Recall 18V339 affects 50 2016-2017 Somerset Newport and Chesapeake recreational trailers for front A-frame weld failure. Repair is free at any franchised Somerset dealer.
Somerset is recalling 50 2016-2017 Newport and Chesapeake recreational trailers because a weld on the front A-frame bars can fail while the trailer is being towed. A failed weld can let the front of the trailer drop, contact the road, and cause loss of control; Somerset dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front A-frame bars on 2016-2017 Somerset Newport and Chesapeake recreational trailers form the tongue area at the front of the frame. That structure carries towing loads from the trailer body into the hitch, so it has to stay braced as the trailer moves, turns, and bounces on the road.
On affected trailers, a weld at the front of the frame was not strong enough and the area lacked enough support at a critical stress point. The weld joint can crack at the bend in the front frame. If the crack grows, the front of the trailer can drop during towing, which creates a loss of trailer support at the hitch.
Owners can look at the welds at the bend on the front of the trailer frame for cracks or fissures. Those visible cracks are the warning sign before the frame weld fails.
Who's affected?
Covers Newport and Chesapeake trailers across the 2016-2017 model years, all tied to the body or structural component.
| 2016 Somerset Newport | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2017 Somerset Newport | body or structural component |
| 2017 Somerset Chesapeake | body or structural component |
| 2016 Somerset Chesapeake | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 50 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the front of the trailer drops during towing, it can contact the road, cause loss of control, and increase crash risk. Before towing, inspect the welds at the bend on the front frame for cracks or fissures. If you see damage, stop towing and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Somerset dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Somerset Newport or Chesapeake trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Somerset dealer to schedule the free frame support repair.
- Schedule the welded steel support installation that reinforces the front A-frame joints and prevents the trailer front from dropping while towed.
- Bring the recall notice if Somerset has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V339 when you call.
- Limit towing until the repair is complete, and stop towing if the front of the trailer drops or drags.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Somerset technician installs steel supports welded to the identified joints at the front of the trailer frame. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid for a related frame weld or support repair before the recall notice, Somerset's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Ask Somerset customer service or the dealer how to submit repair paperwork under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 22, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 18, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 19, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 27, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| June 28, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V339?
Recall 18V339 covers 50 2016-2017 Somerset Newport and Chesapeake recreational trailers with a front A-frame weld defect. If the weld fails while the trailer is being towed, the front of the trailer can drop, contact the road, and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Somerset Newport or Chesapeake is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V339. If it is, contact a Somerset dealer to schedule the frame repair. The dealer will install steel supports welded to the affected front frame joints for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V339, dealers install steel supports welded to the affected front A-frame joints free of charge.
What is the safety risk on this Somerset trailer recall?
The safety risk is loss of control while towing. If the front A-frame weld fails, the front of the trailer can drop and contact the road. That can make the tow vehicle and trailer harder to control and increase crash risk.
What if I bought my Somerset trailer used?
The free repair still applies. Recall repairs follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016-2017 Somerset Newport or Chesapeake is included, then reference recall 18V339 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V339000 |
|---|---|
| Somerset customer service | 1-724-237-5227 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V339 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V339000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →