Recall 17V518 affects 23 2017-2018 K-Z Sportster and Sportsmen recreational trailers for tire rubbing. Repair is free at any franchised K-Z dealer.
K-Z is recalling 23 2017-2018 Sportster and Sportsmen recreational trailers because the tires can rub against the steel sewer-hose enclosure and wear out early. Sudden tire failure raises the risk of a crash, and K-Z dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The tires on 2017-2018 K-Z Sportster and Sportsmen recreational trailers carry the trailer's weight and keep it tracking behind the tow vehicle. The sewer hose enclosure is a steel storage box for the waste hose, placed near the wheel area. Those parts need enough clearance as the tire moves through its normal path on the road.
On affected trailers, the design did not leave enough room for that tire movement. As the trailer travels, the tire can contact the steel sewer hose enclosure. That rubbing scrapes the tire surface and wears it faster than designed. K-Z later removed that enclosure from the design to stop the contact point.
The warning sign is premature tire wear. Check the tire sidewall and tread area near the enclosure for unusual scraping, thinning, or damage before towing.
Who's affected?
Covers Sportster and Sportsmen trailers from the 2017 and 2018 model years, all tied to the tire component.
| 2018 K-Z Sportster | tire |
|---|---|
| 2017 K-Z Sportsmen | tire |
| 2018 K-Z Sportsmen | tire |
| 2017 K-Z Sportster | tire |
| Units affected | 23 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Premature tire wear can lead to sudden tire failure and increase the risk of a crash. Check the tires for rapid or uneven wear before using the vehicle, and schedule the recall repair soon if your VIN is included. The warning sign is the tire wear itself. Repair is free at any franchised K-Z dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 K-Z Sportster or Sportsmen trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised K-Z dealer to schedule the free sewer hose enclosure relocation that stops the enclosure from rubbing the tires.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 17V518 and K-Z recall KZ-2017-05 when you call.
- Inspect the tires for uneven wear or rubbing before towing the trailer.
- Limit towing until the repair is complete, and stop if you find tire damage.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a K-Z technician relocates the sewer hose enclosure so it no longer sits where the tires can rub against the steel housing. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid for the same sewer hose enclosure repair before the recall work was performed, K-Z's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Ask the dealer or K-Z customer service how to submit the repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 23, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 30, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 16, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| October 16, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 16, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 16, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V518?
NHTSA campaign 17V518 covers 23 2017-2018 K-Z Sportster and Sportsmen recreational trailers. The tires can rub against the steel sewer-hose enclosure, causing premature tire wear and sudden tire failure. K-Z dealers will relocate the sewer-hose enclosure for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 K-Z Sportster or Sportsmen is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 17V518. If it is, contact a franchised K-Z dealer to schedule the sewer-hose-enclosure relocation. Reference recall number 17V518 and K-Z recall number KZ-2017-05 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 17V518, a franchised K-Z dealer will relocate the sewer-hose enclosure free of charge so the tires no longer rub against it.
What is the safety risk with this K-Z trailer recall?
The safety risk is sudden tire failure from premature tire wear. In NHTSA campaign 17V518, the tire can contact the steel sewer-hose enclosure while the trailer is in use, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my K-Z trailer used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If you never received the original owner notice, check your VIN, then call a franchised K-Z dealer with recall number 17V518.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V518000 |
|---|---|
| K-Z customer service | 1-800-768-4016 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V518 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V518000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →