Recall 16V271 affects 522 2015-2016 Kaufman Wedge Car Hauler and Flatbed Equipment Trailer trailers for loose axle-hanger lock nuts. Replacement nuts are free.
Kaufman is recalling 522 2015-2016 Wedge Car Hauler and Flatbed Equipment Trailer units because lock nuts securing the axle hanger to the springs were not properly crimped. If the nuts fall off, the axle can shift or detach from the trailer and raise crash risk; Kaufman dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The rear axle suspension on 2015-2016 Kaufman Wedge Car Hauler and Flatbed Equipment Trailer models uses axle hangers, springs, bolts, and lock nuts to hold the trailer axle in position. The springs carry the trailer load, and the axle hangers connect those springs to the trailer frame. The lock nuts are supposed to stay tight on the bolts so that connection does not loosen while the trailer is moving.
On affected trailers, the lock nuts were not crimped correctly. A lock nut is designed with a nylon insert and a deformed edge that grips the bolt threads instead of backing off from vibration. When that crimp is weak, road vibration can let the nut loosen, detach, and leave the axle hanger connection unsecured during operation.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner will not have a reliable noise, light, or handling clue that the nut is loose before the connection comes apart.
Who's affected?
Both Kaufman trailer models use the same rear suspension component across the 2015 and 2016 model years.
| 2015 Kaufman Wedge Car Hauler | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2015 Kaufman Flatbed Equipment Trailer | rear suspension |
| 2016 Kaufman Wedge Car Hauler | rear suspension |
| 2016 Kaufman Flatbed Equipment Trailer | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 522 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific trailer.
What's the safety risk?
Loose or missing axle nuts let the axle bolts loosen. If the axle shifts or detaches from the trailer, the trailer is unsafe to tow and the risk of a crash increases. Schedule the repair soon and inspect the axle hardware before towing. Repair is free at any franchised Kaufman dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Kaufman Wedge Car Hauler or Flatbed Equipment Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Kaufman customer service to get the free Nylock replacement nuts for the axle-hanger repair.
- Schedule the free lock-nut repair that re-secures the axle hanger to the trailer springs.
- Bring the recall notice if Kaufman mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V271 when you call.
- Avoid using the trailer until the axle-hanger lock nuts are replaced; loose bolts can let the axle shift or detach from the springs.
What happens at the repair
Kaufman provides affected owners with new Nylock replacement nuts and instructions for replacing the nuts that secure the axle hanger to the springs. The replacement nuts are free under the recall, and the repair is available now. Kaufman is also shipping a labor reimbursement check with the replacement nuts, so keep the recall paperwork with your trailer records. If the work has already been done or the labor check is missing, contact Kaufman customer service about the reimbursement tied to this campaign.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 4, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 6, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 20, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V271?
Recall 16V271 covers 522 2015-2016 Kaufman Wedge Car Hauler and Flatbed Equipment Trailer units with axle hanger lock nuts that were not properly crimped. The nuts can loosen and detach during operation, which can let the axle shift or detach from the trailer. Kaufman provides new Nylock replacement nuts for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Kaufman Wedge Car Hauler or Flatbed Equipment Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V271. If it is, contact Kaufman customer service at 1-336-790-6800 and ask how to receive the free Nylock replacement nuts for the axle hanger hardware.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Kaufman provides the new Nylock replacement nuts free of charge under recall 16V271. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to address the safety defect at no cost to the owner.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is axle movement or axle separation while the trailer is in operation. If the lock nuts fall off, the bolts can loosen, and the axle can disconnect from the spring hangers. That increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN and complete the free hardware remedy.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V271000 |
|---|---|
| Kaufman customer service | 1-336-790-6800 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V271 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V271000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall 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 →