Recall 17V611 affects 594 2013-2014 Coachmen Freedom Express trailers for missing frame reinforcements tied to axle misalignment. Repair is free at any franchised Coachmen dealer.
Coachmen is recalling 594 2013-2014 Freedom Express recreational trailers because the axle-area frame reinforcement stiffeners are missing on affected trailers, allowing the axles to be misaligned. Misaligned axles can affect handling and increase crash risk, and Coachmen dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The frame under a 2013-2014 Coachmen Freedom Express is the steel structure that supports the trailer body, suspension, and axles. In the axle area, reinforcement stiffeners are welded to the outside of the I-beam to help that frame section hold its shape while the trailer carries road loads.
On affected Freedom Express trailers, the supplier built some frames without those stiffeners welded to the web and flanges of the I-beam. Without that added support, the axle area carries load in a weaker state. The frame, axle hanger, or outrigger can crack or tear, and the axles can shift out of proper alignment.
Before failure, an owner or operator can see cracked or torn steel on the bottom of the frame near the axles. That visible frame damage is the warning sign to report when calling a Coachmen dealer.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2013 and 2014 Freedom Express model years. The listed components are the frame members and rear non-powered axle assembly.
| 2014 Coachmen Freedom Express | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2014 Coachmen Freedom Express | rear suspension |
| 2013 Coachmen Freedom Express | body or structural component |
| 2013 Coachmen Freedom Express | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 594 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 9 field incidents 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?
Misaligned axles can change how the trailer tracks and handles, which increases the risk of a crash. If you see cracked or torn steel on the bottom of the frame near the axle, stop towing and call a Coachmen dealer for instructions. Repair is free at any franchised Coachmen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Coachmen Freedom Express is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Coachmen dealer to schedule the free frame inspection and reinforcement repair that secures the axle mountings.
- Reference recall number 17V611 and Coachmen recall 220-0529 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice and ask the dealer to inspect for missing frame reinforcement stiffeners near the axle area.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, since misaligned axles can affect handling.
What happens at the repair
At the service appointment, a Coachmen technician coordinates the frame inspection and checks whether the trailer has the required frame reinforcement stiffeners on the exterior I Beam near the axle area. If the reinforcements are missing, they are installed, and the axle mountings are secured. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Coachmen has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you already paid for related frame reinforcement or axle mounting work before the recall notice, ask customer service how to submit documentation for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 2, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 24, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 28, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| November 28, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 28, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V611?
Recall 17V611 covers 594 2013-2014 Coachmen Freedom Express recreational trailers with missing frame reinforcement stiffeners near the axle area. Without those reinforcements, the axles can become misaligned. The repair path is an inspection, reinforcement installation as needed, and securing the axle mountings for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2014 Coachmen Freedom Express is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 17V611. If it is, contact Coachmen customer service at 1-574-825-8205 and ask how to schedule the frame inspection and axle-mounting repair. Reference recall 17V611 or recall number 220-0529 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall remedy to be performed at no cost. For recall 17V611, the frame inspection, reinforcement installation as needed, and securing of the axle mountings are free for included 2013-2014 Coachmen Freedom Express trailers.
What is the safety risk?
Misaligned axles can affect trailer handling and increase the risk of a crash. The recall repair addresses the frame reinforcement issue near the axle area, then secures the axle mountings so the trailer tracks as intended.
What if I bought my Coachmen Freedom Express used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2013-2014 Coachmen Freedom Express is included, then contact Coachmen customer service and reference recall 17V611.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V611000 |
|---|---|
| Coachmen customer service | 1-574-825-8205 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V611 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V611000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →