Recall 18V261 affects 350 2018-2019 Lakota Colt, Bighorn, and Charger trailers for loose ramp bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Lakota dealer.
Lakota is recalling 350 2018-2019 Colt, Bighorn, and Charger trailers because the bolts that secure the ramps can loosen or break during use or while the trailer is moving. A loose or detached ramp increases the risk of injury or a crash, and Lakota dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The ramp bolts on 2018-2019 Lakota Colt, Bighorn, and Charger trailers are the fasteners that hold the rear and side ramps to the trailer structure. They keep each ramp attached and aligned while it is being lowered, used, loaded, or carried down the road. A ramp depends on those bolts staying intact because the ramp carries load through the bolt heads and mounting points.
On affected trailers, Lakota found weak fasteners from a different bolt vendor. The bolt head breaks off, which leaves less clamping force holding the ramp in place. If enough bolts fail, the ramp loosens during use or while the trailer is moving.
The warning sign is a broken bolt head at the ramp mounting point. If you see a missing or broken bolt head, treat the ramp as unsecured and have the trailer inspected before using that ramp again.
Who's affected?
Covers Colt, Bighorn, and Charger trailers from the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to the same body or structural component.
| 2019 Lakota Colt | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2018 Lakota Colt | body or structural component |
| 2018 Lakota Bighorn | body or structural component |
| 2018 Lakota Charger | body or structural component |
| 2019 Lakota Bighorn | body or structural component |
| 2019 Lakota Charger | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 350 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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?
A ramp that loosens or detaches during use or while moving increases the risk of injury or a crash. A broken bolt head is the warning sign to take seriously: stop using the ramp and arrange service before loading or travel. Repair is free at any franchised Lakota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Lakota Colt, Bighorn, or Charger trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lakota dealer to schedule the free ramp-bolt replacement that keeps the ramps secured during use and travel.
- Bring the recall notice if Lakota mailed one, or reference recall number 18V261 when you call.
- Inspect the ramp area before use and stop using the ramp if the bolts look loose, broken, or missing.
- Avoid hauling or loading with a loose ramp until the dealer repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lakota technician replaces the ramp securing bolts with a different bolt specified for the recall. The covered parts and labor are free, and the repair is available now. If you already paid out of pocket for a ramp bolt repair before the recall work, ask Lakota Customer Service how to submit documentation under its general reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 25, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 9, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 16, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 18, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 23, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V261?
Recall 18V261 covers 350 2018-2019 Lakota Colt, Bighorn, and Charger trailers with ramp bolts that can loosen or break during use or while moving. If the ramp loosens or detaches, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Lakota Colt, Bighorn, or Charger is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V261. If it is, contact a Lakota dealer or the Lakota Recall Help Desk at 1-574-848-1636 to arrange the ramp-bolt replacement. Reference recall number 18V261 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Lakota dealers will replace the ramp bolts with a different bolt free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is ramp movement or detachment. The ramp bolts can loosen or break during use or while the trailer is moving, and a loose or detached ramp can increase the risk of injury or a crash.
What if I bought my Lakota trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2018-2019 Lakota Colt, Bighorn, or Charger is included, then contact a Lakota dealer or the recall help desk for the free bolt replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V261000 |
|---|---|
| Lakota customer service | 1-574-848-1636 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V261 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V261000 |
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 →