Recall 19V753 covers 1,888 2019-2020 Airstream trailers for Demco ball couplers that can detach. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
Airstream is recalling 1,888 2019-2020 Globetrotter, Flying Cloud, International, and other travel trailers under recall 19V753 because improper welding can leave the Demco ball coupler without enough clamping force on the tow ball. If the coupler separates, the trailer can detach from the tow vehicle and increase crash risk, and an International dealer will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The Demco ball coupler on the 2019-2020 Airstream travel trailers is the hitch socket that fits over the tow vehicle's ball. It is supposed to clamp tightly around that ball when the latch is closed, so the trailer stays attached while the tow vehicle pulls, brakes, and turns.
On the affected trailers, the rear guide plate inside the coupler was welded outside the proper position. That plate helps set how the coupler grips the tow ball. When it is out of tolerance, the latch can appear closed without creating enough clamping force. Under towing loads, the coupler can separate from the ball and the trailer can detach from the tow vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The latch can look engaged, so owners should not rely on a visual check alone to confirm that the coupler is holding correctly.
Who's affected?
Covers 10 Airstream travel-trailer models from the 2019-2020 model years, all tied to trailer hitches.
| 2020 Airstream Globetrotter | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| 2020 Airstream Flying Cloud | Trailer hitches |
| 2019 Airstream Globetrotter | Trailer hitches |
| 2019 Airstream International | Trailer hitches |
| 2019 Airstream Sport | Trailer hitches |
| 2019 Airstream Flying Cloud | Trailer hitches |
| 2020 Airstream International | Trailer hitches |
| 2020 Airstream Bambi | Trailer hitches |
| 2020 Airstream Basecamp | Trailer hitches |
| 2019 Airstream Tommy Bahama | Trailer hitches |
| 2019 Airstream Nest | Trailer hitches |
| 2020 Airstream Nest | Trailer hitches |
| 2019 Airstream Classic | Trailer hitches |
| 2020 Airstream Classic | Trailer hitches |
| 2020 Airstream Caravel | Trailer hitches |
| 2020 Airstream Sport | Trailer hitches |
| 2020 Airstream Tommy Bahama | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 1,888 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific trailer.
What's the safety risk?
If the coupler separates from the tow ball, the trailer can detach from the tow vehicle, which increases crash risk. There is no warning sign before separation, so avoid towing until your VIN is confirmed and the temporary adaptor or final repair is handled. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Airstream Globetrotter, Flying Cloud, International, Sport, Bambi, Basecamp, Tommy Bahama, Nest, Classic, or Caravel trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the free shim-plate repair that helps the Demco ball coupler clamp securely to the tow ball.
- Bring the recall notice if Airstream mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V753 when you call.
- Avoid towing the trailer until the coupler repair is complete, unless the temporary use adaptor from Airstream is installed as instructed.
- Call Airstream customer service at 1-877-596-6505 with questions about the temporary adaptor or dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician adds a shim plate to the backside of the ball coupler clamp so it applies the required clamping force on the tow ball. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you received the temporary use adaptor, ask the service desk whether it still needs to stay with the trailer after the repair. Airstream has a general reimbursement plan on file for related repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring repair documents and proof of payment, and ask how to submit them.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 21, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 13, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 20, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 20, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 20, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V753?
Recall 19V753 covers 1,888 2019-2020 Airstream travel trailers with a Demco ball coupler that lacks enough clamping force on the tow ball. If the coupler separates, the trailer can detach from the tow vehicle, increasing crash risk. Airstream dealers add a shim plate for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Airstream trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 19V753. If it is, contact a franchised Airstream dealer and reference recall number 19V753. Airstream sent a temporary use adapter, and the final dealer repair adds a shim plate for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Airstream's remedy states that dealers add the shim plate to the ball coupler clamp free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Airstream dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation while towing. The improperly welded Demco ball coupler lacks enough clamping force on the tow ball, so the coupler can separate and the trailer can detach from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
When did Airstream start this recall?
Airstream began the recall on November 13, 2019. Owners were notified about the temporary use adapter and the final dealer remedy. If you own a used trailer or never received a notice, check your VIN and call an Airstream dealer with recall number 19V753.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V753000 |
|---|---|
| Airstream customer service | 1-877-596-6505 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V753 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V753000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →