Recall 21V553 affects 145 2021-2022 Ranger Trail RT198P trailers with an under-rated safety cable. Repair is free at any franchised Ranger Trail dealer.
Ranger Trail is recalling 145 2021-2022 RT198P trailers because the installed safety cable is too small and under-rated for the trailer. The wrong cable rating leaves less backup if the coupler fails, increasing the risk that the trailer detaches and causes a crash; Ranger Trail dealers will install the correct safety cable free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The safety cable on a 2021-2022 Ranger Trail RT198P trailer is the backup connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle. It clips to the tow vehicle with hooks and is meant to help keep the trailer connected if the hitch connection comes loose. On these trailers, the correct cable is a Class IV safety cable, which is built for a heavier weight rating.
Ranger Trail found that the wrong part number was entered in the trailer's bill of material. That caused a Class 2 safety cable to be installed where a Class 4 cable was required. The cable is not rated for the trailer's size, so it does not provide the intended backup strength if the hitch connection fails.
There is no warning sign before failure. The cable can look installed and connected, even though its rating is too low for this trailer.
Who's affected?
Both model years list the same Class IV safety cable under recreational vehicle/trailer equipment and trailer hitches.
| 2021 Ranger Trail RT198P | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ranger Trail RT198P | Trailer hitches |
| 2022 Ranger Trail RT198P | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2022 Ranger Trail RT198P | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 145 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 104 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 trailer coupler fails, the safety cable can fail to keep the trailer attached, increasing the risk of a crash. Before towing, confirm whether your VIN is included and arrange the cable replacement. Repair is free at any franchised Ranger Trail dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Ranger Trail RT198P trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ranger Trail dealer to schedule the free safety-cable replacement that installs a correctly rated cable for the trailer.
- Bring the recall notice if Tracker has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V553 and Ranger Trail recall TS-0039 when you call.
- Use extra caution when towing until the repair is complete, and check that the coupler is fully latched.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ranger Trail technician replaces the under-rated safety cable with the correct safety cable for the trailer. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid out of pocket for a related safety cable repair before the recall notice, the manufacturer's general reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork and receipts to the service desk so the dealer can explain the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 21, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 22, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 23, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 23, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 23, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 25, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V553?
Recall 21V553 covers 145 2021-2022 Ranger Trail RT198P trailers with an under-rated safety cable. If the coupler fails, the cable can fail to keep the trailer attached, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the safety cable for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Ranger Trail RT198P is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V553. If it is, contact a franchised Ranger Trail dealer to schedule the safety cable replacement. Reference recall number 21V553 or Tracker recall TS-0039 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and dealers will replace the under-rated safety cable free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included 2021-2022 Ranger Trail RT198P trailers.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is trailer detachment after a coupler failure. The installed safety cable is under-rated for the trailer, so it can fail to hold the trailer if the coupler separates. If your VIN is included, schedule the free cable replacement before routine towing.
What if I bought my Ranger Trail RT198P used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm inclusion, then contact a franchised Ranger Trail dealer or Tracker customer service at 1-417-873-4555 for scheduling help.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V553000 |
|---|---|
| Ranger Trail customer service | 1-417-873-4555 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V553 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V553000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →