Recall 21V238 covers 6 2018-2019 Stargate Dump Trailer vehicles because steering-arm bolts can shear. Repair is free at any franchised Stargate dealer.
Stargate is recalling 6 2018-2019 Dump Trailer trailers equipped with the Smart-Steer 2.0 self-steering axle because bolts attaching the steer arm to the knuckle can shear under heavy loading. If the steer arm detaches and drags, crash risk increases; the Stargate dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The Smart-Steer 2.0 self-steering axle on the 2018-2019 Stargate Dump Trailer uses a steering arm to help the axle turn and track behind the tow vehicle. The steering arm is attached to the knuckle, the pivot point that lets the wheel assembly change direction. The bolts at that joint hold the arm in position under load.
On the affected trailers, the steering arm is a bolt-on design, and the bolts are defective. Under heavy loading, the bolts attaching the steering arm to the knuckle can shear. If that happens, the steering arm is no longer held where it belongs, and the self-steering axle no longer follows its intended path.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or operator should not expect a noise, light, or handling clue before the bolts shear.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2018 and 2019 Dump Trailer model years, both tied to the same steering system component.
| 2019 Stargate Dump Trailer | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Stargate Dump Trailer | steering system |
| Units affected | 6 |
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?
The steer arm can detach from the knuckle and drag, which increases the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the steering repair soon and ask the dealer how to move the trailer safely. Repair is free at any franchised Stargate dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Stargate Dump Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Stargate dealer to schedule the free steering-arm weld and bolt repair that secures the steer arm to the knuckle.
- Bring the recall notice if Stargate mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V238 when you call.
- Avoid heavy loading until the steering repair is complete.
- Call Stargate customer service at 1-905-636-6888 with questions about scheduling or the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Stargate technician inspects the Smart-Steer self-steering axle, welds the steering arm, and replaces defective steer-arm bolts where needed. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Stargate has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same steering-arm or bolt repair. Keep the repair invoice and ask the dealer or Stargate customer service how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 5, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 12, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 19, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 30, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 4, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V238?
Recall 21V238 covers 6 2018-2019 Stargate Dump Trailer units equipped with a Smart-Steer 2.0 self-steering axle and bolt-on steer arm. Under heavy loading, the steer-arm bolts can shear, letting the steer arm detach from the knuckle and drag, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Stargate Dump Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V238. If it is, contact a Stargate dealer or Stargate customer service at 1-905-636-6888, extension 30, and reference recall SB009R. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V238, Stargate dealers will weld the steering arm and/or replace the defective bolts free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering-arm attachment under heavy loading. If the bolts shear, the steer arm can detach from the knuckle and drag, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall 21V238 does not include a do-not-drive instruction.
When did the recall repair start?
The recall repair began on June 4, 2021. Stargate's remedy for recall 21V238 is available through dealers, who will weld the steering arm and/or replace the defective bolts free of charge.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V238000 |
|---|---|
| Stargate customer service | 1-905-636-6888 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V238 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V238000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →