Recall 16V645 affects 109 2017 Coachmen Viking recreational trailers for missing roof-strut retaining clips. Repair is free at any franchised Coachmen dealer.
Coachmen is recalling 109 2017 Viking recreational trailers because a missing wire clip can let the gas lift roof strut separate from its mounting bracket. If the strut comes loose, one side of the roof can drop quickly and increase the risk of injury; Coachmen dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The roof on a 2017 Coachmen Viking recreational trailer uses gas lift struts to help raise and support the roof. Each strut connects to a mounting ball on a bracket fastened to the roof and sidewall. A small wire clip holds that strut socket on the mounting ball, so the strut stays attached while the roof moves and while it is supported.
On the affected trailers, that wire clip was not installed because of a communication error with the part supplier. Without the clip, the gas-filled roof strut can detach from the mounting ball. Once it comes loose, the roof support no longer works as designed, and the detached strut no longer holds its connection to the roof and sidewall bracket.
Owners can inspect the roof struts before failure. The strut should be attached to the silver mounting plates, and a repaired trailer will show a silver ring around the top and bottom of the struts where the wire clip is installed.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Coachmen Viking | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 109 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2017 Coachmen Viking trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Without the retaining clip, the roof lifting strut can detach from its bracket and let one side of the roof drop quickly, which increases injury risk. Before using the roof, inspect that the strut is attached to the silver mounting plates. Schedule the clip installation soon. Repair is free at any franchised Coachmen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Coachmen Viking is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Coachmen dealer to schedule the free wire-clip repair that secures the roof lift strut to its mounting bracket.
- Bring the recall notice if Coachmen mailed one, or reference recall number 16V645 when you call.
- Keep people clear of the roof area until the dealer confirms the retaining clip is installed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Coachmen technician installs the missing wire clip that secures the gas lift roof struts to the mounting bracket. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. Coachmen has a general reimbursement plan for eligible out-of-pocket repairs tied to this recall. Bring documentation for any prior related repair and ask the service desk how to submit it under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 7, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 29, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 31, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| October 31, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 31, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V645?
Recall 16V645 covers 109 2017 Coachmen Viking recreational trailers with a missing wire retaining clip for the gas-lift roof strut. Without that clip, the roof strut can detach from its mounting bracket and let one side of the roof drop quickly. Coachmen dealers will install the wire clip for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Coachmen Viking is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V645. If it is, contact a franchised Coachmen dealer to schedule the wire-clip installation. Reference recall 16V645 or Coachmen recall number 120-08302016-0240 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Coachmen dealers will install the wire clip free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trailers included in recall 16V645.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury from the roof dropping quickly on one side. The defect involves the wire retaining clip that holds the gas-lift roof strut to its mounting bracket. If that strut detaches, the roof is no longer held as intended.
What if I bought my Coachmen Viking used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2017 Coachmen Viking is included, then call a franchised Coachmen dealer with recall 16V645.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V645000 |
|---|---|
| Coachmen customer service | 1-269-467-8281 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V645 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V645000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →