Recall 16V433 covers 36 2015-2016 Pj Trailers T1 trailers with steel-tongue notches that weaken the tongue and lead to separation. Reinforcement kit installation is free.
Pj Trailers is recalling 36 2015-2016 T1 single axle tilt trailers under recall 16V433 because a notch cut into the steel tongue left the tongue too weak. If the tongue cracks and separates, the trailer is no longer connected to the tow vehicle and crash risk increases; Pj Trailers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steel tongue on a 2015-2016 Pj Trailers T1 trailer is the forward hitch structure that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle. It carries the pulling force from the tow vehicle and helps keep the trailer aligned while it is being towed. On a tilt trailer, that tongue also has to handle movement and load changes as cargo shifts onto the deck.
During production, a notch was cut into the steel tongue. On the recalled trailers, that notch was cut too deep, which reduced the strength of the steel at a high-stress bend point. Under towing loads, the weakened area can start to crack. If the crack grows, the tongue can separate from the trailer.
Owners can see the tongue bend or crack before separation. That visible bend or crack is the warning sign to stop using the trailer and have the tongue reinforcement addressed.
Who's affected?
Covers the T1 trailer across the 2015 and 2016 model years, with the same trailer hitch component listed for both years.
| 2016 Pj Trailers T1 | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| 2015 Pj Trailers T1 | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 36 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 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 tongue bends or cracks, the trailer can separate from the tongue and lose its connection to the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Treat any bending or cracking as a reason to stop towing and arrange the reinforcement kit installation. Repair is free at any franchised Pj Trailers dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Pj Trailers T1 is included in this recall.
- Contact Pj Trailers customer service at 1-866-752-8781 or a franchised Pj Trailers dealer to schedule installation of the free reinforcement kit that strengthens the trailer tongue.
- Bring the recall notice if Pj Trailers mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V433 when you call.
- Inspect the trailer tongue before towing and stop using the trailer if you see cracking or separation.
What happens at the repair
At the service appointment, a Pj Trailers technician installs the reinforcement kit provided for the trailer tongue. The kit reinforces the steel tongue where the production notch weakened the metal and left it vulnerable to cracking or separation. Parts and installation are free under the recall. Pj Trailers has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this same repair before the recall notice. Contact Pj Trailers customer service with documentation for the prior repair so the claim can be reviewed under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 2, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| June 14, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| July 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V433?
Recall 16V433 covers 36 2015-2016 Pj Trailers T1 single axle tilt trailers with a steel tongue notch that was cut too deep during production. The weakened tongue can crack and separate from the trailer. Pj Trailers provided a reinforcement kit for free installation.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Pj Trailers T1 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V433. If it is, contact Pj Trailers customer service at 1-866-752-8781 and ask how to get the reinforcement kit installed. Reference recall 16V433 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 16V433, Pj Trailers provided each owner with a reinforcement kit to have installed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation. If the trailer separates from the tongue, the trailer is no longer connected to the tow vehicle, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN before towing, and arrange the free reinforcement repair if your trailer is included.
What if I bought my Pj Trailers T1 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2015-2016 Pj Trailers T1 is included, then call Pj Trailers customer service at 1-866-752-8781 with recall 16V433.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V433000 |
|---|---|
| Pj Trailers customer service | 1-866-752-8781 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V433 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V433000 |
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 →