge Car Hauler trailers under recall 15V863 because mismatched axle hub and cone assemblies can leak bearing oil and lead to wheel bearing failure. Premature bearing failure is the crash risk in this recall, and Kaufman dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle on a 2016 Kaufman Flatbed or Wedge Car Hauler carries the trailer's load and lets each wheel hub spin on bearings. The bearing cone sits inside the hub assembly and gives the rotating hub a smooth, centered surface. Oil seals keep bearing oil inside the wheel end so the bearing stays lubricated under load.
On affected trailers, the axle hub and bearing cone assemblies were mismatched. The wrong inner bearing cone was placed in the drum assembly on certain 10,000 lb dual wheel axles. That mismatch can damage the oil seal, let bearing oil leak out, and leave the wheel bearing without the lubrication it needs. Once that happens, the bearing can overheat and fail.
Owners can look for low oil levels at the wheel end or oil leaking onto nearby wheel-end parts. Brakes that drag, a drum that shows excessive heat, or heat marks around the wheel end are warning signs to have checked.
Who's affected?
Covers Flatbed and Wedge Car Hauler trailer configurations, both tied to the same rear suspension assembly.
| 2016 Kaufman Flatbed | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2016 Kaufman Wedge Car Hauler | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 55 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and trailer model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Premature bearing failure raises crash risk by affecting the axle at the wheel end. Watch for low oil levels, oil on wheel end parts, brake drag, or excessive heat in the drum. If any of those signs appear, park the trailer and contact a dealer before the next trip. Repair is free at any franchised Kaufman dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Kaufman Flatbed or Wedge Car Hauler trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a Kaufman dealer to schedule the free axle-assembly replacement that fixes the mismatched hub and cone assemblies tied to leaking seals and bearing failure.
- Bring the recall notice if Kaufman mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V863 when you call.
- Tow cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop if you see bearing oil leaking near a wheel.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kaufman technician replaces the affected axle assemblies on the 2016 Flatbed or Wedge Car Hauler trailer. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Kaufman's reimbursement plan is on file for owners who already paid for a related axle repair before the recall notice. Keep repair orders and payment records, then contact Kaufman customer service at 1-336-790-6817 to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 21, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
|---|---|
| December 22, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| January 15, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V863?
Recall 15V863 covers 55 2016 Kaufman Flatbed and Wedge Car Hauler trailers with 10,000 lb dual wheel axle assemblies. Mismatched axle hub and cone assemblies can leak bearing oil and lead to premature wheel bearing failure, increasing crash risk. Kaufman dealers replace the affected axle assemblies for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Kaufman Flatbed or Wedge Car Hauler is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 15V863. If it is, contact a Kaufman dealer or Kaufman customer service at 1-336-790-6817 to arrange the axle assembly replacement. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Kaufman dealers will replace the affected axle assemblies free of charge, including parts and labor, for trailers included in recall 15V863.
What is the safety risk with this Kaufman trailer recall?
The safety risk is premature wheel bearing failure. The recall filing says mismatched axle hub and cone assemblies can cause leaking bearing oil seals, which can lead to bearing failure and increase crash risk. The repair path is an axle assembly replacement at no cost.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V863000 |
|---|---|
| Kaufman customer service | 1-336-790-6817 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V863 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V863000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →