Recall 17V537 affects 195 2016-2018 Hymer Aktiv vehicles for exhaust heat that can melt taillight wiring. Repair is free at any franchised Hymer dealer.
Hymer is recalling 195 2016-2018 Aktiv recreational vehicles because exhaust heat can melt the rear bumper cover and nearby taillight wiring. A damaged taillight raises crash risk, and a hot bumper cover can burn someone after the vehicle has been operated; Hymer dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The exhaust tailpipe on a 2016-2018 Hymer Aktiv carries hot exhaust gas from the engine out the back of the recreational vehicle. On Aktiv models with the Continental kit, the spare tire sits on a trailer-hitch-mounted bracket at the rear doors. The tailpipe has to route exhaust away from that bracket, the bumper cover, and nearby coach wiring.
In affected vehicles, heat from the tailpipe gets trapped behind the rear bumper instead of being directed down and away from the vehicle. That trapped heat can damage the rear bumper cover and the wiring in that area, including wiring for the Continental kit tail light or trailer loom. Hymer's repair uses a revised tailpipe that redirects exhaust down, away, and out from under the rear of the vehicle.
Owners should look at the rear bumper area for melting, softening, blistered paint, or heat damage near the Continental kit. The bumper showing signs of melting is the warning sign before the wiring is damaged further.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years, all tied to the same exhaust-system component.
| 2017 Hymer Aktiv | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
|---|---|
| 2018 Hymer Aktiv | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| 2016 Hymer Aktiv | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| Units affected | 195 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included.
What's the safety risk?
Exhaust heat can melt the taillight wiring, leaving the tail light inoperative and increasing crash risk. The same heat can burn someone who touches the bumper cover right after the vehicle has been operated. Look for melting on the bumper and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Hymer dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2018 Hymer Aktiv is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Hymer dealer to schedule the free tailpipe repair that redirects exhaust heat away from the rear bumper and taillight wiring.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. Reference recall number 17V537 when you call.
- Avoid touching the rear bumper right after driving until the repair is complete.
- Confirm the taillights work before each drive, and schedule the repair promptly if a light is out.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hymer technician installs a new tailpipe that redirects exhaust down and away from the rear bumper area. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. Hymer's reimbursement plan covers the cost of eligible rework completed to its written repair instructions. Contact and payment instructions are included in the recall kit, so ask the service desk or Hymer customer service how that process applies to paid work already completed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 30, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 1, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V537?
Recall 17V537 covers 195 2016-2018 Hymer Aktiv recreational vehicles built on a Ram ProMaster chassis with a Continental kit. Exhaust heat can melt the rear bumper cover and taillight wiring, leaving the tail light inoperative and increasing crash risk. Dealers install a redirected tailpipe free of charge.
What should I do if my 2016-2018 Hymer Aktiv is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific RV is included in recall 17V537. If it is, contact a Hymer dealer to schedule the free tailpipe replacement. Reference recall number 17V537 when you call, or use Hymer customer service at 1-844-464-3735 for dealer guidance.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Hymer dealers install the new tailpipe free of charge. The repair redirects exhaust downward and away from the rear bumper area.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is heat damage at the rear of the RV. Exhaust heat can melt taillight wiring, which can leave the tail light inoperative and increase crash risk. The bumper cover can also burn someone who touches it right after the vehicle has been operated.
When did Hymer start this recall repair?
Hymer began the recall repair on September 1, 2017. Owners were notified, and dealers were instructed to install a new tailpipe that redirects exhaust away from the bumper area. If your VIN is included and the work is still open, the dealer repair remains free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V537000 |
|---|---|
| Hymer customer service | 1-844-464-3735 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V537 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V537000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- 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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →