Recall 17V473 covers 14 2017-2018 Lakota trailers with rear external ramps missing required bolts and nuts. Repair is free at any franchised Lakota dealer.
Lakota is recalling 14 2017-2018 Lakota trailers because the rear external load ramp was welded without the added nuts and bolts needed to hold it in place. If the ramp detaches from the trailer, it creates a road hazard and increases the risk of a crash; Lakota dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The 2017-2018 Lakota trailer uses a rear external load ramp as the fold-down surface for loading cargo, equipment, or animals into the trailer. The ramp is part of the trailer structure, so it has to stay attached while the trailer is moving and while weight is placed on it.
On affected Lakota trailers, the ramp was welded on but not also secured with bolts and nuts. Lakota traced the issue to an unauthorized process change during ramp installation. Without the added fasteners, the welds carry the full attachment load, and the ramp can come loose or detach from the trailer.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not given a reliable sound, light, or visible symptom that confirms the ramp is about to detach.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same body or structural component.
| 2018 Lakota Lakota | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2017 Lakota Lakota | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 14 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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 a rear external ramp separates from the trailer, it creates a road hazard and increases crash risk. Schedule the recall repair soon, and check that the ramp is secured before towing. Repair is free at any franchised Lakota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Lakota Lakota is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lakota dealer to schedule the free rear-ramp bolt and nut installation that secures the welded external load ramp.
- Bring the recall notice if Lakota has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V473 when you call.
- Avoid using the trailer on public roads until the ramp hardware repair is complete.
- Call Lakota customer service at 1-574-848-1636 with questions about scheduling or recall paperwork.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lakota technician adds the missing bolts and nuts to each rear external load ramp, so the ramp is secured by hardware in addition to the welds. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. The service desk can match the work order to recall 17V473 and Lakota's recall name, Non-LQ ext ramp, before the trailer is returned to service.
Timeline
| July 25, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 10, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 25, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| August 25, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 25, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V473?
Recall 17V473 covers 14 2017-2018 Lakota trailers with rear external load ramps that were welded but not also fastened with nuts and bolts. The ramp can detach from the trailer and become a road hazard, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Lakota Lakota is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 17V473. If it is, contact a Lakota dealer to schedule installation of nuts and bolts on each rear external ramp. Reference recall 17V473 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Lakota dealers will install the needed bolts and nuts on each rear external ramp free of charge.
Is it safe to tow my Lakota trailer before the repair?
The risk is that the rear external ramp can detach and create a road hazard. If your VIN is included, ask a Lakota dealer how to bring the trailer in safely before towing it for service.
When did the Lakota ramp recall repair become available?
The recall repair began on August 10, 2017. Lakota dealers install nuts and bolts on each rear external ramp free of charge, and owners can contact Lakota customer service at 1-574-848-1636 with recall number 17V473.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V473000 |
|---|---|
| Lakota customer service | 1-574-848-1636 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V473 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V473000 |
Source documents
-
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →