Recall 16V597 affects 374,319 2006-2016 Haul Master trailers with rear lamp brackets that do not light the license plate. Tail light package is free.
Haul Master is recalling 374,319 2006-2016 Trailer models because incorrectly positioned rear lamp brackets can leave the license plate unlit. That lighting problem makes the trailer less visible to other drivers and increases crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
On these 2006-2016 Haul Master Trailer models, the rear lamp bracket holds the rear lighting hardware at the back of the trailer. That hardware is supposed to put light where it is needed, including onto the license plate, so the trailer meets lighting rule 108.
The problem is the bracket position. The rear lamp bracket is installed so the light pattern misses the license plate or leaves it unlit. The lamp itself is not described as burned out; the defect is the way the bracket places the lamp. Because the plate does not receive the required light, the trailer does not comply with the exterior lighting standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner checking the trailer at night or in a dark garage can see that the rear lights work but the license plate stays dark.
Who's affected?
Each model year in the recall points to the same exterior-lighting component.
| 2014 Haul Master Trailer | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| 2010 Haul Master Trailer | Exterior lighting |
| 2009 Haul Master Trailer | Exterior lighting |
| 2012 Haul Master Trailer | Exterior lighting |
| 2015 Haul Master Trailer | Exterior lighting |
| 2013 Haul Master Trailer | Exterior lighting |
| 2008 Haul Master Trailer | Exterior lighting |
| 2007 Haul Master Trailer | Exterior lighting |
| 2006 Haul Master Trailer | Exterior lighting |
| 2016 Haul Master Trailer | Exterior lighting |
| 2011 Haul Master Trailer | Exterior lighting |
| Units affected | 374,319 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced trailer visibility makes it harder for other drivers to see the trailer, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Use extra caution around traffic and schedule the tail light remedy once it is available. Repair will be free at any franchised Haul Master dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2016 Haul Master Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Haul Master customer service at 1-805-388-1000 to request the free tail light package for the rear lamp bracket issue.
- Reference recall number 16V597 when you call.
- Install the new tail light package before towing the trailer in traffic; it fixes the license plate lighting problem that makes the trailer less visible.
- Keep the recall notice with your trailer paperwork if Haul Master mailed one.
What happens at the repair
For this Haul Master trailer recall, the remedy is a new tail light package that corrects the rear lighting setup so the license plate is illuminated as required. Harbor Freight provides the package free of charge once the remedy is available. The source record does not describe a shop inspection or labor step, so plan on following the instructions in the owner notice for receiving and installing the replacement lighting package.
Timeline
| August 12, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 10, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V597?
Recall 16V597 covers 374,319 2006-2016 Haul Master Trailer units with rear lamp brackets positioned so the license plate is not illuminated. The trailers are less visible to other drivers, which increases crash risk. Harbor Freight will provide a new tail light package for free.
What should I do if my 2006-2016 Haul Master Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V597. If it is, contact Harbor Freight customer service at 1-805-388-1000 and ask for the free tail light package tied to this recall.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost. For recall 16V597, Harbor Freight provides the replacement tail light package free of charge for included Haul Master trailers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility to other drivers. The incorrectly positioned rear lamp brackets do not illuminate the license plate, so the trailer is harder to see from behind. That condition increases the risk of a crash until the lighting issue is corrected.
When did the Haul Master Trailer recall begin?
The recall began on October 10, 2016. If you own a 2006-2016 Haul Master Trailer and never received a notice, check your VIN and contact Harbor Freight customer service with recall number 16V597.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V597000 |
|---|---|
| Haul Master customer service | 1-805-388-1000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V597 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V597000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →