Recall 21V626 covers 878 2019-2021 Cottrell 1-CAR and 1-CAR Carrier trailers missing reflectors. Cottrell provides 4 reflectors and instructions free.
Cottrell is recalling 878 2019-2021 1-CAR and 1-CAR Carrier trailers because they were built without side and rear reflex reflectors. Missing reflectors reduce trailer visibility and increase crash risk, and Cottrell dealers will install the required reflective equipment free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The reflex reflectors on a 2019-2021 Cottrell 1-CAR or 1-CAR Carrier are the side and rear reflective markers that return light from another vehicle's headlights. They help other drivers identify the trailer's width and rear position when the trailer is parked, turning, or moving in low light. This recall involves the exterior lighting equipment, not the brake or steering system.
Affected trailers left production without the required side and rear reflex reflectors. The missing reflector kit includes 4 side and rear reflectors, a cleaning wipe, and installation instructions. Because the reflectors are absent, the trailer does not meet the federal lighting and reflective-device standard that applies to this equipment.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is visible only by inspecting the sides and rear of the trailer for the missing reflectors, or by having Cottrell confirm whether the reflector kit has been installed.
Who's affected?
Covers 1-CAR and 1-CAR Carrier transport trailers across the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years, all tied to the same exterior lighting kit.
| 2020 Cottrell 1-CAR | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| 2021 Cottrell 1-CAR | Exterior lighting |
| 2019 Cottrell 1-CAR | Exterior lighting |
| Cottrell 1-CAR Carrier | Exterior lighting |
| Units affected | 878 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching Cottrell model name does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Missing reflectors can make the trailer harder for other drivers to see, which increases the risk of a crash. Use extra caution around traffic and schedule the reflector repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Cottrell dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Cottrell 1-CAR or 1-CAR Carrier trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Cottrell customer service at 1-770-532-7251 to request the free reflector kit and installation instructions.
- Reference recall number 21V626 when you call.
- Install the 4 side and rear reflex reflectors before towing the trailer in traffic; the reflectors restore the required visibility equipment.
- Avoid low-light towing until the reflectors are installed.
What happens at the repair
Cottrell provides 4 reflex reflectors and installation instructions for the affected 1-CAR and 1-CAR Carrier trailers. The reflectors, instructions, and covered installation labor are free under the recall. If you already paid to install the missing reflectors before the recall notice, Cottrell will reimburse the cost of the 4 reflectors and labor costs up to 30 minutes per unit. Keep any repair invoice or parts receipt so Cottrell can match the expense to this recall.
| Estimated time at dealer | 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
Timeline
| August 10, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 11, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 11, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 11, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 13, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V626?
Recall 21V626 covers 878 2019-2021 Cottrell 1-CAR and 1-CAR Carrier trailers built without the required side and rear reflex reflectors. Reduced trailer visibility increases crash risk. Cottrell will provide 4 reflex reflectors and installation instructions free of charge.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Cottrell 1-CAR or 1-CAR Carrier is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 21V626. If it is, contact Cottrell customer service at 1-770-532-7251 and reference recall 2021 1-Car Reflector. Cottrell provides the reflector kit and installation instructions for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost. Cottrell says it will provide 4 reflex reflectors and installation instructions free of charge for trailers included in recall 21V626.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced trailer visibility. Without the required side and rear reflex reflectors, other drivers have less visual warning around the trailer, which increases crash risk. The fix is to install the missing reflectors supplied by Cottrell.
When were owners notified about recall 21V626?
Cottrell mailed owner notification letters on August 11, 2021. If you bought the trailer used or never received that letter, check your VIN and contact Cottrell with recall number 2021 1-Car Reflector.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V626000 |
|---|---|
| Cottrell customer service | 1-770-532-7251 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V626 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V626000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →