Recall 16V635 affects 285 2015-2016 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler trailers for rear suspension spring failure. Repair is free at any franchised Kaufman dealer.
Kaufman is recalling 285 2015-2016 Mini Car Hauler trailers because the suspension spring eye can break and let an axle slide back and forth. When that happens, the tires can contact a fender or adjacent tire, hurting handling and increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Kaufman makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The rear suspension on a 2015-2016 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler uses leaf springs to carry the trailer's load and hold the non-powered axle in position. The spring eye is the curled end of a spring where the suspension attaches to the frame. That attachment lets the suspension move as the trailer rides over the road while keeping the axle aligned under the trailer.
On affected trailers, the suspension spring eye can break during use. When that eye breaks, the axle is no longer held firmly in place and can slide back and forth. That movement changes how the trailer tracks behind the tow vehicle and can make the hauler harder to control, especially while loaded.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the spring eye breaks, the first thing an owner notices can be axle movement, uneven tracking, or a sudden change in how the trailer follows the tow vehicle.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same rear-suspension area: the rear axle assembly and rear springs.
| 2015 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2015 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler | rear suspension |
| 2016 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler | rear suspension |
| 2016 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 285 |
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?
A sliding axle can let the tires contact the fender or the adjacent tire, which affects handling and increases the risk of a crash. Schedule the repair soon, and stop using the trailer if the axle shifts or tire contact appears. Repair will be free at any franchised Kaufman dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler is included in this recall.
- Contact Kaufman customer service at 1-336-790-6800 for current repair instructions and reference recall number 16V635.
- Ask when the free spring replacement is ready for your trailer if Kaufman has not already scheduled it.
- Use the recall notice if you have one, and describe the suspension spring eye breakage that lets the axle move back and forth.
- Limit towing until the repair is complete because axle movement can affect handling and raise crash risk.
What happens at the repair
Kaufman's listed repair is to replace all trailer springs with a redesigned spring that has a thicker top leaf and a rubber bushing with a steel sleeve. Because the remedy status is not listed as available, do not assume the final dealer repair can be scheduled yet. Once it opens, a Kaufman technician will replace the covered springs free of charge under the recall. Parts and labor are covered.
Timeline
| September 1, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 24, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V635?
Recall 16V635 covers 285 2015-2016 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler trailers with rear suspension springs that can break at the spring eye. If the axle slides, the tires can contact the fender or adjacent tire, affecting handling and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V635. If it is, contact Kaufman customer service at 1-336-790-6800 and ask about the spring replacement. Reference recall 16V635 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Kaufman's recall remedy says the company will replace all trailer springs with a newly designed spring at no charge. The replacement spring has a thicker top leaf and a rubber bushing with a steel sleeve.
What is the safety risk?
The risk in recall 16V635 is loss of stable trailer handling. If a rear suspension spring eye breaks, the axle can slide back and forth. That movement can let a tire contact the fender or the adjacent tire, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought the Kaufman trailer used?
The free recall repair still follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2015-2016 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler is included, then call Kaufman customer service and reference recall 16V635.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V635000 |
|---|---|
| Kaufman customer service | 1-336-790-6800 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V635 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V635000 |
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 →