Recall 18V265 affects 200 2018-2019 Lakota Bighorn, Charger, and Colt trailers for missing rear ramp fasteners. Repair is free at any franchised Lakota dealer.
Lakota is recalling 200 2018-2019 Bighorn, Charger, and Colt horse and livestock trailers with the rear ramp option because missing ramp-channel nuts and bolts can let the rear ramp detach while moving. If the ramp comes loose on the road, it increases crash risk, and Lakota dealers will install the missing hardware free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear ramp on 2018-2019 Lakota Bighorn, Charger, and Colt trailers is the hinged structure used to load horses, livestock, or cargo into the trailer. The ramp channel is the support section at the ramp edge, and it needs nuts and bolts fastening it into the rear trailer C channel so the ramp stays attached while the trailer is in motion.
On affected trailers, the proper production process was not followed, and those nuts and bolts were left out. Without that hardware, the ramp channel depends too heavily on the surrounding structure and welds. Road vibration and ramp movement then put stress where the channel meets the back of the trailer. If the attachment gives way, the rear ramp can detach while the trailer is moving.
Owners can look for welds cracking at the sides of the ramp channel. That cracking is the warning sign that the ramp channel is under stress and the attachment needs inspection.
Who's affected?
Bighorn, Charger, and Colt trailers are tied to the same body or structural component across the 2018 and 2019 model years.
| 2019 Lakota Bighorn | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2018 Lakota Charger | body or structural component |
| 2019 Lakota Charger | body or structural component |
| 2018 Lakota Colt | body or structural component |
| 2018 Lakota Bighorn | body or structural component |
| 2019 Lakota Colt | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 200 |
| 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?
A loose ramp while the vehicle is moving increases the risk of a crash. Cracked welds at the sides of the ramp channel are the warning sign to watch for. Schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Lakota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Lakota Bighorn, Charger, or Colt trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lakota dealer to schedule the free ramp-channel bolt and lock-nut repair that keeps the rear ramp attached while moving.
- Bring the recall notice if Lakota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V265 when you call.
- Avoid towing the trailer until the rear ramp is secured by the recall repair.
- Call Lakota helpdesk at 1-574-848-1636 with questions about scheduling or repair instructions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lakota technician checks the rear ramp hardware, drills the required holes, and installs the bolts and lock nuts that secure the ramp channel to the rear trailer C channel. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. This work is meant to keep the rear ramp attached while the trailer is moving. If your Bighorn, Charger, or Colt trailer is included, schedule the recall work with a Lakota dealer.
Timeline
| April 25, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 9, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 17, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 24, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 24, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V265?
Recall 18V265 covers 200 2018-2019 Lakota Bighorn, Charger, and Colt horse and livestock trailers with the rear ramp option. Missing nuts and bolts in the ramp channel can let the rear ramp detach while the trailer is moving. Lakota dealers will secure the ramp for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Lakota Bighorn, Charger, or Colt is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V265. If it is, contact a Lakota dealer or the Lakota helpdesk at 1-574-848-1636 to schedule the ramp repair. The dealer will drill holes and install bolts and lock nuts for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Lakota dealers will secure the rear ramp free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the rear ramp can come loose while the trailer is moving. If the ramp detaches in traffic, it can increase the risk of a crash. The repair secures the ramp channel with bolts and lock nuts.
What if I bought the Lakota trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the trailer VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Bighorn, Charger, or Colt is included, then give recall 18V265 to the Lakota dealer or helpdesk when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V265000 |
|---|---|
| Lakota customer service | 1-574-848-1636 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V265 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V265000 |
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 →