Recall 22V398 covers 2,043 2021-2022 C.E. Smith Company and Malone boat trailers for axle weld failure. C.E. Smith provides a free replacement axle.
C.E. Smith Company is recalling 2,043 2021-2022 boat trailers, including Multi-Sport 48810, Multi-Sport 48815, Multi-Sport Plus 48870, Microsport MPG460, and Ecolight MPG585 models, because the weld connecting the axle tube to the wheel spindle can fail. If the wheel separates from the trailer, crash risk increases; C.E. Smith Company dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The trailer axle on the 2021-2022 Multi-Sport 48810, Microsport MPG460, Ecolight MPG585, Multi-Sport 48815, and Multi-Sport Plus 48870 carries the trailer's weight and keeps the wheels aligned. The axle tube runs across the trailer, and the wheel spindle is the short welded shaft where the wheel hub mounts and rotates. That weld has to hold the spindle squarely to the axle while the trailer is loaded and moving.
On affected trailers, the supplier's robotic welding process did not always hold the axle tube and spindle flush together before welding. If the parts were not lined up tightly, the weld did not securely join them. The weld can break, and the wheel can separate from the trailer.
The warning sign described in the recall is visible damage before assembly or use. Owners reported trailer kits arriving with the spindle already broken off the axle tube.
Who's affected?
Covers 5 trailer models across 2 model years, all tied to the same rear axle assembly.
| 2022 C.E. Smith Company Multi-Sport 48810 | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2022 Malone Auto Racks Microsport MPG460 | rear suspension |
| 2021 C.E. Smith Company Multi-Sport 48810 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Malone Auto Racks Microsport MPG460 | rear suspension |
| 2021 Malone Auto Racks Ecolight MPG585 | rear suspension |
| 2021 C.E. Smith Company Multi-Sport 48815 | rear suspension |
| 2022 C.E. Smith Company Multi-Sport 48815 | rear suspension |
| 2022 Malone Auto Racks Ecolight MPG585 | rear suspension |
| 2021 C.E. Smith Company Multi-Sport Plus 48870 | rear suspension |
| 2022 C.E. Smith Company Multi-Sport Plus 48870 | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 2,043 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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?
A trailer wheel can separate if the axle spindle is broken, which increases the risk of a crash. Five reports involved trailer kits arriving with the spindle already broken off the axle tube, so inspect the axle before towing and stop using the trailer if it is damaged. Repair is free at any franchised C.E. Smith Company dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 C.E. Smith Company Multi-Sport 48810, Multi-Sport 48815, Multi-Sport Plus 48870, Malone Auto Racks Microsport MPG460, or Malone Auto Racks Ecolight MPG585 trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact C.E. Smith Company at 1-800-334-2490 to get installation instructions and the free replacement axle that fixes the weld failure that lets a wheel separate from the trailer.
- Reference recall number 22V398 when you call so C.E. Smith Company can match your trailer to the correct remedy.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, along with any trailer identification information requested for the axle replacement.
- Avoid towing the trailer until the replacement axle is installed.
What happens at the repair
For the repair, C.E. Smith Company provides installation instructions and a replacement axle at no charge. A C.E. Smith Company technician or authorized service provider removes the affected axle and installs the replacement axle following those instructions. The recall repair is free, including the replacement part. C.E. Smith Company has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same axle repair. Keep invoices and payment records, and contact C.E. Smith Company for claim instructions before service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 7, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 30, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 30, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V398?
Recall 22V398 covers 2,043 2021-2022 C.E. Smith Company and Malone Auto Racks boat trailers with an axle weld defect. The weld connecting the axle tube to the wheel spindle can fail, causing the wheel to separate from the trailer and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 C.E. Smith Company or Malone Auto Racks boat trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 22V398. If it is, contact C.E. Smith Company at 1-800-334-2490 for the replacement axle and installation instructions. Keep the recall number ready when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost. C.E. Smith Company will provide installation instructions and a replacement axle free of charge for trailers included in recall 22V398.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is wheel separation from the trailer. The recalled axle weld can fail where the axle tube connects to the wheel spindle. If the wheel comes off while towing, the trailer becomes harder to control and crash risk increases.
When were owners notified about recall 22V398?
C.E. Smith Company mailed owner notification letters on June 24, 2022. If you bought the trailer used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included, then contact C.E. Smith Company with recall number 22V398.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V398000 |
|---|---|
| C.E. Smith Company customer service | 1-800-334-2490 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V398 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V398000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →