Recall 18V189 covers 185 2013-2018 Somerset E3 trailers with missing GAWR label information. The corrected certification label is free.
Somerset is recalling 185 2013-2018 E3 recreational trailers because the certification label is missing Gross Axle Weight Rating information. Without that axle rating, an owner can overload the trailer and raise crash risk, and Somerset dealers will correct the label free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The certification label on a 2013-2018 Somerset E3 recreational trailer is the permanent information plate owners and service shops use to confirm legal weight ratings. One of those ratings is the Gross Axle Weight Rating, or GAWR, which tells you how much weight the trailer axle is built to carry. That rating helps set tire, loading, and service decisions.
On affected E3 trailers, the label left off the GAWR information. The trailer itself is not being recalled for a broken axle part in this notice; the problem is that the required label does not show the axle capacity. Without that number on the trailer, an owner or service shop has less clear information when checking load limits.
There is no warning sign before failure. The fix is a corrected certification label with the accurate GAWR values in kilograms and pounds for the single axle.
Who's affected?
Spans six E3 model years, all tied to the same vehicle label.
| 2016 Somerset E3 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
|---|---|
| 2015 Somerset E3 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2017 Somerset E3 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2014 Somerset E3 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2013 Somerset E3 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2018 Somerset E3 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| Units affected | 185 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Missing GAWR information can leave an owner without the trailer's rated weight limit, which can lead to overloading and increase the risk of a crash. Confirm the corrected certification label before loading the trailer near capacity. Repair is free at any franchised Somerset dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2018 Somerset E3 is included in this recall.
- Contact Somerset customer service at 1-724-237-5227 to request the free corrected certification label.
- Reference recall number 18V189 when you call, and say the label is missing the Gross Axle Weight Rating information.
- Avoid loading the trailer beyond its axle rating until the corrected label is installed.
What happens at the repair
This recall does not require a mechanical repair. Somerset sends owners a corrected certification label with the missing Gross Axle Weight Rating information, free of charge. If the label needs dealer help, a Somerset service contact can confirm where it belongs and how it should be applied. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Columbia Northwest has a general reimbursement plan on file, so if you already paid for a label-related correction, ask customer service how to submit documented expenses for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 22, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 9, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| April 13, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 1, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 18, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V189?
Recall 18V189 covers 185 2013-2018 Somerset E3 recreational trailers with certification labels missing Gross Axle Weight Rating information. Without that rating on the label, an owner can overload the trailer, increasing crash risk. Somerset provides a corrected certification label for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2018 Somerset E3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V189. If it is, contact Somerset customer service at 1-724-237-5227 and ask for the corrected certification label. Keep the new label with the trailer once it arrives.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost. For recall 18V189, Somerset provides the corrected certification label free of charge, so you do not pay for the label.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is trailer overloading. Recall 18V189 says the missing Gross Axle Weight Rating information can cause owners to load the trailer beyond its axle rating, increasing crash risk. Check the VIN, get the corrected label, and follow the rating printed on it.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V189000 |
|---|---|
| Somerset customer service | 1-724-237-5227 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V189 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V189000 |
Source documents
-
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 →