Recall 16V357 affects 18 2014-2015 Manac Darkwing Aluminum trailers for cracked coupling-plate structure. Repair is free at any franchised Manac dealer.
Manac is recalling 18 2014-2015 Darkwing Aluminum trailers under recall 16V357 because cracks can form in the structural web connected to the coupling plate below the cross-member. If that plate separates, the trailer can disconnect from the towing vehicle and increase crash risk; Manac dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The coupling plate area on a Manac Darkwing Aluminum flatbed is the front structure that connects the trailer to the tractor through the fifth wheel. On 2014-2015 trailers with 5 or 8 axles, the structural web below the cross-member helps carry towing loads into the trailer frame. That web needs to stay solid so the coupling plate stays tied to the trailer frame.
In NHTSA campaign 16V357, Manac says uneven loads from side-drag turn events can put extra stress on the frame web connected to the coupling plate. Load weight and work conditions can raise that stress. Over time, cracks can form in the web; with continued use, the cracking can lead to structural damage and separation of the coupling plate from the trailer frame.
The warning sign is visible cracking near the structural web connected to the coupling plate. Owners or fleet maintenance staff can inspect that area before failure.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same body or structural component.
| 2014 Manac Darkwing Aluminum | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2015 Manac Darkwing Aluminum | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 18 |
| 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?
If the coupling plate separates, the trailer can disconnect from the towing vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. Cracks in the structural web near the coupling plate are visible on inspection, so treat cracks as a reason to stop towing and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Manac dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Manac Darkwing Aluminum trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Manac dealer to schedule the free coupling-plate and frame-web repair that fixes the cracked structural web below the cross-member.
- Bring the recall notice Manac mailed, or reference recall number 16V357 when you call.
- Avoid hauling with the trailer until the dealer completes the repair, because a separated coupling plate can let the trailer disconnect from the towing vehicle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Manac technician installs a new coupling plate and repairs any cracked frame webs tied to the coupling plate area below the cross-member. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid for an enhancement to the coupling plate assembly before receiving the defect notice, the notice gives the reimbursement details. Contact Manac customer service or bring that paperwork to the service desk so the dealer can route the claim correctly.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 25, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 30, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| May 30, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 3, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 8, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V357?
Recall 16V357 covers 18 2014-2015 Manac Darkwing Aluminum flatbed trailers with cracks in the structural web near the coupling plate. If the coupling plate separates, the trailer can disconnect from the towing vehicle, increasing crash risk. Manac dealers repair the frame webs and install a new coupling plate for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Manac Darkwing Aluminum is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V357. If it is, contact a Manac dealer to schedule the coupling plate and frame web repair. Reference recall number 16V357000 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 Manac dealers install a new coupling plate and repair cracked frame webs free of charge.
Is it safe to tow a Manac Darkwing Aluminum trailer with this recall?
The recall involves a coupling plate defect that can let the trailer disconnect from the towing vehicle, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN before towing again. If your trailer is included, ask the Manac dealer how to move it safely for the repair.
What if I bought this Manac trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Darkwing Aluminum trailer is included, then call a Manac dealer with recall number 16V357000.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V357000 |
|---|---|
| Manac customer service | 1-800-361-7900 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V357 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V357000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →