Recall 16V019 affects 5 2015-2016 Western Trailer Chip B-Train trailers for brake drag and wheel-end fire risk. Western replaced the brake chambers free.
Western Trailer is recalling 5 2015-2016 Chip B-Train trailers equipped with Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators because an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber can cause brake drag. Brake drag can lead to a wheel-end fire, and Western Trailer dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air brake actuator on a 2015-2016 Western Trailer Chip B-Train is the brake chamber that turns air pressure into brake force. When the driver applies the brakes, air enters the chamber, moves an internal diaphragm, and pushes the linkage that applies the trailer brakes. On these trailers, the recalled Haldex long-stroke chambers were installed on all 5 axles.
The problem is inside the brake chamber. The diaphragm was not seated correctly, so the chamber does not release or apply force the way it was designed to. That can leave brake force dragging after the brake should be released, instead of letting the wheel end roll freely.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or fleet mechanic should not count on a specific light, sound, or feel at the pedal before this brake chamber defect is found.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2015 and 2016 Chip B-Train model years, with the brake system named for each year.
| 2016 Western Trailer Chip B-Train | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Western Trailer Chip B-Train | brake system |
| Units affected | 5 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Brake drag can create enough heat at a wheel end to start a fire. If you suspect brake drag on your 2015-2016 Chip B-Train, stop using the trailer and call Western Trailer service. Repair is free at any franchised Western Trailer dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Western Trailer Chip B-Train is included in this recall.
- Contact Western Trailer customer service at 1-888-344-2539 to confirm the free brake-chamber replacement has been completed.
- Reference recall number 16V019 when you call, and ask for documentation if the brake chambers were already replaced.
- Avoid hauling the trailer until the brake chambers are confirmed replaced; the repair addresses brake drag that creates a wheel-end fire risk.
What happens at the repair
Western Trailer notified affected owners, and the brake chambers covered by recall 16V019 have already been replaced free of charge. At service, a Western Trailer technician replaced the affected Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators so the improperly seated diaphragm no longer causes brake drag. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Western Trailer has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same brake chamber repair. Contact Western Trailer customer service with repair paperwork to ask how the plan applies.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 15, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| January 19, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V019?
Recall 16V019 covers 5 2015-2016 Western Trailer Chip B-Train trailers equipped with certain Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators. An improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber can cause brake drag, and Western Trailer says the brake chambers have been replaced for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Western Trailer Chip B-Train is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V019. If it is, contact Western Trailer customer service at 1-888-344-2539 or a franchised Western Trailer service contact to confirm the brake chamber replacement is complete. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Western Trailer says the affected brake chambers have already been replaced free of charge. Have recall 16V019 and your trailer VIN ready when you call.
What is the safety risk?
In recall 16V019, brake drag can result in a wheel end fire. That risk comes from the brake chamber diaphragm seating defect described for the affected air brake actuators. If your VIN is included, confirm the free brake chamber replacement has been completed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V019000 |
|---|---|
| Western Trailer customer service | 1-888-344-2539 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V019 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V019000 |
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 →