Recall 16V159 affects 50 2016 Winnebago Instinct trailers with an incorrect VIN plate. A franchised Winnebago dealer installs a corrected plate for free.
Winnebago is recalling 50 2016 Instinct trailers under recall 16V159 because the VIN can include an incorrect "I" as the fifth character. The filing says there is no direct safety risk, but an accurate VIN is needed to confirm future recall coverage, and Winnebago dealers have a free remedy available.
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What's wrong?
The VIN on a 2016 Winnebago Instinct trailer is the identification number that ties the trailer to its title, registration, service records, and recall records. Winnebago used a pre-stamped aluminum VIN plate, and the original VIN was also stamped into the steel frame so the trailer can be identified consistently.
On affected Instinct trailers, the manufacturing process put the letter "I" in the fifth position of the 17 digit VIN. That character does not belong in that VIN position, so the number on the trailer does not work as a valid registration identifier. A dealer found the issue when a prospective customer looked at a unit that was not registerable, and Winnebago confirmed it during a facility audit.
Because this is an identification stamping error, you will not feel or hear a mechanical problem while towing. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Winnebago Instinct | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 50 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Winnebago Instinct trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
This recall does not describe a direct safety hazard. The risk is that an incorrect VIN plate can block accurate recall matching later, leaving an owner without clear confirmation that a future trailer recall applies. Use the corrected VIN plate when checking this trailer. Repair is free at any franchised Winnebago dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Winnebago Instinct is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Winnebago dealer to schedule the free VIN-plate repair that covers the incorrect plate with a corrected plate.
- Bring the recall notice if Winnebago mailed one, or reference recall number 16V159 when you call.
- Confirm the corrected VIN before leaving the dealer so future recall checks match the trailer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Winnebago technician installs a new VIN plate over the incorrect plate on the affected Instinct trailer. This corrects the VIN plate error tied to recall 16V159. The dealer correction is available now, and the new plate and installation labor are covered under the recall. Bring the trailer and any registration paperwork the service desk requests so the corrected VIN information matches the vehicle documents.
Timeline
| March 17, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 19, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V159?
Recall 16V159 covers 50 2016 Winnebago Instinct trailers with an incorrect VIN plate. The affected trailers have an unintended "I" stamped as the fifth VIN character. Winnebago dealers will install a new VIN plate over the incorrect plate for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Winnebago Instinct is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V159. If it is, contact a franchised Winnebago dealer to schedule the VIN plate correction. Reference recall number 16V159 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Winnebago dealers will install a new VIN plate over the incorrect VIN plate free of charge. You can also call Winnebago customer service at 1-574-825-5250.
Is there a safety risk with recall 16V159?
No direct safety risk exists from the VIN plate error itself. The problem is that an accurate VIN is needed to confirm whether the trailer applies to future safety recalls. Correcting the VIN plate helps make future recall checks match the trailer correctly.
When did Winnebago start this recall repair?
Winnebago began the recall repair on April 19, 2016. Because the remedy is available, an included 2016 Instinct trailer can be scheduled with a franchised Winnebago dealer for the free VIN plate correction.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V159000 |
|---|---|
| Winnebago customer service | 1-574-825-5250 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V159 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V159000 |
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 →