Recall 18V126 affects 81 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler trailers with incorrect axle spindles. Repair is free at any franchised Kaufman dealer.
Kaufman is recalling 81 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 recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The axle spindle on the 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler is the end section of the axle that supports the wheel hub and bearings. It lets the wheel rotate while carrying trailer load through the axle. In normal towing, the spindle has to stay rigid while the bearings keep the hub centered.
On some FE-3/7K-44 and FE-3/7K-47 trailers, the axle was built with an incorrect spindle. That spindle is inferior to the original part used for this trailer. Under extreme loading, fatigue and stress loading can shear the spindle between the inner and outer bearings. If the spindle breaks there, the wheel and hub separate from the trailer, which creates a hazard for the tow vehicle and other motorists.
There is no warning sign before failure. Kaufman's recall letter describes a quick visual inspection that identifies the incorrect spindle. If the wrong spindle is present, the axle needs the recall remedy before normal use continues.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 81 |
| 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 increases the risk of a crash because the trailer loses wheel support. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the axle inspection soon and treat any wheel looseness or unusual noise as a reason to stop using the trailer. 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 a franchised Kaufman dealer to schedule the free axle inspection and spindle-related axle replacement that fixes axles built with incorrect spindles.
- Bring the recall notice if Kaufman mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V126 when you call.
- Use caution when towing until the repair is complete, since a failed spindle can detach a wheel and hub from the trailer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kaufman technician inspects the trailer axles to confirm whether the spindles are correct. Any axle with an incorrect spindle is replaced free of charge, with parts and labor covered under the recall. If you already paid for an axle or spindle repair tied to this defect before the recall work, Kaufman's general reimbursement plan is the path for a documented claim. Keep the repair invoice and payment proof with your service paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 20, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 28, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V126?
Recall 18V126 covers 81 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler trailers with rear axle spindles that can be incorrect and fail. If a wheel and hub detach from the trailer, crash risk increases. 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 18V126. If it is, contact a Kaufman dealer or Kaufman customer service at 1-336-790-2756 to schedule the axle inspection. The dealer will replace any axle with incorrect spindles for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost, and Kaufman's remedy says dealers will inspect the axles and replace any axle 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 trailer can lose a wheel and hub while in use, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer inspection and axle replacement if needed.
What if I bought this Kaufman trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2018 Kaufman Double Deck Car Hauler is included, then reference recall 18V126 when you contact a Kaufman dealer or customer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V126000 |
|---|---|
| Kaufman customer service | 1-336-790-2756 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V126 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V126000 |
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 →