Hillsboro is recalling 26 2016 Aluminum Utility Trailer trailers under recall 16V214 for improperly installed axle hardware. Repair is free at any franchised Hillsboro dealer.
Hillsboro is recalling 26 2016 Aluminum Utility Trailer units under recall 16V214 because improperly installed axle attachment hardware can let the axle shift out of secure alignment. A shifted axle can make the trailer pull to one side and raise crash risk; Hillsboro dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle on the 2016 Hillsboro Aluminum Utility Trailer carries the trailer wheels and keeps them square with the frame. Its attachment hardware clamps the axle in place so the trailer tracks straight behind the tow vehicle. On these open aluminum utility trailers with a 2,990-pound Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, that hardware is part of what keeps the axle secured under load.
Hillsboro traced the defect to an assembly error. During production, the axle hardware was installed in the wrong sequence. When the parts are stacked or tightened in the wrong order, the axle attachment does not hold the axle in its intended position. The axle can shift, which changes wheel alignment and makes the trailer harder to control.
The warning sign is poor tracking. If the axle has shifted, the trailer will not follow straight behind the tow vehicle.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Hillsboro Aluminum Utility Trailer | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 26 |
| 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?
An axle that shifts can make the trailer pull to one side and increase the risk of a crash. If the trailer stops tracking straight, slow down, avoid loading it, and arrange dealer service before further use. Repair is free at any franchised Hillsboro dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Hillsboro Aluminum Utility Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hillsboro dealer to schedule the free axle-mounting correction that keeps the trailer axle secured and aligned.
- Reference recall number 16V214 when you call, since Hillsboro reported that owner letters were not being sent for this recall.
- Avoid towing the trailer until the axle mounting is corrected. If the trailer has to be moved, watch for pulling to one side and stop if it does not track straight.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hillsboro technician corrects the axle mounting so the axle attachment hardware is properly installed and the axle stays secured and aligned. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Hillsboro reported that the affected 2016 Aluminum Utility Trailer units were quarantined at dealers before sale, so owner notification letters were not sent. If a trailer is still at the dealer, the repair should be completed before delivery.
Timeline
| April 8, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| April 12, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| April 12, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 13, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| April 14, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 14, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V214?
Recall 16V214 covers 26 2016 Hillsboro Aluminum Utility Trailers with a 2,990 GVWR. The axle attachment hardware was installed incorrectly, so the axle can shift out of position. If that happens, the trailer can pull to one side and raise crash risk. Hillsboro dealers correct the axle mounting for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Hillsboro Aluminum Utility Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included in recall 16V214. If it is, contact a franchised Hillsboro dealer or Hillsboro customer service at 1-316-947-3127 to arrange the axle-mounting correction. Reference recall 16V214 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Hillsboro dealers will correct the axle mounting free of charge. The free repair applies even if you bought the trailer used or never received a recall letter.
Is it safe to tow my Hillsboro Aluminum Utility Trailer before the repair?
The risk is that the axle can shift and the trailer can pull to one side, which raises crash risk. Confirm the VIN before towing. If your trailer is included, call a Hillsboro dealer or Hillsboro customer service for repair scheduling guidance before using it.
Will Hillsboro send an owner notice for recall 16V214?
No owner letters were planned because Hillsboro reported that all affected trailers were quarantined at dealers before sale. The recall began on April 14, 2016. If you own a matching 2016 Aluminum Utility Trailer, use the VIN check and then contact Hillsboro about the free axle-mounting correction.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V214000 |
|---|---|
| Hillsboro customer service | 1-316-947-3127 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V214 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V214000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →