Recall 18V125 affects 189 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler trailers for incorrect axle spindles. Repair is free at any franchised Kaufman dealer.
Kaufman is recalling 189 2018 Double Deck Car Hauler trailers because incorrect axle spindles can fail and let a wheel and hub detach from the trailer. A detached wheel and hub increases the risk of a crash, and Kaufman dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The axle spindle on a 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler is the machined end of the axle that supports the wheel hub and bearings. The bearings let the hub rotate around the spindle while the trailer rolls, so the spindle has to carry the trailer load and keep the wheel assembly attached.
On some FE-3/7K-44 and FE-3/7K-47 trailers, the axle was built with the wrong spindle. Kaufman's filing says that spindle is inferior to the original part and can break between the inner and outer bearings. If it breaks there, the wheel and hub detach from the trailer. That creates an immediate control and impact hazard for the tow vehicle and nearby traffic.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall letter includes a quick visual inspection, which is how Kaufman identifies whether the trailer has the incorrect spindle.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 189 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A wheel and hub detachment can cause the trailer to lose stability and increases the risk of a crash. Until the axle inspection is complete, tow cautiously and stop if the trailer feels unstable or makes unusual wheel-end noise. Repair is free at any franchised Kaufman dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kaufman dealer to schedule the free axle inspection.
- Schedule the axle replacement if the inspection finds incorrect spindles that let the wheel and hub detach from the trailer.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 18V125 when you call.
- Avoid hauling with the trailer until the axle inspection and any needed replacement are complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kaufman technician inspects the trailer axles and replaces any axle built with incorrect spindles. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for an axle or spindle repair tied to this defect before the recall notice, Kaufman's reimbursement plan on file gives you a path to claim documented expenses. Bring your repair paperwork and payment records to the service desk so Kaufman can review the prior repair against this campaign.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 20, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 28, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| February 28, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 28, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 30, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V125?
Recall 18V125 covers 189 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler trailers, model numbers FE-3/7K-44 and FE-3/7K-47, with axle spindles that can fail. A wheel and hub can detach from the trailer, increasing crash risk. Kaufman dealers will inspect the axles and replace affected axles for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V125. If it is, contact Kaufman customer service at 1-336-790-2756 or a Kaufman dealer to schedule the axle inspection. Reference recall number 18V125 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. Kaufman dealers will inspect the axles and replace any axles with incorrect spindles free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is wheel and hub detachment from the trailer. If an axle spindle fails, the wheel and hub can separate while the trailer is moving, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair addresses the defect by inspecting the axles and replacing any axles with incorrect spindles for free.
What if I bought this Kaufman trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler is included, then contact Kaufman customer service or a Kaufman dealer with recall number 18V125.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V125000 |
|---|---|
| Kaufman customer service | 1-336-790-2756 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V125 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V125000 |
Source documents
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 →