Recall 23V186 covers 5 2021-2022 Kentucky Trailer XL-12 trailers for winch remotes that can trigger unintentionally. Remote inspection and replacement are free.
Kentucky Trailer is recalling 5 2021-2022 XL-12 trailers equipped with certain Warn winches because water intrusion in the wireless handheld remote can corrode the circuit board and let the winch operate without a command. An unintended winch movement increases the risk of injury; the Kentucky Trailer dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The VR EVO 8 winch on 2021-2022 Kentucky Trailer XL-12 trailers is an electric pulling device mounted to help load, position, or recover equipment. Its wireless handheld remote sends commands to the winch so the operator can spool cable in or out while standing clear of the load. In normal use, the winch motor should run only when the operator commands it.
On affected XL-12 trailers, the handheld remote is the weak point. If the remote gets wet, water enters the housing and corrodes the circuit board inside. That corrosion can create an unintended electrical command, so the winch starts running when no one is pressing the remote control. The issue comes from water ingress and corrosion inside the remote, not from normal commanded winch operation.
The warning sign is sound. The driver or winch operator can hear the winch motor running when the winch was not supposed to be active.
Who's affected?
Both model years list the same Warn VR EVO 8 winch, with the winch and electrical system called out separately.
| 2021 Kentucky Trailer XL-12 | Winch |
|---|---|
| 2021 Kentucky Trailer XL-12 | electrical system |
| 2022 Kentucky Trailer XL-12 | Winch |
| 2022 Kentucky Trailer XL-12 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 5 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific trailer.
What's the safety risk?
An uncommanded winch can move under power and increases the risk of injury. If you hear the winch motor running when no one is operating it, keep clear of the winch area and stop using the wireless remote until it is inspected. Repair will be free at any franchised Kentucky Trailer dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Kentucky Trailer XL-12 is included in this recall.
- Follow the Kentucky Trailer owner letter mailed on May 15, 2023 to inspect the winch remote for corrosion and disable the wireless function.
- Remove the battery pack from the wireless winch remote until the corrosion inspection and remote remedy are complete.
- Stop using the remote if you find corrosion or water intrusion, then contact WARN customer service for the free replacement remote.
- Call Kentucky Trailer customer service at 1-502-637-2551 and reference recall number 23V186 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At this stage, Kentucky Trailer and WARN are directing owners to inspect the winch remote for corrosion, remove the battery pack, and disable the wireless function. If corrosion or water intrusion is found when the battery pack comes out, stop using the remote and contact WARN customer service for a free replacement remote. Once new parts are available, WARN will provide a replacement water resistant remote free of charge. The final replacement is free once it opens.
Timeline
| March 20, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 15, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V186?
Recall 23V186 covers 5 2021-2022 Kentucky Trailer XL-12 trailers equipped with certain Warn winches and wireless handheld remotes. Water can enter the remote, corrode the circuit board, and let the winch operate unintentionally. Kentucky Trailer and Warn provide the inspection instructions and replacement remote for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Kentucky Trailer XL-12 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 23V186. If it is, follow Kentucky Trailer and Warn's instructions to inspect the winch remote for corrosion, remove the battery pack to disable the wireless function, and stop using the remote if water intrusion or corrosion is found.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the remedy to be provided at no cost. Kentucky Trailer is working with Warn to provide inspection instructions, disablement guidance, and a replacement remote free of charge when corrosion or water intrusion is found, with a water-resistant replacement remote available once parts are ready.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended winch operation. If water enters the wireless handheld remote and corrodes the circuit board, the winch can operate without command, increasing the risk of injury. Until the remote is inspected, remove the battery pack to disable the wireless function as directed.
When were owners notified about recall 23V186?
Kentucky Trailer mailed owner notification letters on May 15, 2023. If you own a 2021-2022 Kentucky Trailer XL-12 and never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 23V186 when contacting Kentucky Trailer customer service at 1-502-637-2551.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V186000 |
|---|---|
| Kentucky Trailer customer service | 1-502-637-2551 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V186 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V186000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →