Recall 18V879 covers 128 2019 Coachmen Spirit, Impression, Tracer, and Apex trailers for under-greased hub bearings. Repair is free at any franchised Coachmen dealer.
Coachmen is recalling 128 2019 Spirit, Impression, Tracer, and Apex recreational trailers because the inner hub bearings were not greased enough. Overheated bearings can lead to hub failure, affecting handling and increasing the risk of a crash; Coachmen dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The axle hub on a 2019 Coachmen Spirit, Impression, Tracer, or Apex trailer carries the wheel bearing assembly at each wheel end. Inside the hub, the inner bearing rides in grease so the wheel can rotate smoothly while supporting the trailer's weight on the axle.
On these trailers, the inner hub bearings were not greased enough during axle production. The automatic greasing equipment on the bearing press was not working during the affected production run. Without enough grease, the bearing creates excess heat as the wheel turns. That heat can damage the bearing, cause a bearing burnout, and lead the wheel-end assembly to fail.
An owner can notice the wheel end running hotter than normal. Smoke from the wheel area is also a warning sign, and the trailer should be checked before it is towed farther.
Who's affected?
Covers Spirit, Impression, Tracer, and Apex trailer lines, all tied to the same drive axle component.
| 2019 Coachmen Spirit | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2019 Prime Time Impression | drive axle |
| 2019 Prime Time Tracer | drive axle |
| 2019 Coachmen Apex | drive axle |
| Units affected | 128 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2019 model line does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Overheated wheel bearings can lead to hub failure, affect handling, and increase the risk of a crash. If a wheel end runs hot or starts to smoke, stop using the trailer and contact the dealer before towing it farther. Repair is free at any franchised Coachmen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Coachmen Spirit, Impression, Tracer, or Apex recreational trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Coachmen dealer to schedule the free hub and bearing inspection.
- Ask the dealer to inspect and repair the hubs and bearings that were not sufficiently greased and can overheat.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 18V879 when you call.
- Avoid long trips until the free hub and bearing repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Coachmen technician inspects the trailer hubs and inner hub bearings, then repairs the hubs and bearings as needed. Parts and labor are free under recall 18V879. If you already paid out of pocket for a hub or bearing repair tied to this recall, Coachmen's standard reimbursement plan is on file. Ask the service desk how to submit repair documentation for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 11, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 18, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| January 18, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 25, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 4, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V879?
Recall 18V879 covers 128 2019 Coachmen Spirit, Impression, Tracer, and Apex recreational trailers with inner hub bearings that were not sufficiently greased. The bearings can overheat and fail, which can affect handling and increase crash risk. Dealers will inspect and repair the hubs and bearings for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Coachmen Spirit, Impression, Tracer, or Apex is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V879. If it is, contact a franchised Coachmen dealer to schedule the hub and bearing inspection. Reference recall number 18V879 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Coachmen dealers will inspect and repair the hubs and bearings free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included trailers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is hub bearing failure while the trailer is being towed. If the bearings overheat, the hub can fail, which affects handling and increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair before your next trip.
When did the repair become available?
The recall repair became available when the recall began on February 4, 2019. Coachmen dealers inspect the hubs and bearings, then repair them as needed at no charge. If you bought the trailer used, check your VIN because the original owner notice did not reach every current owner.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V879000 |
|---|---|
| Coachmen customer service | (574) 862-1025 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V879 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V879000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →