Recall 16V823 covers 318 2015 Kzrv trailers with ladder hinges that can separate. Repair is free at any franchised Kzrv dealer.
Kzrv is recalling 318 2015 Sportster, Venom, Sportsmen, Mxt, Inferno, and Sporttrek trailers because welded top hats on retractable aluminum ladder hinges can separate. If a hinge separates while the ladder is in use, the ladder can fall from the trailer and increase the risk of injury; the Kzrv dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The exterior aluminum ladder on the 2015 Kzrv Sportster, Venom, Sportsmen, Mxt, Inferno, and Sporttrek trailers is held in place by retractable hinges and mounting brackets. Those hinges let the ladder move as designed while the brackets keep the ladder secured to the trailer body. Each affected hinge includes a welded top hat, a small welded piece that helps tie the hinge and bracket together.
On affected trailers, the mounting bracket was not welded to the hinge properly. The welded top hat can separate from the retractable hinge, which leaves that ladder connection without the support it was designed to have. Once the bracket starts separating, the ladder no longer stays secured at that hinge point in the intended way.
The warning sign is the mounting bracket separating from the hinge. Owners can look for a bracket that has started to pull away from the hinge or no longer sits tight against it.
Who's affected?
Covers six Kzrv trailer lines from the 2015 model year, all tied to the same equipment component.
| 2015 Kzrv Sportster | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2015 Kzrv Venom | Equipment |
| 2015 Kzrv Sportsmen | Equipment |
| 2015 Kzrv Mxt | Equipment |
| 2015 Kzrv Inferno | Equipment |
| 2015 Kzrv Sporttrek | Equipment |
| Units affected | 318 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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?
A ladder hinge that separates while the ladder is in use can let the ladder fall from the vehicle and increase the risk of injury. Watch for the mounting bracket pulling away from the hinge, and keep people clear of the ladder until the dealer repairs it. Repair will be free at any franchised Kzrv dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Kzrv Sportster, Venom, Sportsmen, Mxt, Inferno, or Sporttrek is included in this recall.
- Contact Kzrv customer service or a franchised Kzrv dealer for current repair scheduling instructions.
- Schedule the free hinge-brace installation that reinforces the retractable ladder hinges.
- Bring the recall notice if Kzrv mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V823 when you call.
- Avoid using the rear ladder until the hinge brace is installed; the recall involves hinge welds that can separate while the ladder is in use.
What happens at the repair
The remedy listed for this recall is a hinge brace installed over the back of the existing ladder hinges. Once the dealer repair is available, a Kzrv technician installs the brace at no charge, with parts and labor covered under the recall. If you paid for a related ladder hinge repair before the recall work, ask Kzrv customer service or the dealer how to submit documentation under the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 15, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 18, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| November 18, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 18, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 18, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 16, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V823?
Recall 16V823 covers 318 2015 Kzrv Sportster, Venom, Sportsmen, Mxt, Inferno, and Sporttrek trailers equipped with certain Christianson Industries aluminum black ladders. A welded "top hat" on the retractable ladder hinge can separate, and Kzrv dealers will install a hinge brace for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Kzrv Sportster, Venom, Sportsmen, Mxt, Inferno, or Sporttrek is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 16V823. If it is, contact a Kzrv dealer to schedule the ladder hinge brace installation. Reference recall number 16V823 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kzrv dealers will install a hinge brace over the back of the existing ladder hinges free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury from a ladder that falls from the trailer while someone is using it. The defect involves the retractable ladder hinge. If the welded "top hat" separates from the hinge, the ladder can detach from the vehicle.
What if I bought my Kzrv trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included, then call a Kzrv dealer and reference recall number 16V823.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V823000 |
|---|---|
| Kzrv customer service | 1-800-768-4016 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V823 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V823000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (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 →