Recall 16V764 affects 127 2015-2016 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler trailers for spring-eye failure. Repair is free at any franchised Kaufman dealer.
Kaufman is recalling 127 2015-2016 Mini Car Hauler trailers under recall 16V764 because a spring eye can break off and let the axle slide back and forth. If the axle moves, the tires can hit the fenders or adjacent tires, damage the tires, and raise crash risk; the Kaufman dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The spring eye on the 2015-2016 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler is the curled end of the suspension spring where the spring attaches to the trailer frame. That spring carries the trailer load and helps keep the non-powered axle in position as the trailer moves over the road. The axle depends on that attachment point staying intact under load and road shock.
On affected trailers, the end of the spring eye can break off the spring. Kaufman traced the problem to road shock from heavy duty tires, which puts stress into the spring end. Once the spring eye breaks, the axle is no longer held in the correct position and can slide back and forth under the trailer.
An owner will not get a clear early symptom from the recall record. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
The same rear suspension component is listed for both model years.
| 2015 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2016 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 127 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 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 axle slides back and forth, the tires on that axle can rub the fenders or adjacent tires. That contact can damage the tires and increase the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously and arrange the recall repair. 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 at 1-336-790-2756 to confirm the repair path for your trailer.
- Ask the servicing Kaufman dealer about the free spring replacement that keeps the axle from sliding against the tires or fenders.
- Reference recall number 16V764 when you call, and bring the recall notice if Kaufman sent one.
- Avoid loading or hauling the trailer until Kaufman or the servicing dealer confirms the springs have been replaced.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kaufman technician replaces the springs on the affected trailer with newly designed springs that use a thicker top leaf and a rubber bushing with a steel sleeve. That repair addresses the spring eye failure described in recall 16V764 and keeps the axle from sliding back and forth. The dealer repair will be free once available. If you need help coordinating the work, call Kaufman or ask the dealer to confirm parts before you bring in the trailer.
Timeline
| October 21, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 24, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 24, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| October 24, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 28, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V764?
Recall 16V764 covers 127 2015-2016 Kaufman Mini Car Hauler trailers with rear suspension springs that can break at the spring eye. If the axle slides, tires can contact the fenders or nearby tires, damage the tires, and raise 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 16V764. If it is, contact a Kaufman dealer or Kaufman at 1-336-790-2756 to arrange replacement of all affected springs. Reference recall 16V764 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Kaufman dealers will replace the affected springs for free with a redesigned spring that has a thicker top leaf and rubber bushing with a steel sleeve.
What if I bought my Kaufman Mini Car Hauler used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Mini Car Hauler is included, then contact a Kaufman dealer or Kaufman with recall 16V764.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V764000 |
|---|---|
| Kaufman customer service | 1-336-790-2756 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V764 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V764000 |
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 →