Recall 21V863 affects 40 2019-2021 Cottrell 2-CAR Carrier vehicles with missing side-rear reflex reflectors. Cottrell provides a free reflector kit.
Cottrell is recalling 40 2019-2021 2-CAR Carrier vehicles because four side-rear reflex reflectors are missing. Without those reflectors, the carrier is harder for other drivers to see, increasing crash risk; Cottrell dealers will install the reflectors free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The reflex reflectors on a 2019-2021 Cottrell 2-CAR Carrier are part of the exterior lighting and visibility system. They do not create light on their own. They bounce headlight beams from other vehicles back toward the driver, which helps mark the carrier's side and rear edges in darkness or low light.
On the affected carriers, the problem is not a failed bulb or an electrical fault. The carriers were built without four required side-rear reflex reflectors, two amber and two red. That means the carrier lacks required passive reflectors until the 2-Car Reflex Reflector Kit is installed.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or technician has to look for the missing reflectors on the side and rear of the carrier. Once the four missing reflectors are installed, the affected carrier matches the intended configuration.
Who's affected?
The common part is the 2-Car Reflex Reflector Kit for exterior lighting.
| 2019 Cottrell 2-CAR Carrier | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| 2020 Cottrell 2-CAR Carrier | Exterior lighting |
| 2021 Cottrell 2-CAR Carrier | Exterior lighting |
| Cottrell 2-CAR Carrier | Exterior lighting |
| Units affected | 40 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Year and model alone do not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Missing reflex reflectors make the carrier harder for other drivers to see, especially in low light, and that reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash. Schedule the reflector kit installation soon and keep exterior lighting and markings clean until it is done. Repair is free at any franchised Cottrell dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Cottrell 2-CAR Carrier is included in this recall.
- Contact Cottrell customer service at 1-866-299-2690 to request the free reflex reflector kit.
- Reference recall number 21V863 and Cottrell recall 2021 2-Car Reflector when you call.
- Install the reflector kit so the carrier has the required side-rear visibility.
- Drive cautiously until the reflectors are installed, especially in low light or roadside loading areas.
What happens at the repair
Cottrell provides the reflex reflector kit and installation guide at no cost. The repair adds the four missing side-rear reflex reflectors to the 2-CAR Carrier using the guide's pictures and diagrams. Parts are free under the recall, and Cottrell covers labor up to 30 minutes per unit. If you already paid to install the four missing reflectors before the recall notice, contact Cottrell customer service at 1-866-299-2690 and keep your repair documentation. Cottrell's reimbursement covers the reflector costs and labor up to 30 minutes per unit.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 5, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 5, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 5, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 8, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V863?
Recall 21V863 covers 40 2019-2021 Cottrell 2-CAR Carrier vehicles missing four side-rear reflex reflectors. Missing reflectors reduce visibility to other drivers and increase crash risk. Cottrell will provide a reflex reflector kit free of charge.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Cottrell 2-CAR Carrier is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific carrier is included in recall 21V863. If it is, contact Cottrell customer service at 1-866-299-2690 and reference Cottrell recall number 2021 2-Car Reflector. The reflex reflector kit is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Cottrell will provide the reflex reflector kit free of charge. The remedy covers the missing side-rear reflex reflectors listed in recall 21V863.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility. The affected Cottrell 2-CAR Carrier vehicles are missing side-rear reflex reflectors, which makes the vehicle harder for other drivers to see and increases crash risk. The free remedy is a reflex reflector kit from Cottrell.
What if I bought this Cottrell 2-CAR Carrier used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2-CAR Carrier is included, then contact Cottrell with recall number 2021 2-Car Reflector.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V863000 |
|---|---|
| Cottrell customer service | 1-866-299-2690 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V863 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V863000 |
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 →